HISTORY 



OP 



MIAMI COUNTY 



INDIANA. 



FROM THE EARLIEST TIME TO THE PRESENT, WITH BIOGRAPHICAL 
SKETCHES, NOTES, ETC., TOGETHER WITH AN EXTENDED 
HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST, THE INDIANA TER- 
RITORY, AND THE STATE OF INDIANA. 



XLLTTSmaj^TEXD. 



CHICAGO: 

Brant & Fuli.kr. 
1887. 



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^.^:^ '' 



HALL & ODONALD, 



HUso 



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PREFACE. 



AFTER several months of almost uninterrupted labor, the History 
of Miami County is completed. In issuing it to our patrons we do 
not claim for it perfection : but that it contains that reasonable degree 
of accuracy which only could be expected of us, is coniidently asserted. 
The difficulties that surround such an undertaking can scarcely be real- 
ized by one who has never engaged in work of the kind. To reconcile 
the doubtful and often conflicting statements that are so frequently 
made liy those who would seem to be best informed, is a task both per- 
plexing and tedious. Yet we believe that we have been able to present 
a history of the county that is as nearly complete as reason can demand, 
and the book exceeds our promises in almost every particular. We have 
endeavored to set forth the facts in as concise and unostentatious lan- 
guage as possible, believing it is for the facts and not for rhetorical 
display that the book is desired. The mechanical execution and gen- 
eral appearance of the volume will recommend it, even to the fastidi- 
ous. The arrangement of the matter is such as to render an index 
almost superfluous, as the subject xander consideration is at the top of 
every right-hand page. For further details the italic subdivisions 
will enable the reader to refer with readiness to any subject. In the 
spelling of proper names there is such a wide difference, even among 
members of the same family, and is a matter of so arbitrary a nature 
that our only guide was each man's desire. Every clue that gavejH'om- 
ise of important facts connected with the county's history has been in- 
vestigated by those engaged in the work. We believe the volume will 
be favorably received and highly appreciated by those for whom it was 
jirepared. Our thanks are due to those who have rendered us assistance, 
and to our patrons. 

THE PUBLISHEES. 

Chicago, III., March, 1887. 




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CONTENTS. 



PART I-HISTORY OF IJ^DIANA. 



CHAPTER I. PAGE. 

Pkkhistobic Races 17 

Antiquities 19 

Chinese, The 18 

Discovery by Columbus 33 

Explorations by the Whites 37 

Indians, The 31 

Immigration, The First 18 

Immigration, The Second 20 

Pyramids, etc.. The 21 

Relics of the Mound-Builders 23 

Savage Customs 34 

Tartars, The '. 23 

Vincennes 39 

Wabash KiTer. The 39 

White Men, The First 37 

CH^^PTER II. 

National Policies, etc 41 

American Policy, The 46 

Atrocity of the Savages 47 

Burning of Hinton 48 

British I'olicy, The 46 

Clark's Expedition 52 

French Scheme, The 41 

Gilbault, Father 65 

(iovernmcnt of the Northwest 67 

Hamilton's Career 64 

Liquor and Gaming Laws .' 74 

Missionaries, The Catholic 42 

Ordinance of 1787 70 

Pontiac's War 46 

Ruse Against the Indians 64 

Vigo, Francis 6 

CHAPTER III. 

Operations Against the Indians 75 

Battle at Peoria Lake 104 

Campaign of Harrison 92 

Cession Treaties 9;J 

Defeat of St. Clair 79 

Defensive Operations 7G 

Expedition of Harmer 75 

Expedition of Wayne 79 

Expedition of St. Clair 78 

Expedition of Williamson 78 

Fort Miami, Battle of 80 

Harrison and the Indians 87 

Hopkins' Campaign 105 

Kickapoo Town, Burning of - 78 

Maumee, Buttle of. 75 

Massacre at Pigeon Roost 103 

Mississiuewa Town, Battle at 106 

Oratory, 'Tecumseh's 114 

Prophet Town, Destniction of 100 

Peace with the Indians 106 

Siege of Fort Wayne 101 

Siege of Fort Harrison 103 

Tecumseh Ill 

Tippecanoe, Battle of. 98 

War of 1S12 101 

War of 1812, Close of the 108 

CHAPTER IV. 

Organization of Indiana Territory 82 

Bank, Establishment of 120 

Courts, Formation of 120 

County Offices, Appotntmentof. 110 

Corydon, the Capital 117 

Gov. Posey 117 

Indiana in 1810 84 

Population in 1815 118 

Territorial Legislature, The First 84 

WetUm Sun, The 84 



CHAPTER V. PAGE. 

Organization of the State, etc 121 

Amendment, The Fifteenth 147 

Black Hawk War 128 

Constitution, Formation of the 121 

Campaigns Against the Indians 128 

Defeat of lilack Hawk laO 

Exodus of the Indians 131 

General Assembly, The First 122 

Guadalupe-HidalgOj Treaty of. 142 

Harmony Community 134 

Indian Titles 132 

Immigration « 12.*= 

Lafayette, Action at „ 127 

Land Sales , 133 

Mexican War, The 186 

Slavery 144 

CHAPTER VI. 

Indiana in the Rebellion 148 

Batteriesof Light Infantry 182 

Battle Record of States 188 

Call to Arms, The 149 

Colored Troops of Indiana 182 

Calls of 1864 177 

Field, In the 152 

Independent Cavalry Regiment 181 

Morgan's Itaid 170 

Minute-Men 17(j 

One Hundred Days' Men 176 

Regiu'ents, Formation of. 151 

Regiments, Sketch of. 153 

Six Months' Regiments 172 

CHAPTER VII. 

State Affairs After the Rebellion 189 

Agriculture 2o9 

Coal 207 

Divorce Laws 193 

Finances 194 

Geology 205 

Internal Improvements 199 

Indiana Horticultural Society 212 

Indiana Promological Society 213 

Special Laws 190 

State Bank 196 

State Board of Agriculture 209 

State Expositions 210 

Wealth and Progress 197 

CHAPTER Vni. 

Education and Benevolence 215 

Blind Institute, The 232 

City School System 218 

Compensation of Teachers 220 

Denominational and Private Institutions.... 230 

Deaf and Dumb Institute 236 

Education 26-'> 

Enumeration of Scholars 219 

Family Worship 252 

Free School System, The 215 

Funds, Management of the 217 

Female Prison and Reformatory 241 

Houseof Pvefuge, The 243 

Insane Hospital, The 238 

Northern Indiana Normal School 229 

Origin of School Funds 221 

Purdue University 224 

School Statistics 218 

State University. The 222 

State Normal School 228 

State Prison, South] 239 

State Prison, North 240 

Total School Funds 220 



CONTENTS. 



PART II.-HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE. 

OY— General Features— Soil and Boun- 
f dary— Lime— The Pillared Rocks 247 

CHAPTER II. 
DIAN History- Early Tribes — The Miamis— 
Treaties— The Pottawattomies— Indian Vil- 
lages—Miami Chiefs— Indian Murders — 
FMUces Slocum— Battle of the Mississinewa 250 

CHAPTER III. 
ovNTY Orqamzation— Acts of the Legisla- 
ture — Proceedings of the County Board — 
Creation of Townships — Public Buildings — 
County Finances — Wabash & Erie Canal — 
Railroads — Gravel Roads — Medical and Ag- 
ricultural Societies— Elections— County Offi- 
cers, etc 272 

CHAPTER IV. 

Military History— Early Militia— Mexican 

"War— Opening of the Rebellion— Call to 

< Arms — First Troops for the Front... Miami 

County Regiments in Detail— Roll of Honor 

—Drafts— Bounty and Relief, etc 299 



CHAPTER V. 
Bench and Bar— Early Courts— First Judge*— 
Destruction of Records — Early Cases — Early 
Attorneys — Courts under the New Constitu- 
tion — Official Seal — Criminal Trials — Later 
Judges and Attorneys— Probate and Com- 
mon Pleas Courts— Roll of Attorneys 



328 



CHAPTER VI. 



Schools— Early Educational Advantages — First 
Schools— Teachers and Their Methods — 
Schools of Peru— The Townships in Detail — 
County Seminary — The Township Funds — 
Normals and Institutes, etc M8 

CHAPTER VII. 
Peru — The Original Owners— Laying out of the 
Town— Miamlsport — Sale of Lots— Early 
Business— Navigation of the Wabash— The 
Canal — Early Families — Incorporation — 
Additions — Fire and Water Departments — 
Newspapers — Churches — Secret Societies — 
Literary Societies and Libraries — Banks — 
Manufacturing Enterprises — Biographical 
.Sketches 362 



PAGE. 

Allen Township History 488 

Allen Township Biographies 505 

Butler Township History 535 

Butler Township Biographies 543 

Clay Township History 559 

Clay Township Biographies 563 

Deer Creek Township History 572 

Deer Creek Township Biographies 579 

Erie Township History 691 

Erie Township Biographies S96 

Harrison Township History 602 

Harrison Township Biographies 612 

Jackson Township History , 617 

Jackson Township Biographies 637 

Jefferson Township History 659 

Jefferson Township Biographies 682 

Perry Township History.. 712 

Perry Township Biographies 726 

Peru Township History 362 

Peru Township Biographies 392 

Pipe Creek Township History 736 

Pipe Creek Township Biographies 753 

Richland Township History 762 

Richland Township Biographies 772 

Union Township History 781 

Union Township Biographies 792 

Washington Township History 802 

Washington Township Biographies 807 

ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Bloomfield. E. M 405 

Brown, James M 351 

Clendenning, E. B 51S 

Coe, A. D 657 

Cox. J. T 475 

Crowell, Geo. A 369 

Dukes, A. N 316 

Farrar, John L 649 

Farrar, Josiah 423 

Fisher, Joseph 603 

Graft, Benjamin 675 

Graham, Jehn A 279 

Helm, John H 297 

HoUenshade, James 639 

Larimer, J. H 567 

Lockwood, W. W 441 

McDowell, H. P 621 

Miller, W. B 460 

Runyan, R. B 586 

Shirk. E. H - ^»» 261 

Shirk, H. J 387 

Waite, A. C 531 

Walker, Lyman 333 

Wilson, J. S 495 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 



FOEMER OCCUPANTS. 



PEEHISTOEIC RACES. 

Scientists have ascribed to the Mound Builders varied origins 
and though their divergence of opinion may for a time seem incom- 
patible with a thorough investigation of the subject, and tend to 
a confusion of ideas, no doubt whatever can exist as to the compar- 
ative accuracy of conclusions arrived at by some of them. Like 
the vexed question of the Pillar Towers of Ireland, it lias caused 
much speculation, and elicited the opinions of so many learned 
antiquarians, ethnologists and travelers, that it will not be found 
beyond the range of possibility to make deductions that may 
suffice to solve the problem who were the prehistoric settlers of 
America. To achieve this it will not be necessary to go beyond the 
period over which Scripture history extends, or to indulge in those 
airy flights of imagination so sadly identified with occasional 
writers of even the Christian school, and all the accepted literary 
exponents of modern paganism. 

That this continent is co-existent witli the world of the ancients 
cannot be questioned. Every investigation, instituted under the 
auspices of modern civilization, confirms the fact and leaves no 
channel open through which the skeptic can escape the thorough 
refutation of his opinions. China, with its numerous living testi- 
monials of antiquity, with its ancient, though limited literature 
and its' Babelish superstitions, claims a continuous history from 
antediluvian times; but although its continuity may be denied 
with every just reason, there is nothing to prevent the transmission 
of a hieroglyphic record of its history prior to 1656 atmo mundi, 
since many traces of its early settlement survived the Deluge, and 
became sacred objects of the first historical epoch. This very sur 
vival of a record, such as that of which the Chinese boast, is not 
at variance with the designs of a God who made and ruled the 
universe; but that an antediluvian people inhabited this continent, 



18 HISTOKV OK INDIANA. 

will not be claimed; because it is not probable, though it may be 
possible, that a settlement in a land which may be considered a 
portion of the Asiatic continent, was effected by the immediate 
followers of the first progenitors of the human race. . Therefore, on 
entering the study of the ancient people who raised these tumu- 
lus monuments over large tracts of the country, it will be just 
sufficient to wander back to that time when the flood-gates of 
hearen were swung open to hurl destruction on a wicked world; 
and in doing so the inquiry must be based on legendary, or rather 
upon many circumstantial evidences; for, so far as written narra- 
tive extends, there is nothing to show that a movement of people 
too far east resulted in a Western settlement. 

THE FIRST IMMIGRATION. 

The first and most probable sources in which the origin of the 
Builders must be sought, are those countries lying along the east- 
ern coast of Asia, which doubtless at that time stretched far beyond 
its present limits, and presented a continuous shore from Lopatka 
to Point Cambodia, holding a population comparatively civilized, 
and all professing some elementary form of the Boodhism of later 
days. Those peoples, like the Chinese of the present, were bound 
to live at home, and probably observed that law until after the con- 
fusion of languages and the dispersion of the builders of Babel in 
1757, A. M. ; but subsequently, within the following century, the 
old Mongolians, like the new, crossed the great ocean in tiie very 
paths taken by the present representatives of the race, arrived on 
the same shores, which now extend a very questionable hospitality 
to them, and entered at once upon the colonization of the country 
south and east, while the Caucasian race engaged in a similar move- 
ment of exploration and colonization over what may be justly 
termed the western extension of Asia, and both peoples growing 
stalwart under the change, attained a moral and physical eminence 
to which they never could lay claim under the tropical sun which 
shed its beams upon the cradle of the human race. 

That mysterious people who, like the Brahmins of to-day, wor- 
shiped some transitory deity, and in after years, evidently embraced 
the idealization of Boodhism, as preached in Mongolia early in the 
35th century of the world, together with acquiring the learning of 
the Confucian and Pythagorean schools of the same period, spread 
all over the land, and in their numerous settlements erected these 
ratliB, or mounds, and sacrificial altars whereon they received their 



HISTOUY OF INDIANA. Id 

periodical visiting gods, surrendered their bodies to natural absorp- 
tion or annihilation, and watched tor the return of some transmi- 
grated soul, the while adoring the universe, which with all beings 
they believed would be eternally existent. Thej possessed religious 
orders corresponding in external show at least with the Essenes or 
Theraputse of the pre-Christian and Christian epochs, and to the 
reformed Theraputie or monks of the present. Every memento 
of their coming and their stay which has descended to us is an evi- 
dence of their civilized condition. The free copper found within 
the tumuli; the open veins of the Superior and Iron Mountain 
copper-mines, with all ihemodiis opera)idi of ancient mining, such 
as ladders, levers, chisels, and hammer-heads, discovered by the 
French explorers of the Northwest and the Mississippi, are conclu- 
sive proofs that those prehistoric people were highly civilized, and 
that many flourishing colonies were spread throughout the Missis- 
sippi valley, while yet the mammoth, the mastodon, and a hundred 
other animals, now only known by their gigantic fossil remains, 
guarded the eastern shore of the continent as it were against sup- 
posed invasions of the Tower Builders who went west from Babel; 
while yet the beautiful isles of the Antilles formed an integral 
portion of this continent, long years before the European Northmau 
dreamed of setting forth to the discovery of Greenland and the 
northern isles, and certainly at a time when all that portion of 
America north of latitude 45° was an ice-incumbered waste. 

Within the last few years great advances have been made toward 
the discovery of antiquities whether pertaining to remains of organic 
or inorganic nature. Together with many small, but telling 
relics of the early inhabitants of the country, the fossils of pre- 
historic animals have been unearthed from end to end of the land, 
and in districts, too, long pronounced by geologists of some repute 
to be without even a vestige of vertebrate fossils. Among the 
collected souvenirs of an age about which so very little is known, 
are twenty-five vertebrfe averaging thirteen inches in diameter, 
and three vertebraj ossified together measure nine cubical feet; a 
thigh-bone five feet long by twenty-eight, by twelve inches in 
diameter, and the shaft fourteen by eight inches thick, the entire 
lot weighing 600 lbs. These fossils are presumed to belong to the 
cretaceous period, when the Dinosaur roamed over the country from 
East to West, desolating the villages of the people. This animal 
is said to have been sixty feet long, and when feeding in cypress 
and palm forests, to extend himself eighty-five feet, so that he maj^ 



'20 HiSTORV OK INDIANA. 

devour the budding tops of those great trees. Other efforts in this 
direction may lead to great results, and culminate probably in the 
discovery of a tablet engraven by some learned Mound Builder, 
describing in the ancient hieroglyphics of China all these men and 
beasts whose history excites so much speculation. The identity of 
the Mound Builders with the Mongolians might lead us to hope 
for 6uch a consummation; nor is it be^-ond the range of probability, 
particularly in this practical age, to find the future labors of some 
industrious antiquarian requited by the upheaval of a tablet, written 
in the Tartar characters of 1700 years ago, bearing on a subject 
which can now be treated only on a purely circumstantial basis. 

TOE SECOND IMMIGRATION 

may have begun a few centuries prior to the Christian era, and 
unlike the former expedition or expeditions, to have traversed north- 
eastern Asia to its Arctic confines, and then east to the narrow 
channel now known as Behring's Straits, which they crossed, and 
sailing up the unchanging Yukon, settled under the shadow of 
Mount St. Elias for many years, and pushing South commingled 
•with their countrymen, soon acquiring the characteristics of the 
descendants of the first colonists. Chinese chronicles tell of such 
a people, who went North and were never heard of more. Circum- 
stances conspire to render that particular colony the carriers of a 
;new religious faith and of an alphabetic system of a representative 
.character to the old colonists, and they, doubtless, exercised a most 
[beneficial influence in other respects ; because the influx of immi- 
;grant3 of such culture ag were the Chinese, even of that remote 
■period, must necessarily bear very favorable results, not only in 
!bi'inging in reports of their travels, but also accounts from the 
rfatherland bearing on the latest events. 

With the idea of a second and important exodus there are many 
theorists united, one of whom sa^^s: " It is now the generally 
•received opinion that the first inhabitants of America passed over 
from Asia through these straits. The number of small islands 
■-lying between both continents renders this opinion still more 
:probable; and it is yet farther confirmed by some remarkable traces 

• of similarity in the physical conformation of the northern natives 

• of both continents. The Esquimaux of North America, the 
isamoieds of Asia, and the Laplanders of Europe, are supposed to 
be of the same family; and this supposition is strengthened by the 

;iifl3nity which exists in their languages. The researches of Hum- 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 21 

boldt have traced the Mexicans to the vicinity of Behring's Straits; 
whence it is conjectured that they, as well as the Peruvians and 
other tribes, came originally from Asia, and were the Iliongnoos, 
who are, in the Chinese annals, said to have emigrated under Puno, 
and to have been lost in the North of Siberia." 

Since this theory is accepted by most antiquaries, there is every 
reason to believe that from the discovery of what may be called an 
overland route to what was then considered an eastern extension of 
that country which is now known as the " Celestial Empire," many 
caravans of emigrants passed to their new homes in the land of 
illimitable possibilities until the way became a well-marked trail 
over which the Asiatic might travel forward, and having once 
entered the Elysian fields never entertained an idea of returning. 
Thus from generation to generation the tide of immigration poured 
in until the slopes of the Pacific and the banks of the great inland 
rivers became hives of busy industry. Magnificent cities and 
monuments were raised at the bidding of the tribal leaders and 
populous settlements centered with happy villages sprung up 
everywhere in manifestation of the power and wealth and knowl- 
edge of the people. The colonizing Caucasian of the historic 
period walked over this great country on the very ruins of a civil- 
ization which a thousand years before eclipsed all that of which he 
could boast. He walked through the wilderness of the West over 
buried treasures hidden under the accumulated growth of nature, 
nor rested until he saw, with great surprise, the remains of ancient 
pyramids and temples and cities, larger and evidently more beauti- 
ful than ancient Egypt could bring forth after its long years of 
uninterrupted history. The pyramids resemble those of Egypt in 
exterior form, and in some instances are of larger dimensions. The 
pyramid of Cholula is square, having each side of its base 1,335 
feet in length, and its height about 172 feet. Another pyramid? 
situated in the north of Vera Cruz, is formed of large blocks- 
of highly-polished porphyry, and bears upon its front hiero- 
glyphic inscriptions and curious sculpture. Each side of its 
square base is 82 feet in length, and a flight of 57 steps conducts to 
its summit, which is 65 feet in height. The ruins of Palenque are 
said to extend 20 miles along the ridge of a mountain, and the 
remains of an Aztec city, near the banks of the river Gila, are 
spread over more than a square league. Their literature consisted 
of hieroglyphics; but their arithmetical knowledge did not extend 
farther than their calculations by the aid of grains of corn. Yet^ 



22 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

notwithstanding all their varied accoinplisliments, and they were 
evidently many, their notions of religious duty led to a most demo- 
niac zeal at once barbarously savage and ferociously cruel. Each 
visiting, god instead of bringing new life to the people, brought 
death to thousands; and their grotesque idols, exposed to drown 
the senses of the beliolders in fear, wrought wretchedness rather 
than spiritual happiness, until, as some learned and humane Monte- 
zumian said, the people never approached these idols without fear, 
and this fear was the great animating principle, the great religious 
motive power which sustained the terrible religion. Their altars 
were sprinkled with blood drawn from their own bodies in large 
quantities, and on them thousands of human victims were sacri- 
ficed in honor of the demons whom they worshiped. The head 
and heart of every captive taken in war were offered up as a bloody 
sacrifice to the god of battles, while the victorious legions feasted 
on the remaining portioas of the dead bodies. It has been ascer- 
tained that during the ceremonies attendant on the consecration of 
two of their temples, the number of prisoners offered up ia sacri- 
fice was 12,210; wliile their own legions contributed voluntary 
victims to the terrible belief in large numbers. Nor did this 
horrible custom cease immediately after 1521, when Cortez entered 
the imperial city of the Montezumas; for, on being driven from 
it, all his troops who fell into the hands of the native soldiers were 
subjected to the most terrible and prolonged suffering that could be 
experienced in this world, and when about to yield up that spirit 
which is indestructible, were offered in sacrifice, their hearts and 
heads consecrated, and the victors allowed to feast on the yet warm 
flesh. 

A reference is made here to the period when the Montezumas 
ruled over Mexico, simply to gain a better idea of the hideous 
idolatry' which took the place of the old Boodhism of the Mound 
Builders, and doubtless helped in a great measure to give victory 
to the new comers, eveu as the tenets of Mahometanism urged the 
ignorant followers of the prophet to the conquest of great nations. 
It was not the faith of the people who built the mounds and the 
pyramids and the temples, and who, 200 years before the Christian 
era, built the great wall of jealous China. No: rather was it that 
terrible faith born of the Tartar victory, which carried the great 
defenses of Cliina at the point of the javelin and hatchet, who 
afterward marched to the very walls of Rome, under Alaric, and 



^ 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 23 

spread over the islands of Polynesia to the Pacific slopes of South 
America. 

THE TARTARS 

came there, and, like the pure Mongols of Mexico and the Missis- 
sippi valley, rose to a state of civilization bordering on that attained 
by them. Here for centuries the sons of the fierce Tartar race con- 
tinued to dwell in comparative peace until the all-ruling ambition 
of empire took in the whole country from the Pacific to the Atlan- 
tic, and peopled the vast territory watered by the Amazon with a 
race that was destined to conquer all the peoples of the Orient, 
and only to fall before the march of the arch-civilizing Caucasian. 
In course of time those fierce Tartars pushed their settlements 
northward, and ultimately entered the territories of the Mound 
Builders, putting to death all who fell within their reach, and 
causing the survivors of the death-dealing invasion to seek a refuge 
from the hordes of this semi-barbarous people in the wilds and fast- 
. nesses of the North and Northwest. The beautiful country of the 
Mound Builders was now in the hands of savage invaders, the quiet, 
industrious people who raised the temples and pyramids were gone; 
and the wealth of intelligence and industry, accumulating forages, 
passed into the possession of a rapacious horde, who could admire 
it only so far as it offered objects for plunder. Even in this the 
invaders were satisfied, and then having arrived at the height of 
their ambition, rested on their swords and entered upon the luxury 
and ease in the enjoyment of which they were found when the van- 
guard of European civilization appeared upon the scene. Mean- 
time the southern countries which those adventurers abandoned 
after having completed their conquests in the North, were soon 
peopled by hundreds of people, always moving from island to 
island and ultimately halting amid the ruins of villages deserted 
by those who, as legends tell, had passed eastward but never returned; 
and it would scarcely be a matter for surprise if those emigrants 
were found to be the progenitors of that race found by the Spaniards 
in 1532, and identical with the Araucanians, Cuenches and Huil- 
tiches of to-day. 

RELICS OF THE MOUND BUILDERS. 

One of the most brilliant and impartial historians of the Republic 
stated that the valley of the Mississippi contained no monuments. 
So far as the word is entertained now, he was literally correct, but 



24 HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 

in some hasty eflFort neglected to qualify his sentence by a refer- 
ence to the numerous relics of antiquity to be found throughout 
its length and breadth, and so exposed his chapters to criticism. 
The valley of the Father of Waters, and indeed the country from 
the trap rocks of the Great Lakes southeast to the Gulf and south- 
west to Mexico, abound in tell-tale monuments of a race of people 
much farther advanced in civilization than the Montezumas of the 
sixteenth century. The remains of walls and fortifications found 
in Kentucky and Indiana, the earthworks of Vincennes and 
throughout the valley of the Wabash, the mounds scattered over 
Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Virginia, and those found in Illi- 
nois, Wisconsin and Minnesota, are all evidences of the univer- 
sality of the Chinese Mongols and of their advance toward a com- 
parative knowledge of man and cosmology. At the mouth of 
Fourteen-Mile creek, in Clark county, Indiana, there stands one of 
these old monuments known as the '■ Stone Fort." It is an 
unmistakable heirloom of a great and ancient people, and must 
have formed one of their most important posts. The State Geolo- 
gist's report, filed among the records of the State and furnished 
by Prof. Cox, says: "At the mouth of Fourteen-Mile creek, and 
about three miles from Charleston, the county-seat of Clark county, 
there is one of the most remarkable stone fortifications which has 
ever come under my notice. Accompanied by my assistant, Mr. 
Borden, and a number of citizens of Charleston, I visited the ' Stone 
Fort' for the purpose of making an examination of it. The locality 
selected for this fort presents many natural advantages for making 
it impregnable to the opposing forces of prehistoric times. It 
occupies the point of an elevated narrow ridge which faces the 
Ohio river on the east and is bordered by Fourteen-Mile creek on 
the west side. This creek empties into the Ohio a short distance 
below the fort. The top of the ridge is pear-shaped, with the 
part answering to the neck at the north end. This part is not 
over twenty feet wide, and is protected by precipitous natural walls 
of stone. It is 280 feet above the level of the Ohio river, and the 
slope is very gradual to the south. At the upper field it is 240 feet 
high and one hundred steps wide. At the lower timber it is 120 
feet high. The bottom land at the foot of the south end is sixty 
feet above the river. Along the greater part of the Ohio river 
front there is an abrupt escarpment rock, entirely too steep to be 
scaled, and a similar natural barrier exists along a portion of the 
northwest side of the ridge, facing the creek. This natural wall 



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HISTORY OF INDIANA. 27 

is joined to the neck of an artificial wall, made by piling up, mason 
fashion but without mortar, loose stone, which had evidently been 
pried up from the carboniferous layers of rock. This made wall, at 
this point, is about 150 feet long. It is built along the slope of the 
bill and had an elevation of about 75 feet above its base, the upper 
ten feet being vertical. The inside of the wall is protected by a 
ditch. The remainder of the hill is protected by an artificial stone 
wall, built in the same manner, but not more than ten feet high. 
The elevation of the side wall above the creek bottom is 80 feet. 
Within the artificial walls is a string of mounds which rise to the 
height of the wall, and are protected from the washing of the hill- 
sides by a ditch 20 feet wide and four feet deep. The position of 
the artificial walls, natural cliffs of bedded stone, as well as that of 
tlie ditch and mounds, are well illustrated. The top of the enclosed 
ridge embraces ten or twelve acres, and there are as many as five 
mounds that can be recognized on the flat surface, while no doubt 
many others existed which have been obliterated by time, and 
tliough the agency of man in his efibrts to cultivate a portion of 
the ground. A trench was cut into one of these mounds in search 
of relics. A few fragments of charcoal and decomposed bones, and 
a large irregular, diamond-shaped boulder, with a small circular 
indentation near the middle of the upper part, that was worn quite 
smooth by the use to which it had been put, and the small pieces 
of fossil coral, comprised all the articles of note which were revealed 
by the excavation. The earth of which the mound is made resem- 
bles that seen on the hillside, and was probably in most part taken 
from the ditch. The margin next to the ditch was protected by 
slabs of stone set on edge, and leaning at an angle corresponding to 
the slope of the mound. This stone shield was two and one-half 
feet wide and one foot high. At intervals along the great ditch 
there are channels formed between the mounds that probably served 
to carry ofi" the surplus water through openings in the outer wall. 
On the top of the enclosed ridge, and near its narrowest part, there 
is one mound much larger than any of the others, and so situated 
as to command an extensive view up and down the Ohio river, as well 
as afibrding an unobstructed view east and west. This is designated 
as ' Look-out Mound.' There is near it a slight break in the cliff 
of rock, which furnished a narrow passageway to the Ohio river. 
Though the locality afforded many natural advantages for a fort or 
stronghold, one is compelled to admit that much skill was displayed 
.and labor expended in making its defense as perfect as possible at 



28 UISTOKY OF I-NMIANA. 

all points. Stone axes, pestles, arrow-heads, spear-points, totums, 
charms and flint flakes have been found in great abundance in 
plowing the field at the foot of the old fort." 

From the " Stone Fort " the Professor turns his steps to Posey 
county, at a point on the Wabash, ten miles above the mouth, 
called "Bone Bank," on account of the number of human bones 
continually washed out from the river bank. " It is," he states 
"situated in a bend on the left bank of the river; and the ground 
is about ten feet above high-water mark, being tlie only land along 
this portion of the river that is not submerged in seasons of high 
water. Tiie bank slopes gradually back from the river to a slough. 
This slough now seldom contains water, but no doubt at one time 
it was an arm of the Wabash river, which flowed around the Bone 
Bank and afforded protection to the island home of the Mound 
Builders. The Wabash has been changing its bed for many years, 
leaving a broad extent of newly made land on the right shore, and 
gradually making inroads on the left shore by cutting away the 
Bone Bank. The stages of growth of land on the right bank of the 
river are well defined by thecottonwood trees, which increase in size 
as you go back from the river. Unless there is a change in the cur- 
rent of the river, all trace of the Bone Bank will be obliterated. 
Already within the memory of the white inhabitants, the bank has 
been removed to the width of several hundred yards. As the bank 
is cut by the current of the river it loses its support, and when the 
water sinks it tumbles over, carrying with it the bones of the 
Mound Builders and the cherished articles buried with them. No 
locality in the country furnishes a greater number and variety of 
relics than this. It has proved especially rich in pottery of 
quaint design and skillful workmanship. I have a number of jugs 
and pots and a cup found at the Bone Bank. This kind of work 
has been very abundant, and is still f jund in such quantities that 
we are led to conclude that its manufacture formed a leading indus- 
try of the inhabitants of the Bone Bank. It is not in Europe 
alone that we find a well-founded claim of high antiquity for the 
art of making hard and durable stone by a mixture of clay, lime, 
sand and stone; for I am convinced that this art was possessed by 
a race of people who inhabited this continent at a period so remote 
that neither tradition nor history can furnish any account of thein. 
They belonged to the Neolithic, or polished-stone, age. They lived 
in towns and built mounds for sepulture and worship and pro- 
tected their homes bv surrounding them with walls of earth and 



IlIsTiiliY OF INDIANA. 



29 



stone. Ill sotiie of these mounds specimens of various kinds of 
pottery, in a perfect state of preservation, have from time to time 
been found, and fragments are so common that every student of 
archieology can have a bountiful supply. Some of these fragments 
indicate vessels of very great size. At the Saline springs of Gal- 
latin I picked up fragments that indicated, by their curvature, ves- 
sels five to six feet in diameter, and it is probable they are frag- 
ments of artificial stone pans used to hold brine that was manufac- 
tured into salt by solar evaporation. 

" Now, all the pottery belonging to the Mound Builders' age, 
which I have seen, is composed of alluvial clay and sand, or a mix- 
ture of the former with pulverized fresh-water shells. A paste 
made of such a mixture possesses, in high degree, the properties of 
hydraulic Puzzuoland and Portland cement, so that vessels formed 
of it hardened without being burned, as is customary with modern 
pottery." 

The Professor deals very aptly with this industry of the aborig- 
ines, and concludes a very able disquisition on the Bone Bank in 
its relation to the prehistoric builders. 



C^o^ 






^nv: % 










niEROGLYPHICS OF THE MOUND-BUILDERS. 

The great circular redoubt or earth-work found two miles west ot 
the village of New Washington, and the " Stone Fort," on a ridge 
one mile west of the village of Deputy, offer a subject for the anti- 
quarian us deeply interesting as any of the monuments of a 
iecayod empire so far discovered. 



30 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

From end to end of Indiana there are to be found many other rel- 
ics of the obscure past. Some of them have been unearthed and now 
appear among the collected antiquities at Indianapolis. The highly 
finished sandstone pipe, the copper ax, stone axes, flint arrow-heads 
and magnetic plummets found a few years ago beneath the soil of 
Cut-Oflf Island near New Harmony, together with the pipes of rare 
workmanship and und^iubted age, unearthed near Covington, all 
live as it were in testimony of their owner's and maker's excel- 
lence, and hold a share in the evidence of the partial annihilation 
of a race, with the complete disruption of its manners, customs 
and industries; and it is possible that when numbers of these relics 
are placed together, a key to the phonetic or rather hieroglyphic 
system of that remote period might be evolved. 

It may be asked what these hieroglypliical characters reall}' are. 
Well, they are varied in form, so much so that the pipes found in 
the mounds of Indians, each bearing a distinct representation of 
some animal, may be taken for one species, used to represent the 
abstract ideas of the Mound Builders. The second form consists 
of pure hieroglyphics or phonetic characters, in which the sound is 
represented instead of the object; and the third, or painted form of 
the first, conveys to the mind that whi^h is desired to be re])re- 
sented. This form exists among the Cree Indians of the far North- 
west, at present. They, when departing from their permanent vil- 
lages for the distant hunting grounds, paint on the barked trees in 
the neighborhood the figure of a snake or eagle, or perhaps huskey 
dog; and this animal is supposed to guard the position until the 
warrior's return, or welcome any friendly tribes that may arrive 
there in the interim. In the case of the Mound Builders, it is un- 
likely that this latter extreme was resorted to, for tiie simple reason 
that the relics of their occupation are too high in the ways of art to 
tolerate such a barbarous science of language; but the sculptured 
pipes and javelins and spear-heads of the Mound Builders may be 
taken as a collection of graven images, each conveying a set of 
ideas easily understood, and perhaps sometimes or more generally 
used to designate the vocation, name or character of the owner. 
That the builders possessed an alphabet of a phonetic form, and 
purely hieroglyphic, can scarcely be questioned; but until one or 
more of the unearthed tablets, which bore all or even a portion of 
such characters, are raised from their centiiried graves, the mystery 
whieli surrounds this people must remain, while we must dwell in 
a world of mere sneculation. 



HISTDKY OF INDIANA. 31 

Vigo, Jasper, Sullivan, Switzerland and Ohio counties can boast 
of a most liberal endowment in this relation; and when in other 
days the people will direct a minute inquiry, and penetrate to the 
very heart of the thousand cones which are scattered throughout 
the land, they may possibly extract the blood in the shape of metal- 
lic and porcelain works, with hieroglyphic tablets, while leaving 
the form of heart and body complete to entertain and delight un- 
born generations, who in their time will wonder much when they 
learn that an American people, living toward the close of the 59th 
century, could possibly indulge in such an anachronism as is im- 
plied in the term "New World." 

THE INDIANS. 

The origin of the Red Men, or American Indians, is a subject 
which interests as well as instructs. It is a favorite with the etli- 
nologist, even as it is one of deep concern to the ordinary reader. 
A review of two works lately published on the origin of the Indians 
treats the matter in a peculiarly reasonable light. It says: 

" Recently a German writer has put forward one theory on the 
subject, and an English writer has put forward another and directly 
opposite theory. Tiie difference of opinion concerning our aborig- 
inals among authors who have made a profound study of races is at 
once curious and interesting. Blumenbach treats them in his 
classifications as a distinct variety of the human family; but, in the 
threefold division of Dr. Latham, they are ranked among the Mon- 
golidiB. Other writers on race regard them as a branch of the great 
Mongolian family, which at a distant period found its way from 
Asia to this continent, and remained here for centuries separate 
from the rest of mankind, passing, meanwhile, through divers 
phases of barbarism and civilization. Morton, our eminent eth- 
nologist, and his followers, Nott and Gliddon, claim for our native 
Red Men an origin as distinct as the flora and fauna of this conti- 
nent. Prichard, whose views are apt to differ from Morton's, finds 
reason to believe, on comparing the American tribes together, that 
they must have formed a separate department of nations from the 
earliest period of the world. The era of their existence as a distinct 
and insulated people must probably be dated back to the time 
which separated into nations the inhabitants of the Old World, and 
gave to each its individuality and primitive language. Dr. Robert 
Brown, the latest authority, attributes, in his •' Races of Mankind," 
an Asiatic origin to our aboriginals. lie says that the Western In- 
dians not only personally resemble their nearest neighbors — the 
Northeastern Asiatics — but they resemble them in language and 
traditions. The Esquimaux on the American and the Tchuktchis 
on the Asiatic side understand one another perfectly. Modern an- 



82 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

thropologists, indeed, are disposed to think that Japan, the Kuriles, 
and neighboring regions, may be regarded as the original home of 
the greater part of the native American race. It is also admitted 
by them that between tlie tribes scattered from the Arctic sea to 
Cape Horn there is more uniformity of physical features than is 
seen in any other quarter of the globe. The weight of evidence 
and authority is altogether in favor of the opinion that our so- 
called Indians are a branch of the Mongolian family, and all addi- 
tional researches strengthen the opinion. The tribes of both North 
and South America are unquestionably homogeneous, and, in all 
likelihood, had their origin in Asia, though they have been altered 
and modified by thousands of years of total separation from the 
parent stock." 

The conclusions arrived at by the reviewer at that time, though 
safe, are too general to lead the reader to form any definite idea on 
the subject. No doubt whatever can exist, when the American In- 
dian is regarded as of an Asiatic origin; but there is nothing in the 
works or even in the review, to which these works were subjected, 
which misht account for the vast difference in manner and form 
between the Red Man, as he is now known, or even as he appeared 
to Columbus and his successors in the field of discovery, and the 
comparatively civilized inhabitants of Mexico, as seen in 1521 by 
Cortez, and of Peru, as witnessed by Pizarro in 1532. The fact is 
that the pure bred Indian of the present is descended directly 
from the earliest inhabitants, or in other words from the survivors 
of that people who, on being driven from their fair possessions, re- 
tired to the wilderness in sorrow and reared up their children under 
the saddening influences of their unquenchable griefs, bequeathing 
them only the habits of the wild, cloud-roofed home of their de- 
clining years, a sullen silence, and a rude moral code. In after 
years these wild sons of the forest and prairie grev? in numbers and 
in strength. Some legend told them of their present sulFerings, of 
the station which their fathers once had known, and of the riotous 
race which now reveled in wealth which should be theirs. The 
fierce passions of the savage were aroused, and uniting their scat- 
tered bands marched in silence upon the villages of the Tartars, 
driving them onward to the capital of their Incas, and consigning 
their homes to the flames. Once in view of the great city, the 
hurrying bands halted in surprise; but Tartar cunning took in the 
situation and offered pledges of amity, which were sacredly ob- 
served. Henceforth Mexico was open to the Indians, bearing pre- 
cisely the same relation to them that the Hudson's Bay Company's 



HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 33 

villages do to the Northwestern Indians of the present; obtaining 
all, and bestowing very little. The subjection of the Mongoliau 
race represented in North America by that branch of it to which 
the Tartars belonged, represented in the Southern portion of the con- 
tinent, seems to have taken place some five centuries before the 
advent of the European, while it may be concluded that the war of 
the races which resulted in reducing the villages erected by the 
Tartar hordes to ruin took place between one and two hundred 
;?ears later. These statements, though actually referring to events 
which in point of time are comparatively modern, can only be sub- 
stantiated by the facts that, about the periods mentioned the dead 
bodies of an unknown race of men were washed ashore on the Eu- 
ropean coasts, while previous to that time there is no account 
whatever in European annals of even a vestige of trans- Atlantic hu- 
manity being transferred by ocean currents to the gaze of a won- 
dering people. Towards the latter half ot the 15th century two 
dead bodies entirely free from decomposition, and corresponding 
with the Red Men as they afterward appeared to Columbus, were 
cast on the shores of the Azores, and confirmed Columbus in his be- 
lief in the existence of a western world and western people. 

Storm and flood and disease have created sad havoc in the ranks 
of the Indian since the occupation of the country by the white man. 
These natural causes have conspired to decimate the race even more 
than the advance of civilization, which seems not to affect it to any 
material extent. In its maintenance of the same number of rep- 
resentatives during three centuries, and its existence in the very 
face of a most unceremonious, and, whenever necessary, cruel con- 
quest, the grand dispensations of the unseen Ruler of the universe 
is demonstrated; for, without the aborigines, savage and treach- 
erous as they were, it is possible that the explorers of former times 
would have so many natural difficulties to contend with, that their 
work would be surrendered in despair, and the most fertile regions 
of the continent saved for the plowshares of generations yet un- 
born. It is questionable whether we owe the discovery of this con- 
tinent to the unaided scientific knowledge of Columbus, or to the 
dead bodies of the two Indians referred to above; nor can their ser- 
vices to the explorers of ancient and modern times be over-esti- 
mated. Their existence is embraced in the plan of the Divinity 
for the government of the world, and it will not form subject for 
surprise to learn that the same intelligence which sent a thrill ot 
liberty into every corner of the republic, will, in the near future,- 



3-t HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

devise some method under which the remnant of a great and an- 
cient race may taste the sweets of public Jcindness, and feel that, 
after centuries of turmoil and tjranny, they have at last found a 
shelter amid a sympathizing people. Many have looked at the In- 
dian as the pessimist does at all things; they say that he was never 
formidable until the white man supplied him with the weapons of 
modern warfare; but there is no mention made of his eviction from 
his retired home, and the little plot of cultivated garden which 
formed the nucleus of a village that, if fostered instead of being 
destroyed, might possibly hold an Indian population of some im- 
portance in the economy of the nation. There is no intention what- 
ever to maintain that the occupation of this country by the favored 
races is wrong even in principle; for where any obstacle to advanc- 
ing civilization exists, it has to fall to the ground; but it may be 
said, with some truth, that the white man, instead of a policy of 
conciliation formed upon the power of kindness, indulged in bel- 
ligerency as impolitic as it was unjust. A. modern writer says, 
when speaking of tiio Indian's character: "He did not exhibit that 
steady valor and efficient di.-cipline of the American soldier; and 
to-day on the plains Sheridan's troopers would not hesitate to 
attack the bravest band, though outnumbered three to one." This 
piece of information applies to the European and African, as well 
as to the Indian. The American soldier, and particularly the 
troopers referred to, would not fear or shrink from a very legion ot 
demons, even with odds against them. This mode of warfare seems 
strangely peculiar when compared with the military sj'stems of 
civilized countries; yet, since the main object of armed men is to 
defend a country or a principle, and to destroy anything which may 
oppose itself to them, the mode of warfare pursued bj' the savage 
will be found admirably adapted to their requirements in this con- 
nection, and will doubtless compare favorably with the systems of 
the Afghans and Persians of the present, and the Caucasian pcojile 
"sf the first historic period. 

MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 

The art of hunting not only supplied the Indian with food, but, 
like that of war, was a means of gratifying his love of distinction. 
The male children, as soon as they acquired sufficient age and 
strength, were furnished with a bow and arrow and taught to shoot 
birds and other small game. Success in killing a large quadruped 
required years of careful study and practice, and the art was as 



UISTDKY UF INDIANA. 35- 

seduloush- inculcated in the minds of the rising generation as are 
the elements of reading, writing and arithmetic in the common 
schools of civilized communities. The mazes of the forest and the 
dense, tall grass of the prairies were the best fields for the exercise 
of the hunter's skill. No feet could be impressed in the yielding 
soil but that the tracks were the objects of the most searching 
scrutiny, and revealed at a glance the animal that made them, the 
direction it was pursuing, and the time that had elapsed since it 
had passed. In a forest country he selected the valleys, because 
they were most frequently the resort of game. The most easilj 
taken, perhaps, of all the animals of the chase was the deer. It is. 
endowed with a curiosity which prompts it to stop in its flight and 
look back at the approaching hunter, who always avails himself ot" 
this opportunity to let fly the fatal arrow. 

Their general councils were composed of the chiefs and old men. 
When in council, they usually sat in concentric circles around the 
speaker, and each individual, notwithstanding the fiery passions 
that rankled within, preserved an exterior as immovable as if cast 
in bronze. Before commencing business a person appeared with 
the sacred pipe, and another with fire to kindle it. After being 
lighted it was first presented to heaven, secondly to the earthy, 
thirdly to the presiding spirit, and lastly the several councilors^ 
each of whom took a whift". These formalities were observed with 
as close exactness as state etiquette in civilized courts. 

The dwellings of the Indians were of the simi^lest and rudest 
character. On some pleasant spot by the bank of a river, or near 
an ever-running spring, they raised their groups of wigwams, con- 
structed of the bark of trees, and easily taken down and removed 
to another spot. The dwelling-places of the chiefs were sometimes 
more spacious, and constructed with greater care, but of the same 
materials. Skins taken in the chase served them for repose. 
Though principally dependent upon hunting and fishing, the 
uncertain supply from those sources led them to cultivate small 
patches of corn. Every family did everything necessary within 
itself, commerce, oraninterchangeof articles, being almost unknown 
to them. In cases of dispute and dissension, each Indian relied 
upon himself for retaliation. Blood for blood was the rule, and 
the relatives of the slain man were bound to obtain blood>' revenge 
for his death. This principle gave rise, as a matter of course, to 
innumerable and bitter feuds, and wars of extermination where such 
were possible. War, indeed, rather than peace, was the Indian's-^ 



36 HISTUKV OF INDIANA. 

glory and delight, — war, not conducted as civilization, but war 
where individual skill, endurance, gallantry and cruelty' were prime 
requisites. For such a purpose as revenge the Indian would make 
great sacrifices, and display a patience and perseverance truly heroic; 
hut when the excitement was over, he sank back into a listless, un- 
occupied, well-nigh useless savage. During the intervals of his 
more exciting pursuits, the Indian employed his time in decorating 
his person with all the refinement of paint and feathers, and in the 
manufacture of his arms and of cauoes. These were constructed ot 
bark, and so light that they could easily be carried on the shoulder 
from stream to stream. Ilis amusements were the war-dance, ath- 
letic games, the narration of his exploits, and listening to the ora- 
tory of the chiefs; but during long periods of such existence he 
remained in a state of torpor, gazing listlessly upon the trees of 
the forests and the clouds that sailed above them ; and this vacancy 
imprinted an habitual gravity, and even melancholy, upon his gen- 
eral deportment. 

The mam labor and drudgery of Indian communities fell upon 
the women. The planting, tending and gathering of the crops, 
making mats and baskets, carrying burdens, — in fact, all things ot 
the kind were performed by them, thus making their condition but 
little better than that of slaves. Marriage was merely a matter of 
bargain and sale, the husband giving presents to the father of the 
bride. In general they had but few children. They were sub- 
jected to many and severe attacks of sickness, and at times famine 
and pestilence swept away whole tribes. 



EXPLORATIONS BY THE WHITES. 

EARLIEST EXri.oEEKS. 

The State of Indiana is bounded on tlie east by the meridian line 
which forms also the western boundary of Ohio, extending due 
north from the mouth of the Great Miami river; on the south by 
the Ohio river from the mouth of the Great Miami to the mouth 
of the Wabash; on the west hyaline drawn along the middle of 
the Wabash river from its mouth to a point where a due north 
line from the town of Vincennes would last touch the shore of said 
river, and thence directly north to Lake Michigan; and on the north 
by said lake and an east and west line ten miles north of the ex- 
treme south end of the lake, and extending to its intersection with 
the aforesaid meridian, the west boundary of Ohio. These bound- 
aries include an area of 33,809 square miles, lying between 37° 
47' and -iP 50 north latitude, and between 7° 45' and IP 1 west 
longitude from Washington. 

After the discovery of America by Columbus in 1492, more than 
150 years passed away before any portion of the territory now com- 
prised within the above limits was explored by Europeans. Colo- 
nies were established in Florida, Virginia and JSfova Scotia by the 
principal rival governments of Europe, but not until about 1670-'2 
did the first white travelers venture as far into the Northwest as 
Indiana or Lake Michigan. These explorers were Frenchmen by 
the names of Claude AUouez and Claude Dablon, who then visited 
what is now the eastern ])art of Wisconsin, the northeastern portion 
of Illinois and probably that portion of this State north of the Kan- 
kakee river. In the following year M. Joliet, an agent of the 
French Colonial government, and James Marquette, a good and 
simple-hearted missionary who had his station at Mackinaw, ex- 
plored the country about Green Bay, and along Fox and Wiscon- 
sin rivers as far westward as the Missi6sip])i, the banks of which 
they reached June 17, 1673. They descended this river to about 
33° 40', but returned by way of the Illinois river and the route 
they came in the Lake Region. At a village among the Illinois In- 
dians, Manpiutte and his small band of adventurers were receit-ed 

(37) 




3» JIISTORY OF INDIANA. 

in a friendly manner and treated hospitably. They were made the 
honored guestt at a great feast, where hominy, fish, dog meat and 
roast buffalo meat were spread before them in great abundance. In 
16S2 LaS&l'e explored the "West, but it is not known that he entered 
tiie region now embraced within the State of Indiana. He took 
formal possession, however, of all the Mississippi region in the 
name of the King of France, in whose honor he gave all this Mis- 
sissippi region, including what is now Indiana, the name "Louisi- 
ana." Spain at the same time laid claim to all the region about 
the Gulf of Mexico, and thus these two trreat nations were brousfht 
into collision. ( But the country was actually held and occupied by 
the great Miami confederacy of Indians, the Miamis proper (an- 
ciently the Twightwees) being the eastern and most powerful tribe. 
Their territory extended strictly from the^cioto river west to the 
llinois river.) Their villages were few and scattering, and their 
occupation was scarcely dense enough to maintain itself against in- 
jvasion. Their settlements were occasionally visited by Christian 
missionaries, fur traders and adventurers, but no body of white men 
made any settlement sufficiently permanent for a title to national 
possession. Christian zeal animated France and England in mis- 
sionary enterprise, the former in the interests of Catholicism and 
tlie latter in the interests of Protestantism. Hence their haste to 
preoccupy the land and proselyte the aborigines. No doubt this 
ugly rivalry was often seen by Indians, and they refused to be 
])roselyted to either branch of Christianity. 

The " Five Nations," farther east, comprised the Mohawks, 
Oaeidas, Cayugas, Onondaguas and Senecas. In 1677 the nuihbur 
ol warriors in this confederacy was 2,150. About 1711 the Tusca- 
roras retired from Carolina and joined the Iroquois, or Five Na- 
tions, which, after that event, became known as the " Six Nations." 
In 1689 hostilities broke out between the Five Nations and the 
Colonists of Canada, and the almost constant wars in whicli France 
was engaged until the treaty of Ryswick in 1697 combined to 
check the grasping policy of Louis" XIV.. and to retard the plant- 
ing of French colonies in the Mississippi vallej'. Missionary efforts, 
however, continued with more failure than success, the Jesuits 
allying themselves with tiie Indians in habits and customs, even 
encouraging inter-marriage between them and their white fol- 
lowers. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 39 

OUABAOHE. 

The Wabash was first named by the French, and spelled by them 
Oiiabache. This river was known even before the Ohio, and was 
navigated as the Ouabache all the way to the Mississippi a long time 
before it was discovered that it was a tributary of the Ohio (Belle 
Riviere). In navigating the Mississippi they thought they passed 
the mouth of the Ouabache instead of the Ohio. In traveling from 
the Great Lakes to the south, the French always went by the way of 
the Ouabache or Illinois. 

VINCENUES. 

Francois Morgan de Vinsenne served in Canada as early as 1720 
in the regiment of " De Carrignan " of the French service, and 
again on the lakes in the vicinity of Sault Ste. Marie in the same 
service under M. de Vaudriel, in 1725. It is possible that his ad- 
vent to Vincennes may have taken place in 1732; and in proof of 
this the only record is an act of sale under the joint names of him- 
self and Madame Vinsenne, the daughter of M. Philip Longprie, 
and dated Jan. 5, 1735. This document gives his military position 
as commandant of the post of Ouabache in the service of the French 
King. The will of Longprie, dated March 10, same year, bequeaths 
him, among other things, 408 pounds of pork, which he ordered to 
be kept safe until Vinsenne, who was then at Ouabache, returned 
to Kaskaskia. 

Tliere are many other documents connected with its early settle- 
ment by Vinsenne, among which is a receipt for the 100 pistoles 
granted him as his wife's marriage dowry. In 1736 this officer was 
ordered to Charlevoix by D'Artagette, viceroy of the King at New 
Orleans, and commandant of Illinois. Here M. St. Vinsenne re- 
ceived his mortal wounds. The event is chronicled as follows, in 
the words of D'Artagette: " We have just received very bad news 
from Louisiana, and our war with the Chickasaws. The French 
have been defeated. Among the slain is M. de Vinsenne, who 
ceased not until his last breath to exhort his men to behave worthy 
of their faith and fatherland." 

Thus closed the career of this gallant oiBcer, leaving a name 
which holds as a remembrancer the present beautiful town of Vin- 
cennes, changed from Vinsenne to its present orthography in 1749. 

Post Vincennes was settled as early as 1710 or 1711. In a letter 
from Father Marest to Father Germon, dated at Kaskaskia, Nov. 9, 
1712, occurs tliis passage: "Zes Francois itoient itahli unfort sw 



40 HISTOKT OF INDIANA. 

leflcwoeOuahache ; ils deraanderent un missionaire ,' et le Pere 
Mermet leurfut envoye. Ve Pere crut devoir travailler a la 
oonversion des Mascouteas qui avoieiit fait un village sur les 
hords dumeme jleuve. Cest une nation Indians qni entend la 
la/ngue niinoise." Translated: "Tlie French have established a 
fort upon the river Wabash, and want a missionary; and Fatlier 
Mermet has been sent to them. That Father believes he should 
labor for the conversion of the Mascoutens, who have built a vil- 
lage on the banks of the same river. They are a nation of Indians 
who understand the language of the Illinois." 

Mermet was therefore the iirst preacher of Christianity in this 
part of the world, and his mission was to convert the Mascoutens, 
a branch of the Miamis. "The way I took," says lie, " was to con- 
found, in the presence of the whole tribe, one of these charlatans 
[medicine men], whose Manitou, or great spirit which he wor- 
shiped, was the buffalo. After leading him on insensibly to the 
avowal that it was not the buffalo that he worshiped, but the Man- 
itou, or spirit, of the buffalo, which was under the earth and ani- 
mated all buffaloes, which heals the sick and has all power, I asked 
him whether other beasts, the bear for instance, and which one of 
his nation worshiped, was not equally inhabited by a Manitou, 
which was under the earth. 'Without doubt,' said the grand medi- 
cine man. ' If this is so,' said I, ' men ought to have a Manitou 
who inhabits them.' ' Nothing more certain,' said he. ' Ought 
not that to convince you,' continued I, ' that you are not very 
reasonable? For if man upon the earth is the master of all animals, 
if he kills them, if he eats them, does it not follow that the Mani- 
tou which inhabits him must have a mastery over all other Maui- 
tons? Why then do you not invoke him instead of the Manitou 
of the bear and the buffalo, when you are sick?' This reasoning- 
disconcerted the charlatan. But this was all the effect it 
produced." 

The result of convincing these heathen by logic, as is generally 
the case the world over, was only a temporary logical victory, and 
no change whatever was produced in the professions and practices 
of the Indians. 

But the first Christian (Catholic) missionary at this place whose 
name we find recorded in the Church annals, was Meurin, in 184!). 

The church building used by these early missionaries at Vin- 
cennes is thus described by the " oldest inhabitants:" Fronting on 
Water street and running back on Church street, it was a plaia 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 4:1 

building with a rough exterior, of upright posts, chinked and 
daubed, with a rough coat of cement on the outside; about 20 feet 
wide and 60 long; one story high, with a small belfry and an equally 
small bell." It was dedicated to St. Francis Xavier. This spot is 
now occupied by a splendid cathedral. 

Vincennes has ever been a stronghold of Catholicism. The 
Church there has educated and sent out many clergymen of her 
faith, some of whom have become bishops, or attained other high 
positions in ecclesiastical authority. 

Almost contemporaneous with the progress of the Church at 
Vincennes was a missionary work near the moutbDf the Wea river, 
among the Ouiatenons, but the settlement there was broken up in 
early day. 

NATIONAL POLICIES. 

THE GREAT FRENCH SCHEME. 

Soon after the discovery of the mouth of the Mississippi by La- 
Salle in 1682, the government of France began to encourage the 
policy of establishing a line of trading posts and missionary 
stations extending through the West from Canada to Louisiana, 
and this policy was maintained, with partial success, for about 75 
years. The traders persisted in importing whisky, which cancelled 
nearly every civilizing influence that could be brought to bear upon 
the Indian, and the vast distances between posts prevented that 
strength which can be enjoyed only by close and convenient inter- 
communication. Another characteristic of Indian nature was to 
listen attentively to all the missionary said, pretending to believe 
^11 he preached, and then offer in turn his theory of the world, of 
religion, etc., and because he was not listened to with the same 
degree of attention and pretense of belief, would go off disgusted. 
This was his idea of the golden rule. 

The river St. Joseph of Lake Michigan was called " the river 
Miaiuis" in 1679, in which year LaSalle built a small fort on its 
bank, near the lake shore. The principal station of the mission 
for the instruction of the Miamis was established on the borders of 
this river. The first French post within the territory of the 
Miamis was at the mouth of the river Miamis, on an eminence 
naturally fortified on two sides by the river, and on one side by a 



48 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

deep ditch made by a fall of water. It was of triangular form. 
Tiie missionary Hennepin gives a good description uf it, as lie was 
one of the company who built it, in 1679. Says be: ""\Ve fell the 
trees that were on the top of the hill; and having cleared the same 
from bushes for about two musket shot, we began to build a 
redoubt of 80 feet long and 40 feet broad, with great square pieces 
of timber laid one upon another, and prepared a great number of 
stakes of about 25 feet long to drive into tlie ground, to make our 
fort more inaccessible on the riverside. We employed the whole 
month of November about that work, which was very hard, though 
we had no other food but the bear's flesh our savage killed. These 
beasts are very common in that place because of the great quantity 
of grapes they find there; but their flesh being too fat and luscious, 
our men began to be weary of it and desired leave to go a hunting 
to kill some wild goats. M. "LaSalle denied them that libert}', 
which caused some murmurs among them; and it was but unwill- 
ingly that they continued their work. This, together with the 
approaeli of winter and the apprehension that M. LaSalle had that 
his vessel (the Griffin) was lost, made him very melancholy, though 
he concealed it as much as he could. We made a cabin wherein 
we performed divine service every Sunday, and Father Gabriel and 
I, who preached alternately, took care to take such texts as were 
suitable to our pre>'ent circumstances and fit to inspire us with 
courage, concord and brotherly love. * * * The fort was at 
last perfected, and called Fort Miamis." 

In the year 1711 tlie missionary Chardon, who was said to be 
very zealous and apt in the acquisition of languages, had a station 
on the St. Joseph about 60 miles above the mouth. Charlevoix, 
another distinguished missionary from France, visited a post on 
this river in 1721. In a letter dated at -the j)lace, Aug. 16, hesay#: 
" There is a commandant here, with a small garrison. Plis house, 
which is but a very sorry one, is called tiie fort, from its being sur- 
rounded with an indifiiereut palisado, which is pretty near the case 
in all the rest. We have here two villages of Indians, one of the 
Miamis and the other of the Pottawatomies, both of them mostly 
Christians; but as they have been for a long time without any pas- 
tors, the missionary who has been lately sent to them will have no 
small difficulty in bringing them back to the exercise of their re- 
ligion." He speaks also of the main commodity for which the In. 
dians would part with their goods, namel}', spirituous liquors, 
which they drink and keep drunk upon as long as a supply lasted. 




INDIANS ATTACKING FEONTIEESIIEN. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 45 

More than a century and a half has now passed since Charlevoix 
lined the above, without any change whatever in this trait of In- 
dian character. 

In 1165 the Miami nation, or confederacy, was composed of four 
tribes, whose total number of warriors was estimated at only 1,050 
men. Of these about 250 were Tvvightwees, or Miamis proper, 
300 Weas, or Ouiatenons,300 Piankeshawsand 200 Shockeys; and 
at this time the principal villages of the Twightwees were situated 
about the head of the Maumee river at and near the place where 
Fort Wayne now is. The larger Wea villages were near the banks 
of the Wabash river, in the vicinity of the Post Ouiatenon; and 
the Shockeys and Piankeshaws dwelt on the banks of the Vermil- 
lion and on the borders of the Wabash between Vincennes and 
Ouiatenon. Branches of the Pottawatomie, Shawnee, Delaware and 
Kickapoo tribes were permitted at difl'erent times to enter within 
the boundaries of the Miamis and reside for a while. 

The wars in which France and England were engaged, from 1688 
to 1697, retarded the growth of the colonies of those nations in 
North America, and the eiforts made by France to connect Canada 
and the Gulf of Mexico by a chain of trading posts and colonies 
naturally excited the jealousy of England and gradually laid the 
foundation for a struggle at arms. After several stations were estab- 
lished elsewhere in the West, trading posts were started at the 
Miami villages, which stood at the head of the Maumee, at the Wea 
villages about Ouiatenon on the Wabash, and at the Piankeshaw vil- 
lages about the present sight of Vincennes. It is probable that before 
the close of the year 1719, temporary trading posts were erected at the 
sites of Fort Wayne, Ouiatenon and Vincennes. These points were 
probably often visited by French fur traders prior to 1700. In the 
meanwhile the English people in this country commenced also to 
establish military posts west of the Alleghanies, and thus matters 
went on until they naturally culminated in a general war, which, 
being waged by the French and Indians combined on one side, was 
called " the French and Indian war." This war was terminated in 
1763 by a treaty at Paris, by which France ceded to Great Britain 
all of North America east of the Mississippi except New Orleans 
and the island on which it is situated; and indeed, France had the 
preceding autumn, by a secret convention, ceded to Spain all the 
country west of that river. 



46 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

POXTIAC'S WAR. 

In 1762, after Canada and its dependencies had been surrendered 
to the English, Poutiac and his partisans secretly organized a pow- 
erful confederacy in order to crush at one blow all English power 
in the West. This great scheme was skillfully projected and cau- 
tiously matured. 

The principal act in the programme was to gain admittance into 
the fort at Detroit, on pretense of a friendly visit, with short- 
ened muskets concealed under their blankets, and on a given signal 
suddenly break forth upon the garrison; but an inadvertent remark 
of au Indian woman led to a discovery of the plot, which was con- 
sequently averted. Pontiac and his warriors afterward made many 
attacks upon the English, some of which were successful, but the 
Indians were finally defeated in the general war. 

BRITISH POLICY. 

In 17(15 the total number of French families within the limits of 
the Northwestern Territory did not probably exceed 600. These 
were in settlements about Detroit, along the river Wabash and the 
neighborhood of Fort Chartres on the Mississippi. Of these fami- 
lies, about 80 or 90 resided at Post Vincennes, 14 at Fort Ouiate- 
non, on the Wabash, and nine or ten at the confluence of the St. 
Mary and St. Joseph rivers. 

The colonial policy of the British government opposed any meas- 
ures which might strengthen settlements in the interior of this 
country, lest they become self-supporting and independent of the 
mother country; hence the early and rapid settlemeut of the North- 
western territory was still further retarded by the short-sighted 
selfishness of England. That fatal polic}- consisted mainly in hold- 
ing the land in the hands of the government and not allowing it to 
be subdivided and sold to settlers. But in spite of all her efforts 
in this direction, she constantly made just such efforts as provoked 
the American people to rebel, and to rebel successfully, which was 
within 15 years after the perfect close of the French and Indiau 
war. 

AMERICAN POLICY. 

Thomas Jefferson, the shrewd statesman and wise Governor of 
Virginia, saw from tlie first tiiat actual occupation of Western lands 
was the only way to keep them out of the hands of foreigners and 



HISTOIJY OF INDIANA. ' 47 

Indians. Therefore, directly after tlie conquest of Viiifennes by 
Clark, lie engaged a scientific corps to proceed nnder an escort to 
the Mississip])!, and ascertain by celestial observations tlie point 
on that river intersected by latitude 36° 30', the southern limit of 
the State, and to measure its distance to the Oliio. To Gen. Clark 
was entrusted the conduct of the Tnilitary operations in that quar- 
ter, lie was instructed to select a strong position near that point 
and estahl ish there a fort and garrison ; thence to extend his conquests 
northward to the lakes, erecting forts at different points, which 
might serve as monuments of actual possession, besides affording 
protection to that portion of the country. Fort "Jefferson " was 
erected and garrisoned on the Mississippi a few miles above the 
southern limit. 

The result of these operations was the addition, to the chartered 
limits of Virginia, of that immense region known as the " North- 
western Territory." The simple fact that such and such forts were 
established by the Americans in this vast region convinced the Brit- 
ish Commissioners that we had entitled ourselves to the land. But 
where are those " monuments " of our power now? 

INDIAN SAVAGERY. 

As a striking example of the inhuman treatment which the early 
Indians were capable of giving white people, we quote the follow 
ing blood-curdling story from Mr. Cox' " Recollections of the 
Wabash Valley": 

On the 11th of February, 1781, a wagoner named Irvin Hinton 
was sent from the block-house at Louisville, Ky., to Ilarrodsburg 
for a load of provisions for the fort. Two J'oung men, Richard 
Rue and George Holman, aged respectively 19 and 16 years, were 
sent as guards to protect the wagon from the depredations of any 
hostile Indians who might be lurking in the cane-brakes or ravines 
through which they must pass. Soon after their start a severe 
snow-storm set in which lasted until afternoon. Lest the melting 
snow might dampen the powder in their rifles, the guards fired 
them off, intending to reload them as soon as the storm ceased. 
Hinton drove the horses while Rue walked a few rods ahead and 
Holman about the same distance behind. As they ascended a hill 
about eight miles from Louisville Hinton heard some one say Wlioa 
to the horses. Supposing that something was wrong about the 
wagon, he stopped and asked Holman why he had called him to 
halt. Holman said that he had not spoken; Rue also denied it, 



48 HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 

but said that he liad heard the voice distinctly. At tiiis time a voice 
cried out, " I will solve the mystery for you; if was Simon Girty that 
cried Whoa, and he meant what he said," — at the same time emerg- 
ing from a sink-hole a few rods from the roadside, followed by 13 
Indians, who immediately surrounded the three Kentuckians and 
demanded them to surrender or die instanth'. The little party, 
making a virtue of necessity, surrendered to this renegade white 
man and his Indian allies. 

Being so near two forts, Girty made all possible speed in making 
fast his prisoners, selecting the lines and other parts of the harness, 
he prepared for an immediate flight across the Ohio. The panta- 
loons of the prisoners were cut off about four inches above the 
knees, and thus they started through the deep snow as fast as the 
horses could trot, leaving the wagon, containing a few empty bar- 
rels, standing in the road. They continued their march for sev- 
eral cold days, without fire at night, until they reached "Wa-puc-ca- 
nat-ta, where they compelled their prisoners to run the gauntlet as 
they entered the village. Hinton first ran the gauntlet and reached 
the council-house after receiving several severe blows upon the head 
and shoulders. Rue next ran between the lines, pursued by an 
Indian with an uplifted tomahawk. He far outstripped his pursuer 
and dodged most of the blows aimed at him. Holman complaining 
that it was too severe a test for a worn-out stripling like himself, 
was allowed to run between two lines of squaws and boys, and was 
followed by an Indian with a long switch. 

The first council of the Indians did not dispose of these young 
men; they were waiting for the presence of other chiefs and war- 
riors. Hinton escaped, but on the afternoon of the second day he 
was re-captured. Now the Indians were glad that they had an 
occasion to indulge in the infernal joy of burning him at once. 
Soon after their supper, which they shared with their victim, they 
drove the stake into the ground, piled np the fagots in a circle 
around it, stripped and blackened the prisoner, tied him to the 
stake, and applied the torch. It was a slow fire. The war-whoop 
then thrilled throug^h the dark surrounding forest like the chorus 
of a band of infernal s])irits escaped from pandemonium, and the 
scalp dance was struck up by those demons in human shape, who 
for hours encircled their victim, brandishing their tomahawks and 
war clubs, and venting their execrations upon the helpless sufferer, 
who died about midnight from the effects of the slow heat. As 
soon as he fell upon the ground, the Indian who first discovered 



HISTORY OF INniANA. 49 

liim m the woods that evening sprang in, sunk his tomahawk into 
his skull above the ear, and with liis knife stripped oflF the scalp, 
which he bore back with him to the town as a trophy, and which 
was tauntingly thrust into the faces of Rue and Holman, with the 
question, " Can you smell the fire on the scalp of your red-headed 
friend? We cooked him and left him for the wolves to make a 
breakfast upon; that is the way we serve runaway prisoners." 

After a march of three days more, the prisoners, Rue and Hol- 
man, had to run the gauntlets again, and barely got through with 
their lives. It was decided that they should both be burned at the 
stake that night, though this decision was far from being unani- 
mous. The necessary preparations were made, dry sticks and 
brush were gathered and piled around two stakes, the faces 
and hands of the doomed men were blackened in the customary 
manner, and as the evening approached the poor wretches sat look- 
ing upon the setting sun for the last time. An unusual excitement 
was manifest in a number of chiefs who still lingered about the 
council-house. At a pause in the contention, a noble-looking In- 
dian approached the prisoners, and after speaking a few words to 
the guards, took Holman by the hand, lifted him to his feet, cut the 
cords that bound him to his fellow prisoners, removed the black from 
his face and hands, put his hand kindly upon his head and said : " I 
adopt you as my son, to fill the place of the one I have lately buried ; 
you are now a kinsman of Logan, the white man's friend, as he has 
been called, but who has lately proven himself to be a terrible 
avenger of the wrongs inflicted upon him by the bloody Cresap and 
his men." With evident reluctance, Girty interpreted this to Hol- 
man, who was thus unexpectedly freed. 

But the preparations for the burning of Rue went on. Holman 
and Rue embraced each other most affectionately, with a sorrow too 
deep for description. Rue was then tied to one of the stakes; but 
the general contention among the Indians had not ceased. Just as 
the lighted fagots were about to be applied to the dry brush piled 
around the devoted youth, a tall, active young Shawnee, a son of 
the victim's captor, sprang into the ring, and cutting the cords 
which bound him to the stake, led him out amidst the deafening 
plaudits of a part of the crowd and the execrations of the rest. Re- 
gardless of threats, he caused water to be brought and the black to 
be washed from the face and hands of the prisoner, whose clothes 
were then returned to him, when the young brave said : " I take 
this young man to be my brother, in the place of one I lately lost; 



50 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

I loved that brother well; I will love this one, too; my old mother 
will be glad when I tell her that I have brought her a son, in place 
of the dear departed one. We want no more victims. The burning 
of Red-head [Hinton] ought to satisfy us. These innocent j'oung 
men do not merit such cruel fate; I would rather die myself than 
see this adopted brother burned at the stake." 

A loud shout of approbation showed that the young Shawnee had 
triumphed, though dissension was manifest among the various 
tribes afterward. Some of them abandoned their trip to Detroit, 
others retarded to Wa-puc-ca-nat-ta, a few turned toward the Mis- 
sissinewa and the Wabash towns, while a portion continued to De- 
troit. Holraan was taken back to Wa-puc-ca-nat ta, where he re- 
mained most of the time of his captivity. Rue was taken first to 
the Mississinewa, then to the Wabash towns. Two years of his 
eventful captivity were spent in the region of the Wabash and Illi- 
nois rivers, but the last few months at Detroit; was in captivity 
altogether about three years and a half. 

Rue effected his escape in the following manner: During one of 
the drunken revels of the Indians near Detroit one of them lost a 
purse of $90; various tribes were suspected of feloniously keeping 
the treasure, and much ugly speculation was indulged in as to who 
was the thief. At length a prophet of a tribe that was not suspected 
was called to divine the mystery. He spread sand over a green 
deer-skin, watched it awhile and performed various manipulations, 
and professed to see that the money had been stolen and carried 
away by a tribe entirely different from any that had been 
suspicioned; but he was shrewd enough not to announce who the 
thief was or the tribe he belonged to, lest a war might arise. His 
decision quieted the belligerent uprisings threatened by the excited 
Indians. 

Rue and two other prisoners saw this display of the prophet's 
skill and concluded to interrogate hirasoou concerning their fami- 
lies at home. The opportunity occurred in a few days, and the In- 
dian seer actually astonished Rue with the accuracy with which he 
described his family, and added, "You all intend to make your 
escape, and you will effect it soon. You will meet with many trials 
and hardshipsin passing over so wild a district of country, inhabited 
by so many hostile nations of Indians. You will almost starve to 
death ; but about the time you have given up all hope of finding 
game to sustain you in your famished condition, succor will come 
when you least expect it. The first game you will succeed in taking 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 51 

will be a male of some kind; after that you will have plenty of 
game and return home in safety." 

The prophet kept this matter a secret for the prisoners, and the 
latter in a few days set off upon their terrible journey, and had 
just such experience as the Indian prophet had foretold; they 
arrived home with their lives, but were pretty well worn out with the 
exposures and privations of a three weeks' journey. 

On the return of Holman's party of Indians to Wa-puc-ca-nat-ta,. 
much dissatisfaction existed in regard to the manner of his release 
from the sentence of condemnation pronounced against him by the 
council. Many were in favor of recalling the council and trying; 
him again, and this was finally agreed to. The young man was. 
again put upon trial for his life, with a strong probability of his 
being condemned to the stake. Both parties worked hard for vic- 
tory in the final vote, which eventually proved to give a majority of 
one for the prisoner's acquittal. 

While with the Indians, Holman saw them burn at the stake a 
Kentuckian named Richard Hogeland, who had been taken prisoner 
at the defeat of Col. Crawford. They commenced burning him at 
nine o'clock at night, and continued roasting him until ten o'clock 
the next day, before he expired. During his excruciating tortures he 
begged for some of them to end his life and sufferings with a gun 
or tomahawk. Finally his cruel tormentors promised they would^ 
and cut several deep gashes in his flesh with their tomahawks, and 
shoveled up hot ashes and embers and threw them into the gaping 
wounds. When he was dead they stripped off his scalp, cut him 
to pieces and burnt him to ashes, which they scattered through the 
town to expel the evil spirits from it. 

After a captivity of about three years and a half, Holman saw an 
opportunity of going on amission for the destitute Indians, namely, 
of going to Harrodsburg, Ky., where he had a rich uncle, from 
whom they could get what supplies they wanted. They let him go 
with a guard, but on arriving at Louisville, where Gen. Clark was 
in command, he was ransomed, and he reached home only three 
days after the arrival of Rue. Both these men lived to a good old 
age, terminating their lives at their home about two miles south ot 
Richmond, Ind. 



} 



EXPEDITIONS OF COL. GEORGE EOGERS CLARK. 

In the summer of 1778, Col. George Rogers Clark, a native of 
Albemarle county, Va., led a memorable expedition against the 
ancient French settlements about Kaskaskia and Post Vincennes. 
With respect to the magnitude of its design, the valor and perse- 
verance with which it was carried on, and the memorable results 
which were produced by it, this expedition stands without a parallel 
in the early annals of the valley of the Mississippi. That portion 
of the West called Kentucky was occupied by Henderson & Co., 
who pretended to own the land and who held it at a high price. 
Col. Clark wished to test the validity of their claim and adjust the 
government of the country so as to encourage immigration. He 
accordingly called a meeting of the citizens at Harrodstown, to 
assemble June 6, 1776, and consider the claims of the company and 
consult with reference to the interest of the country. He did not 
at first publish the exact aim of this movement, lest parties would 
be formed in advance and block the enterprise; also, if the object 
of the meeting were not announced beforehand, the curiosity of the 
people to know what was to be proposed would bring out a much 
greater attendance. 

The meeting was held on the day appointed, and delegates were 
(elected to treat with the government of Virginia, to see whether 
it would be best to become a county in that State and be protected 
by it, etc. Various delays on account of the remoteness of the 
white settlers from the older communities of Virginia and the hos- 
tility of Indians in every direction, prevented a consummation of 
this object until some time in 1778. The government of Virginia 
was friendly to Clark's enterprise to a certain extent, but claimed 
that they had not authority to do much more than to lend a little 
assistance for which payment should be made at some future time, 
as it was not certain whether Kentucky would become a part of Vir- 
ginia or not. Gov. Henry and a few gentlemen were individually 
«o hearty in favor of Clark's benevolent undertaking that they 
assisted him all they could. Accordingly Mr. Clark organized his 
expedition, keeping every particular secret lest powerful parties 
would form in the West against him. He took in stores at Pitts- 

(52) 




GEN. GEORGE ROGERS CLAKK 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 55 

burg and Wheeling, proceeded down the Ohio to the " Falls," 
where he took possession of an island of a about seven acres, and 
divided it among a small number of families, for whose protection 
he constructed some light fortifications. At this time Post Vin- 
cennes comprised about 400 militia, and it was a daring undertak- 
ing for Col. Clark, with his small force, to go up against it and Kas- 
kaskia, as he had plaimed. Indeed, some of his men, on hearing of 
his plan, deserted him. He conducted himself so as to gain the 
sympathy of the French, and through them also that of the 
Indians to some extent, as both these people were very bitter 
against the British, who had possession of the Lake Region. 

From the nature of the situation Clark concluded it was best to 
take Kaskaskia first. The fact that the people ^regarded him as a 
savage rebel, he regarded as really a good thing in his favor; for 
after the first victory he would show them so much unexpected 
lenity that they would rally to his standard. In this policy he was 
indeed successful. He arrested a few men and put them in irons. 
The priest of the village, accompanied by five or six aged citizens, 
waited on Clark and said that the inhabitants expected to be separ- 
ated, perhaps never to meet again, and they begged to be permitted 
to assemble in their church to take leave of each other. Clark 
mildly replied that he had nothing against their religion, that they 
might continue to assemble in their church, but not venture out of 
town, etc. Thus, by what has since been termed the "Rarey" 
method of taming horses, Clark showed them he had power over 
them but designed them no harm, and they readily took the oath 
of allegiance to Virginia. 

After Clark's arrival at Kaskaskia it was diflScult to induce the 
French settlers to accept the "Continental paper" introduced by 
him and his troops. Nor until Col. Vigo arrived there and guar- 
anteed its redemption would they receive it. Peltries and piastres 
formed the only currency, and Vigo found great diflSculty in ex- 
plaining Clark's financial arrangements. "Their commandants 
never made money," was the reply to Vigo's explanation of the 
policy of the old Dotainion. But notwithstanding the guarantees, 
the Continental paper fell very low in the market. Vigo had a 
trading establishment at Kaskaskia, where he sold coffee at one 
dollar a pound, and all the other necessaries of life at an equally 
reasonable price. The unsophisticated Frenchmen were generally 
asked in what kind of money they would pay their little bills. 



56 HISTORT OF INDIANA. 

"Douleur," was the general reply; and as an authority on the sul> 
ject says, "It took about twenty Continental dollars to purchase a 
silver dollar's worth of coffee; and as the French word "douleur" sig- 
nifies grief or pain, perhaps no word either in the French or Eng- 
lish languages expressed the idea more correctly than the douleur 
for a Continental dollar. At any rate it was truly douleur to the 
Colonel, for he never received a single dollar in exchange for the 
large amount taken from him in order to sustain Clark's credit. 

Now, the post at Vincennes, defended by Fort Sackville, came 
next. The priest just mentioned, Mr. Gibault, was really friendly 
to " the American interest;" he had spiritual charge of the church 
at Vincennes, and he with several others were deputed to assemble 
the people there and authorize them to garrison their own fort like 
a free and independent people, etc. This plan had its desired effect, 
and the people took the oath of allegiance to the State of Virginia 
and became citizens of the United States. Their stvle of laneua^e 
and conduct changed to a better hue, and they surprised the numer- 
ous Indians in the vicinity by displaying anew flag and informing 
them that their old father, the King of France, was come to life 
again, and was mad at them for fighting the English; and they ad- 
vised them to make peace with the Americans as soon as they 
could, otherwise they might expect to make the land very bloody, 
etc. The Indians concluded they would have to fall in line, and 
they offered no resistance. Capt. Leonard Helm, an American, 
was left in charge of this post, and Clark began to turn his atten- 
tion to other points. But before leaving this section of the coun- 
try he made treaties of peace with the Indians ; this he did, how- 
ever, by a different method from what had always before been 
followed. By indirect methods he caused them to come to him, 
instead of going to them. He was convinced that inviting them to 
treaties was considered by them in a different manner from what 
the whites expected, and imputed them to fear, and that giving 
them great presents confirmed it. He accordingly established 
treaties with the Piankeshaws, Ouiatenons, Kickapoos, Illinois, 
Kaskaskias, Peorias and branches of some other tribes that inhab- 
ited the country between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi. 
Upon this the General Assembly of the State of Virginia declared 
all the citizens settled west of the Ohio organized into a county of 
that State, to be known as "Illinois" county; but before the pro- 
visions of the law could be carried into effect, Henry Hamilton, the 
British Lieutenant-Governor of Detroit, collected an army of abuut 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 57 

30 regulars, 50 French volunteers and 400 Indians, went down ami 
re-took the post Vincennes in December, 1778. No attempt wa.-; 
made by the population to defend the town. Capt. Helm and a 
man named Henry were the only Americans at the fort, the only 
members of the garrison. Capt. Helm was taken prisoner and a 
number of the French inhabitants disarmed. 

Col. Clark, hearing of the situation, determined to re-capture the 
place. He accordingly gathered together what force he could in 
this distant land, 170 men, and on the 5th of February, started from 
Kaskaskia and crossed the river of that name. The weather was 
very wet, and the low lands were pretty well covered with water. 
The march was difficult, and the Colonel bad to work'hard to keep 
his men in spirits. He suffered them to shoot game whenever they 
wished and eat it like Indian war-dancers, each company by turns 
inviting the others to their feasts, which was the case every night. 
Clark waded through water as much as any of them, and thus stimu- 
lated the men by his example. They reached the Little Vabash 
on the 13th, after suffering many and great hardships. Here a camp 
was formed, and without waiting to discuss plans for crossing the 
river, Clark ordered the men to construct a vessel, and pretended 
that crossing the stream would be only a piece of amusement, al- 
though inwardly he held a different opinion. 

The second day afterward a reconnoitering party was sent across 
the river, who returned and made an encouraging report. A scaf- 
folding was built on the opposite shore, upon which the baggage 
was placed as it was tediously ferried over, and the new camping 
ground was a nice half acre of dry land. There were many amuse- 
ments, indeed, in getting across the river, which put all the men ia 
high spirits. The succeeding two or three days they had to march 
through a great deal of water, having on the night of the 17th to 
encamp in the water, near the Big Wabash. 

At daybreak on the ISth they heard the signal gun at Vincennes, 
and at once commenced their march. Reaching the Wabash about 
two o'clock, they constructed rafts to cross the river on a boat-steal- 
ing expedition, but labored all day and night to no purpose. Ou 
the 19th they began to make a canoe, in which a second attempt to 
steal boats was made, but tliis expedition returned, reporting tliat 
there were two "large fires" within a mile of them. Clark sent a 
canoe down the river to meet the vessel that was supposed to be on 
her way up witli tliesup])iies, with orders to hasten forward day and 
night. This was their last hope, as their provisions were entirely 



58 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

gone, and starvation seemed to be hovering about them. The next 
day they commenced to make more canoes, when about noon the 
sentinel on the river brought a boat with five Frenchmen from the 
fort. From this party they learned that they were not as yet dis- 
covered. All the array crossed the river in two canoes the next 
day, and as Clark had determined to reach the town that night, he 
ordered his men to move forward. They plunged into the water 
sometimes to the neck, for over three miles. 

Without food, benumbed with cold, up to their waists in water, 
covered with broken ice, the men at one time mutinied and refused 
to march. All the persuasions of Clark had no effect upon the 
half-starved and half- frozen soldiers. In one company was a small 
drummer boy, and also a sergeant who stood six feet two inches in 
socks, and stout and athletic. He was devoted to Clark. The Gen- 
eral mounted the little drummer on the shoulders of the stalwart 
sergeant and ordered him to plunge into the water, half-frozen as it 
was; He did so, the little boy beating the charge from his lofty 
perch, while Clark, sword in hand, followed them, giving the com- 
mand as he threw aside the floating ice, " Forward." Elated and 
amused with the scene, the men promptly obeyed, holding their 
rifles above their heads, and in spite of all the obstacles they reached 
the high land in perfect safety. But for this and the ensuing days 
of this campaign we quote from Clark's account: 

" This last day's march through the water was far superior to any- 
thing the Frenchmen had any idea of. They were backward in 
speaking; said that the nearest land to us was a small league, a 
sugar camp on the bank of the river. A canoe was sent off and re- 
turned without finding that we could pass. I went in her myself 
and sounded the water and found it as deep as to my neck. I returned 
with a design to have the men transported on board the canoes to 
the sugar camp, which I knew would expend the whole day and en- 
suing night, as the vessels would pass slowly through the bushes. 
The loss of so much time to men half starved was a matter of con- 
sequence. I would have given now a great deal for a day's provis- 
-ion, or for one of our horses. I returned but slowly to the troops, 
giving myself time to think. On our arrival all ran to hear what 
was the report; every eye was fixed on me; I unfortunately spoke 
in a serious manner to one of the officers. The whole were alarmed 
without knowing what I said. I viewed their confusion for about 
one minute; I wiiispered to those near me to do as I did, immedi- 
ately ])Ut some water in my hand, poured on powder, blackened my 



HISTOUY OF INDIANA. ^" 



face, gave the war-whoop, and marched into the water without say- 
ing a word. The party gazed and fell in, one after another without 
saying a word, like a flock of sheep. I ordered tliose near me to 
begin'a favorite song of theirs; it soon passed through the line, and 
the whole went on cheerfully. 

" I now intended to have them transported across the deepest 
part of the water; but when about waist-deep, one of the men in- 
formed me that he thought he felt a path; we examined and found 
it so, and concluded that it kept on the highest ground, which it did, 
and by taking pains to follow it, we got to the sugar camp with no 
difficulty, where there was about half an acre of dry ground,— at 
least ground not under water, and there we took up our lodging. 
^ » * * * * * 

" The night had been colder than any we had had, and the ice in 
the morning was one-half or three-quarters of an inch thick in still 
water; the morning was the finest. A little after sunrise I lectured 
the whole; what I said to them I forget, but I concluded by in- 
forming them that passing the plain then in full view, and 
reaching the opposite woods would put an end to their fatigue; 
that in a few ho'urs they would have a sight of their long wished-for 
object; and immediately stepped into the water without waiting 
lor any reply. A huzza took place. As we generally marched 
through the water in a line, before the third man entered, I called to 
Majo^Bowman, ordering him to fall in the rear of the 25 men, and 
put to death any man who refused to march. This met with a cry 
of approbation, and on we went. Getting about the middle of the 
plain, the water about mid-deep, I found myself sensibly faihng; 
and as there were no trees nor bushes for the men to support them- 
selves by, I feared that many of the weak would be drowned. I or- 
dered the canoes to make the land, discharge their loading, and play 
backward and forward with all diligence and pick up the men; and 
to encourage the party, sent some of the strongest men forward, 
with orders when they got to a certain distance, to pass the word 
back that the water was getting shallow, and when getting near the 
woods, to cry out land. This stratagem had its desired effect; the 
men e'xerted themselves almost beyond their abilities, the weak 
holding by the stronger. The water, however, did not become 
shallower, but continued deepening. Getting to the woods where 
the men expected land, the water was up to my shoulders; but 
gaining the woods was of great consequence; all the low men and 
weakly hung to the trees and floated on the old logs until they were 



60 illSKlKY OF INDIANA. 

taken off by tlie cunues; tlie strong and tall got ashore and built 
tires. Many would reach the shore and fall with their bodies half 
in the water, not being able to support themselves without it. 

"This was a dry and delightful spot of ground of about ten acres. 
Fortunately, as if designed by Providence, a canoe of Indian squaws 
and children was coining up to town, and took through this part of 
the plain as a nigh way; it was discovered by our canoe-raen as they 
were out after the other men. They gave chase and took the Indian 
canoe, on board of which was nearly half a quarter of buffalo, some 
corn, tallow, kettles, etc. This was an invaluable prize. Broth was 
immediately made and served out, especially to the weakly; nearly 
all of us got a little; but a great many gave their part to the 
weakly, saying something cheering to their comrades. By the 
afternoon, this refreshment and fine weather had greatly invigor- 
ated the whole party. 

" Crossing a narrow and deep lake in the canoes, and marching 
some distance, we came to a copse of timber called ' Warrior's 
Island.' We were now in full view of the fort and town; it was 
about two miles distant, with not a shrub intervening. Everyman 
now feasted his eyes and forgot that he had suffered anything, say- 
ing that all which had passed was owing to good polic}', and noth- 
ing but what a man could bear, and that a soldier had no right to 
think, passing from one extreme to the other, — which is common in 
such cases. And now stratagem was necessary. The plain between 
us and the town was not a perfect level; the sunken grounds were 
covered with water full of ducks. We observed several men within 
ahalf a mile of us shooting ducks, and sent out some of our active 
young Frenchmen to take one of these men prisoners without 
alarming the rest, which they did. The information we got from 
this person was similar to that which we got from those taken on the 
river, except that of the British having that evening completed the 
wall of the fort, and that there were a great many Indians in town. 

"Our situation was now critical. No possibility of retreat in 
case of defeat, and in full view of a town containing at this time 
more than 600 men, troops, inhabitants and Indians. The crew of the 
galley, though not 50 men, would have been now a re-enforcement 
of immense magnitude to our little army, if I may so call it, but 
we would not think of tliem. We were now in the situation that I 
had labored to get ourselves in. The idea of being made prisoner 
was foreign to almost every man, as they expected notliing but tor- 
ture from the savages if they fell into their hands. Our fate was 



HISTOEY OF INDIANA. 61 

now to be determined, probably in a few lioiirs; we knew that 
nothing but the most daring conduct would insure success; I knew 
also that a number of the inhabitants wished us well. This was a 
favorable circumstance; and as there was but little prooabilitj of our 
remaining until dark undiscovered, I determined to begin opera- 
tions immediately, and therefore wrote the following placard to the 
inhabitants: 

To the Inhabitants of Post Vincennes: 

Gentlemen: — Being now within two miles of your village with 
my army, determined to take your fort this night, and not being 
willing to surprise you, I take this method to request such of you 
as are true citizens and willing to enjoy the liberty I bring you, to 
remain still in your houses; and those, if any there be, that are 
friends to the king, will instantly repair to the fort and join the 
hair-buyer general and fight like men; and if any such as do not go 
to the fort shall be discovered afterward, they may depend on 
severe punishment. On the contrary, those wlio are true friends 
to liberty may depend on being well treated; and I once more 
request them to keep out of the streets; for everyone I find in 
arms on ray arrival I shall treat as an enemy. 

[Signed] G. R. Clark. 

" I had various ideas on the results of this letter. I knew it 
could do us no damage, but that it would cause the lukewarm to 
be decided, and encourage our friends and astonish our enemies. 
We anxiously viewed this messenger until he entered the town, and 
in a few minutes we discovered by our glasses some stir in every 
street we could penetrate, and great numbers running or riding out 
into the commons, we supposed to view us, which was the case. 
But what surprised us was that nothing had yet happened that had 
the appearance of the garrison being alarmed, — neither gun nor 
drum. We began to suppose that the information we got from our 
prisoners was false, and that the enemy had already knew of us and 
were prepared. A little before sunset we displayed ourselves in 
full view of the town, — crowds gazing at us. We were plunging 
ourselves into certain destruction or success ; there was no midway 
thought of. We had but little to say to our men, e.\cept inculcat- 
ing an idea of the necessity of obedience, etc. We moved on 
slowly in full view of the town ; but as it was a point of some con- 
sequence to us to make ourselves appear formidable, we, in leaving 
the covert we were in, marched and counter- marched in such a 
manner that we a]ipeared numerous. Our colors were displayed to 
the best advantage; and as the low plain we marched through was 



62 HISTORY OK INDIANA. 

not a perfect level, but had frequent risings in it, of Tor 8 
higher than the common level, which was covered with water; and 
as these risings generally run in an oblique direction to the town,, 
we took the advantage of one of them, marching through the water 
by it, which completely prevented our being numbered. We gained 
the heights back of the town. As there were as yet no hostile 
appearance, we were impatient to have the cause unriddled. Lieut. 
Bay ley was ordered with 14 men to march and fire on the fort; 
the main body moved in a different direction and took possession 
of the strongest part of the town." 

Clark then sent a written order to Hamilton commanding 
him to surrender immediately or he would be treated as a 
murderer; Hamilton replied that he and his garrison were not 
disposed to be awed into any action unworthy of British sub- 
jects. After one hour more of fighting, Hamilton proposed a 
truce of three days for conference, on condition that each side 
cease all defensive work; Clark rejoined that he would "not 
agree to any terms other than Mr. Hamilton surrendering himself 
and garrison prisoners at discretion," and added that if he, Hamil- 
ton, wished to talk with him he could meet him immediately at the 
church with Capt. Helm. In less than an hour Clark dictated the 
terms of surrender, Feb. 24, 1779. Hamilton agreed to the total 
surrender because, as he there claimed in writing, he was too far 
from aid from his own government, and because of the " unanimity" 
of his oificers in the surrender, and his "confidence in a generous 
enemy." 

"Of this expedition, of its results, of its importance, of the merits of 
those engaged in it, of their bravery, their skill, of their prudence, of 
their success, a volume would not more than suffice for the details. 
Suflice it to say that in my opinion, and I have accurately and criti- 
cally weighed and examined all the results produced by the con- 
tests in which we were engaged during the Revolutionary war, 
that for bravery, for hardships endured, for skill and consummate 
tact and prudence on the part of the commander, obedience, dis- 
cipline and love of country on the part of his followers, for the 
immense benefits acquired, and signal advantages obtained by it 
for the whole union, it was second to no enterprise undertaken dur- 
ing that struggle. I might add, second to no undertaking in an- 
cient or modern warfare. The whole credit of this conquest be- 
longs to two men; Gen. George Rogers Clark and Col. Francis 
Vigo. And when we consider that by it the whole territory now 



>, 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 63 

covered by the three great states of Indiana, Illinois and Michigan 
was added to the union, and so admitted to be by the British commis- 
sioners at the preliminaries to the treaty of peace in 1783; (and but 
for this very conquest, the boundaries of our territories west would 
have been the Ohio instead of the Mississippi, and so acknowledged 
by both our commissioners and the British at that conference;) a 
territory embracing upward of 2,000,000 people, the human mind 
is lost in the contemplation of its effects; and we can but wonder 
that a force of 170 men, the whole number of Clark's troops, 
should by this single action have produced such important results." 
[John Law. 

The next day Clark sent a detachment of 80 men up the river 
Wabash to intercept some boats which were laden with provisions 
and goods from Detroit. This force was placed under command of 
Capt. Helm, Major Bosseron and Major Legras, and they proceeded 
up the river, in three armed boats, about 120 miles, when the 
British boats, about seven in number, were surprised and captured 
without firing a gun. These boats, which had on board about 
$50,000 worth of goods and provisions, were manned by about 
40 men, among whom was Philip Dejean, a magistrate of Detroit. 
The provisions were taken for the public, and distributed among 
the soldiery. 

Having organized a military government at Vincennes and 
appointed Capt. Helm commandant of the town. Col. Clark return- 
ed in the vessel to Kaskaskia, where he was joined by reinforce- 
ments from Kentucky under Capt. George. Meanwhile, a party of 
traders who were going to the falls, were killed and plundered by 
the Delawares of White River; the news of this disaster having 
reached Clark, he sent a dispatch to Capt. Helm ordering him to 
make war on the Delawares and use every means in his power to 
destroy them; to show no mercy to the men, but to save the 
women and children. This order was executed without dela}'. 
Their camps were attacked in every quarter where they could be 
found. Many fell, and others were carried to Post Vincennes and 
put to death. The surviving Delawares at once pleaded for mercy 
and appeared anxious to make some atonement for their bad con- 
duct. To these overtures Capt. Helm replied that Col. Clark, the 
" Big Knife," had ordered the war, and that he had no power to lay 
down the hatchet, but that he would suspend hostilities until a 
messenger could be sent to Kaskaskia. This was done, and the 
crafty Colonel, well understanding the Indian character, sent a 



64 HISTOKV OF INDIANA. 

message lo the Delawares, telling them that he would not accept 
their friendship or treat with them for peace; but that if they 
could get some of the neighboring tribes to become responsible for 
their future conduct, he would discontinue the war and spare their 
lives; otherwise they must all perish. 

Accordingly a council was called of all the Indians in the neigh- 
borhood, and Clark's answer was read to the assembly. After due 
deliberation the Piankeshaws took on themselves to answer for the 
future good conduct of the Delawares, and the " Grand Door " in a 
long speech denounced their base conduct. This ended the war 
with the Delawares and secured the respect of the neighboring 
tribes 

Clark's attention was next turiied to the British post at Detroit, 
but being unable to obtain suiBcient troops he abandoned the en- 
terprise. 

Clark's ingenious ruse against the Indians. 

Tradition says that when Clark captured Hamilton and his gar- 
rison at Fort Sackville, he took possession of the fort and kept the 
British flag flying, dressed his sentinels with the nniform of the 
British soldiery, and let everything about the premises remain as 
they were, so that when the Indians sympathizing with the Bi-itish 
arrived they would walk right into the citadel, into the jaws of 
death. His success was perfect. Sullen and silent, with the scalp- 
lock of his victims hanging at his girdle, and in full expectation of 
his reward from Hamilton, the unwary savage, unconscious of 
danger and wholly ignorant of the change that had just been effected 
in his absence, passed the supposed British sentry at the gate of the 
fort unmolested and unchallenged; but as soon as in, a volley from 
the rifles of a platoon of Clark's men, drawn up and awaiting his 
coming, pierced their hearts and sent the unconscious savage, reek- 
ing with murder, to that tribunal to which he had so frequently, 
by order of the hair-buyer general, sent his American captives, 
from the infant in the cradle to the grandfather of the family, tot- 
tering with age and infirmity. It was a just retribution, and few 
men but Clark would have planned such a ruse or carried it out 
successfully. It is reported that fifty Indians met this fate within 
the fort; and probably Hamilton, a prisoner there, witnessed it all 

SUBSEQUENT CAREER OF HAMILTON. 

Henry Hamilton, who had acted as Lieutenant and Governor of 
the British possessions under Sir George Oarleton, was sent for- 



HISTOKY OF INDIAXA. 65 

"Ward, with two other prisoners of war, Dejeaii and LaMothe, to 
Williamsburg, Va., early in June following, 1779. Proclamations, 
in his own handwriting, were found, in which he had offered a 
specific sum for every American scalp brought into the camp, either 
by his own troops or his allies, the Indians; and from this he was 
denominated the "hair-buyer General." This and much other tes- 
timony of living witnesses at the time, all showed what a savage ho 
was. Tlioraas Jefferson, then Governor of Virginia, being made 
aware of the inhumanity of this wretch, concluded to resort to a 
little retaliation by way of closer confinement. Accordingly he 
ordered that these three prisoners be put in irons, confined in a 
dungeon, deprived of the use of pen, ink and paper, and be ex- 
cluded from all conversation except with their keeper. Major 
General Phillips, a British officer out on parole in the vicinity of 
Charlottesville, where the prisoners now were, in closer confine- 
ment, remonstrated, and President Washington, while approving 
of Jefferson's course, requested a mitigation of the severe order, 
lest the British be goaded to desperate measures. 

Soon afterward Hamilton was released on parole, and he subse- 
quently appeared in Canada, still acting as if he had jurisdiction 
in the United States. 

GIBAULT . 

The faithful, self-sacrificing and patriotic services of Father 
Pierre Gibault in behalf of the Americans require a special notice 
of him in this connection. He was the parish priest at Vincennes, 
as well as at Kaskaskia. He was, at an early period, a Jesuit mis- 
sionary to the Illinois. Had it not been for the infiuence of this man, 
Clark could not have obtained the influence of the citizens at either 
place. He gave all his property, to the value of 1,500 Spanish 
milled dollars, to the support of Col. Clark's troops, and never re- 
ceived a single dollar in return. So far as the records inform lis, 
he was given 1,500 Continental paper dollars, which proved in the 
end entirely valueless. He modestly petitioned from the Govern- 
ment a small allowance of land at Cahokia, but we find no account 
of his ever receiving it. He was dependent upon the public in his 
older days, and in 1790 Winthrop Sargent "conceded" to him a lot 
of about "14 toises, one side to Mr. Millet, another to Mr. Vaudrsy, 
and to two streets," — a vague description of land. 



66 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

VIGO. 

Col. Francis Vigo was born in Mondovi, in the kingdom of Sar- 
dinia, in 1747. He left his parents and guardians at a very early 
age, and enlisted in a Spanish regiment as a soldier. The regiment 
was ordered to Havana, and a detachment of it subsequently to 
New Orleans, then a Spanish post; Col. Vigo accompanied this de- 
tachment. But he left the army and engaged in trading with the 
Indians on the Arkansas and its tributaries. Next he settled at St. 
Louis, also a Spanish post, where he became closely connected, both 
in friendship and business, with the Governor of Upper Louisiana, 
then residing at the same place. This friendship he enjoyed, though 
he could only write his name; and we have many circumstantial 
evidences that he was a man of high'intelligence, honor, purity of 
heart, and ability. Here he was living when Clark captured Kas- 
kaskia, and was extensively engaged in trading up the Missouri. 

A Spaniard by birth and allegiance, he was under no obligation 
to assist the Americans. Spain was at peace with Great Britain, 
and any interference by her citizens was a breach of neutrality, and 
subjected an individual, especially one of the high character and 
standing of Col. Vigo, to all the contumely, loss and vengeance 
which British power could inflict. But Col. Vigo did not falter. 
With an innate love of liberty, an attachment to Republican prin- 
ciples, and an ardent sympathy for an oppressed people struggling 
for their rights, he overlooked all personal consequences, and as 
soon as he learned of Clark's arrival at Kaskaskia, he crossed the 
line and went to Clark and tendered him his means and influence, 
both of which were joyfully accepted. 

Knowing Col. Vigo's influence with the ancient inhabitants of 
the country, and desirous of obtaining some information from 
Vincennes, from which he had not heard for several months, Col. 
Clark proposed to him that he might go to that place and learn the 
actual state of affairs. Vigo went without hesitation, but on the 
Embarrass river he was seized by a party of Indians, plundered of 
all he possessed, and brought a prisoner before Hamilton, then in pos- 
session of the post, which he had a short time previously captured, 
holding Capt. Helm a prisoner of war. Being a Spanish subject, 
and consequently a non-combatant. Gov. Hamilton, although he 
strongly suspected the motives of the visit, dared not confine him, 
but admitted him to parole, on the single condition that he 
should daily report himself at the fort. But Hamilton was embar- 



IlIaTORV OF INDIANA. 67 

rassed by his detention, being besieged by tlie inhabitants of the 
town, who loved Vigo and threatened to withdraw their support 
from the garrison if he would not release him. Father Gibault was 
the chief pleader for Vigo's release. Hamilton finally yielded, on con- 
dition that he, Vigo, would do no injury to the British interests on 
his way to St. Louis. He went to St. Louis, sure enougli, doing no 
injury to British interests, but immediately returned to Kaskaskia 
and reported to Clark in detail all he had learned at Vincennes, 
without which knowledge Clark would have been unable to ac- 
complish his famous expedition to that post with final triumph. 
The redemption of this country from the British is due as much, 
probably, to Col. Vigo as Col. Clark. 

GOVERNMENT OF THE NORTHWEST. 

Col. John Todd, Lieutenant for the county of Illinois, in the 
spring of 1779 visited the old settlements at Vincennes and Kas- 
kaskia, and organized temporary civil governments in nearly all the 
settlements west of the Ohio. Previous to this, however, Clark 
had established a military government atKaskaskia and Vincennes, 
appointed commandants in both places and taken up his headquar- 
ters at the falls of the Oliio, where he could watch the operations 
of the enemy and save the frontier settlements from the depreda- 
tions of Indian warfare. On reaching the settlements, Col. Todd 
issued a proclamation regulating the settlement of unoccupied 
lands and requiring the presentation of all claims to the lands set- 
tled, as the number of adventurers who would shortly overrun the 
country would be serious. He also organized a Court of civil and 
criminal jurisdiction at Vincennes, in the mouth of June, 1779. 
This Court was composed of several magistrates and presided over 
by Col. J. M. P. Legras, who had been appointed commandant at 
Vincennes. Acting from the precedents established b}' the early 
French commandants in the West, this Court began to grant tracts 
of land to the French and American inhabitants; and to the year 
1783, it had granted to different parties about 26,000 acres of land; 
22,000 more was granted in this manner by 17S7, when the practice 
was prohibited by Gen. Harmer. These tracts varied in size from 
a house lot to 500 acres. Besides this loose business, the Court 
entered into a stupendous speculation, one not altogether creditable 
to its honor and dignity. The commandant and the magistrates 
under him suddenly adopted the opinion that they were iiiveslP'i 



68 HISTORY OF 1^•DIANA. 

witli the autlioritj to dispose of the whole of that large region 
which in 18i2 liad been granted by the Piankeshaws to the French 
inhabitants of Vincennes. Accordingly a very convenient arrange- 
ment was entered into by which the whole tract of country men- 
tioned was to be divided between the members of the honorable 
Court. A record was made to that effect, and in order to gloss over 
the steal, each member took pains to be absent from Court on the 
day that the order was made in his favor. 

In the fall of 1780 La Balme, a Frenchman, made an attempt to 
capture the British garrison of Detroit by leading an expedition 
against it from Kaskaskia. At the head of 30 men he marched to 
Vincennes, where his force was slightly increased. From this 
place he proceeded to the British trading post at the head of the 
Maumee, where Fort Wa^me now stands, plundered the British 
traders and Indians and then retired. While encamped on the 
bank of a small stream on his retreat, he was attacked by a band 
of Miamis, a number of his men were killed, and his expedition 
against Detroit was ruined. 

In this manner border war continued between Americans and 
■their enemies, with varying victory, until 17S3, when the treaty of 
Paris was concluded, resulting in the establishment of the inde- 
pendence of the United States. Up to this time the territory now 
included in Indiana belonged by conquest to the State of Virginia; 
but in January, 1783, the General Assembly of that State resolved 
"to cede to the Congress of the United States all the territory north- 
west of the Ohio. The conditions offered by Virginia were 
accepted by Congress Dec. 20, that year, and early in 17S4 the 
transfer was completed. In 1783 Virginia had platted the town of 
'Clarksville, at the falls of the Ohio. The deed of cession provided 
that the territory should be laid out into States, containing a suita- 
ble extent of territory not less than 100 nor more than 150 miles 
square, or as near thereto as circumstances would permit; aud that 
the States so formed shall be distinct Republican States and 
admitted members of the Federal Union, having the same rights of 
sovereignty, freedom and independence as the other States. The 
other conditions of the deed were as follows: That the necessary 
and reasonable expenses incurred by Virginia in subduing any 
British posts, or in maintaining forts and garrisons within and for 
the defense, or in acquiring any part of the territory so ceded or 
relinquished, shall be fully reimbursed by the United States; that 
the French and Canadian inhabitants and other settlers of the Kas- 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. (i9 

kaskia, Post Vincennes and the neighboring villages who have pro- 
fessed themselves citizens of Virginia, shall have their titles and 
possessions confirmed to them, and be protected in the enjoyment 
of their rights and privileges; th;it a quantit}' not exceeding 150,- 
000 acres of land, promised by Virginia, shall be allowed and 
granted to the then Colonel, now General, George Rogers Clark, 
and to the officers and soldiers of his regiment, who marched with 
him when the posts and of Kaskaskia and Vincennes were reduced, 
and to the officers and soldiers that have been since incorporated 
into the said regiment, to be laid off in one tract, the length o' 
which not to exceed double the breadth, in such a place on the 
northwest side of the Ohio as a majority of the officers shall 
choose, and to be afterward divided among the officers and soldiers 
in due proportion according to the laws of Virginia; that in case 
the quantity of good lands on the southeast side of the Ohio, upon 
the waters of Cumberland river, and between Green river and Ten. 
nessee river, which have been reserved by law for the Virginia 
troops upon Continental establishment, should, from the North 
Carolina line, bearing in further upon the Cumberland lands than 
was expected, prove insufficient for their legal bounties, the defi- 
ciency shall be made up to the said troops in good lands to be laid 
off between the rivers Scioto and Little Miami, on tlie northwest 
side of the river Ohio, in such proportions as have been engaged 
to them by the laws of Virginia; that all the lands within tlie ter- 
ritory so ceded to the United States, and not reserved for or appro- 
priated to any of the before-mentioned purposes, or disposed of in 
bounties to the officers and soldiers of the American army, shall be 
considered as a common fund for the use and benefit of sucli of the 
United States as have become, or shall become, members of the 
confederation or federal alliance of the said States, Virginia included, 
according to their usual respective proportions in the general 
charge and expenditure, and shall be faithfully and bona fide dis- 
posed of for that purpose and for no other use or purpose whatever. 
After the above deed of cession had been accepted by Congress, 
in the spring of 178-t, the matter of the future government of the 
territory was referred to a committee consisting of Messrs. Jeffer- 
son of Virginia, Chase of Maryland and Howell of Rhode Island, 
which committee reported an ordinance for its government, provid- 
ing, among other things, that slavery should not exist in said terri- 
tory after 1800, except as punishment of criminals; but this article 
of the ordinance was rejected, and an ordinance for the temporary 



70 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

government of the county was adopted. In 1785 laws were passed 
hj Congress for the disposition of lands in the territory and pro- 
liibiting the settlement of unappropriated lands by reckless specu- 
lators. But human passion is ever strong enough to evade the law 
to some extent, and large associations, representing considerable 
means, were formed for the purpose of monopolizing the land busi- 
ness. Millions of acres were sold at one time by Congress to asso- 
ciations on the installment plan, and so far as the Indian titles 
could be extinguished, the work of settling and improving the 
lands was pushed rapidly forward. 

ORDINANCE OF 1787. 

This ordinance has a marvelous and interesting history. Con- 
siderable controversy has been indulged in as to who is entitled to 
the credit for framing it. This belongs, undoubtedly, to Nathan 
Dane; and to Rufus King and Timothy Pickering belong the 
credit for suggesting the proviso contained in it against slavery, 
and also for aids to religion and knowledge, and for assuring for- 
ever the common use, without charge, of the great national high- 
ways of the Mississippi, the St. Lawrence and their tributaries to 
all the citizens of the United States. To Thomas Jefferson is also 
due much credit, as some features of this ordinance were embraced 
in his ordinance of 1781. But the part taken by each in the long, 
laborious and eventful struggle which had so glorious a consum- 
mation in the ordinance, consecrating forever, by one imprescript- 
ible and unchangeable monument, the very heart of our country to 
Freedom, Knowledge, and Union, will forever honor the names ot 
those illustrious statesmen. 

Mr. Jefferson had vainly tried to secure a system of government 
lor the Northwestern territory. He was an emancipationist and 
lavored the exclusion of slavery from the territory, but the South 
voted him down every time he proposed a measure of this nature. 
In 1787, as late as July 10, an organizing act without the anti- 
slavery clause was pending. This concession to the South was 
expected to carry it. Congress was in session in New York. On 
July 5, Rev. Mauasseh Cutler, of Massachusetts, came into New 
York to lobby on the Northwestern territory. Everything seemed 
to fall into his hands. Events were ripe. The state of the public 
credit, the growing of Southern prejudice, the basis of his mission, 
his personal character, all combined to complete one of those suddea 



HISTORY OK INDIANA. 71 

and marvelous revolutions of public sentiment that once in five or 
ten centuries are seen to sweep over a country like the breath of the 
Almighty. 

Cutler was a graduate of Yale. He had studied and taken de- 
grees in the three learned professions, medicine, law, and divinity. 
Ho had published a scientific examination of the plants of New 
Eui^land. As a scientist in America his name stood second only to 
that of Franklin. He was a courtly gentleman of the old style, a 
man of commanding presence and of inviting face. The Southern 
members said they had never seen such a gentleman in the North. 
He came representing a Massachusetts company that desired to 
purchase a tract of land, now included in Ohio, for the purpose of 
planting a colony. It was a speculation. Government money was 
worth eighteen cents on the dollar. This company had collected 
enough to purchase 1, .500,000 acres of land. Other speculators in 
New York made Dr. Cutler their agent, which enabled him to 
represent a demand for 5,500,000 acres. As this would reduce the 
national debt, and Jefierson's policy was to provide for the public 
credit, it presented a good opportunity to do something. 

Massachusetts then owned the territory of Maine, which she was 
crowding on the market. She was opposed to opening the North- 
western region. This fired the zeal of Virginia. The South caught 
the inspiration, and all exalted Dr. Cutler. The entire South ral. 
lied around him. Massachusetts could not vote against him, be- 
cause many of the constuitents of her members were interested 
personally in the Western speculation. Thus Cutler, making 
friends in the South, and doubtless using all the arts of the lobby, 
was enabled to command the situation. True to deeper convic- 
tions, he dictated one of the most compact and finished documentp 
of wise statesmanship that has ever adorned anj' human law book. 
He borrowed from Jefferson the term "Articles of Compact," which, 
preceding the federal constitution, rose into the most sacred char- 
acter. He then followed very closely the constitution of Massa- 
chusetts, adopted three years before. Its most prominent points 
were: 

1. The exclusion of slavery from the territory forever. 

2. Provision for public schof)ls, giving one township for a semi- 
nary and every section numbered 10 in each township; that is, one 
thirty-sixth of all the land for public schools. 

3. A provision prohibiting the adoption of any constitution or 
the enactment of any law that should nullify pre-existing contracts. 



72 HISTOEY OF INDIANA. 

Be it forever remembered that this compact declared that " re- 
ligion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good govern- 
ment and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of edu- 
cation shall always be encouraged." Dr. Cutler planted himself 
on this platform and would not yield. Giving his unqualified dec- 
laration that it was that or nothing, — that unless they could make 
the land desirable they did not want it, — he took his horse and buggy 
and started for the constitutional convention at Philadelphia. On 
July 13, 17S7, the bill was put upon its passage, and was unani- 
mously adopted. Thus the great States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, 
Michigan and Wisconsin, a vast empire, were consecrated to free 
dom, intelligence, and morality. Thus the great heart of the nation 
was prepared to save the union of States, for it was this act that waa 
the salvation of the republic and the destruction of slavery. Soon 
the South saw their great blunder and tried to have the compact 
repealed. In 1803 Congress referred it to a committee, of which 
John Randolph was chairman. He reported that this ordinance 
was a compact and opposed repeal. Thus it stood, a rock in the 
way of the on-rushing sea of slavery. 

The " Northwestern Territory " included of course what is now 
the State of Indiana; and Oct 5, 1787, Maj. Geu. Arthur St. Clair 
was elected by Congress Governor of this territory. Upon 
commencing the duties of his office he was instructed to ascertain 
the real temper of the Indians and do all in his power to remove 
the causes for controversy between them and the United States, 
and to effect the extinguishment of Indian titles to all the land 
possible. The Governor took up quarters in the new settlement of 
Marietta, Ohio, where he immediately began the organization of 
the government of the territory. The first session of the General 
Court of the new territory was held at that place in 1788, the 
Judges being Samuel H. Parsons, James M. Varnum and John C. 
Symmes, but under the ordinance Gov. St. Clair was President of 
the Court. After the first session, and after the necessary laws for 
government were adopted, Gov. St. Clair, accompanied by the 
Judges, visited Kaskaskia for the purpose of organizing a civil gov- 
ernment there. Full instructions had been sent to Maj. Hamtramck, 
commandant at Vincennes, to ascertain the exact feeling and temper 
of the Indian tribes of the Wabash. These instructions were ac- 
companied by speeches to each of the tribes. A Frenchman named 
Antoine Gamelin was dispatched with these messages April 5, 1790, 
who visited nearly all the tribes on the Wabash, St. Joseph and St. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 73^ 

Mary's rivers, but was coldly received; most of the chiefs being 
dissatisfied with the policy of the Americans toward them, and 
prejudiced through English misrepresentation. Full accounts of 
his adventures among the tribes reached Gov. St. Clair at Kaskas- 
kia in June, 1790. Being satisfied that there was no prospect of 
effecting a general peace with the Indians of Indiana, he resolved 
to visit Gen. Harmar at his head(juarters at Fort Washington and 
consult with him on the means of carrying an expedition against 
the hostile Indians; but before leaving he intrusted Winthrop 
Sargent, the Secretary of the Territory, with the execution of the 
resolutions of Congress regarding the lands and settlers on the 
Wabash. He directed that ofiicer to proceed to Vincennes, lay 
out a county there, establish the militia and appoint the necessary 
civil and military officers. Accordingly Mr. Sargent went to Vin- 
cennes and organized Camp Knox, appointed the officers, and noti- 
fied the inhabitants to present their claims to lands. In establish- 
ing these claims the settlers found great difficulty, and concerning 
this matter the Secretary in his report to the President wrote as 
follows: 

" Although the lands and lots which were awarded to the inhabi- 
tants appeared from very good oral testimony to belong to those 
persons to whom they were awarded, either by original grants, pur- 
chase or inheritance, yet there was scarcely one case in twenty 
where the title was complete, owing to the desultory manner in 
which public business had been transacted and some other unfor- 
tunate causes. The original concessions by the French and British 
commandants were generally made upon a small scrap of paper, 
which it has been customary to lodge in the notary's office, who 
has seldom kept any book of record, but committed the most im- 
portant land concerns to loose sheets, which in process of time 
have come into possession of persons that have fraudulently de- 
stroyed them; or, unacquainted with their consequence, innocently 
lost or trifled them away. By French usage they are considered 
family inheritances, and often descend to women and children. In 
one instance, and during the government of St. Auge here, a royal 
notary ran off with all the public papers in his possession, as by a 
certificate produced to me. And I am very sorry further to observe 
that in the office of Mr. Le Grand, which continued from 1777 to 
1787, and where should have been the vouchers for important land 
transactions, the records have been so falsified, and there is such 
gross fraud and forgery, as to invalidate all evidence and informa- 
tion which I might have otherwise acquired from his papers." 



74 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

Mr. Sargent say.s there were about 150 French families at Yin- 
cennes in 1790. The heads of all these families had been at some 
time vested with certain titles to a portion of the soil; and while 
the Secretary was busy in straightening out these claims, he re- 
ceived a petition signed by 80 Americans, asking for the confirma- 
tion of grants of land ceded by the Coart organized by Col. John 
Todd under the authority of Virginia. With reference to this 
cause, Congress, March 3, 1791, empowered the Territorial Governor, 
in cases where land had been actually improved and cultivated 
under a supposed grant for the same, to confirm to the persons who 
made such improvements the lands supposed to have been granted, 
not, however, exceeding the quantity of iOO acres to any one per- 
son. 

LIQUOR AND GAMING LAWS. 

The General Court in the summer of 1790, Acting Governor 
Sargent presiding, passed the following laws with reference to 
vending liquor among the Indians and others, and with reference 
to games of chance: 

1. An act to prohibit the giving or selling intoxicating liquors 
to Indians residing in or coming into the Territory of the United 
States northwest of the river Ohio, and for preventing foreigners 
from trading with Indians therein. 

2. An act prohibiting the sale of spirituous or other intoxicat- 
ing liquors to soldiers in the service of the United States, being 
within ten miles of any military post in the territory; and to pre- 
vent the selling or pawning of arms, ammunition, clothing or 
accoutrements. 

3. An act prohibiting every species of gaming for money or 
property, and for making void contracts and payments made in 
consequence thereof, and for restraining the disorderly practice 
of discharging arms at certain hours and places. 

Winthrop Sargent's administration was highly eulogized by the 
citizens at Vincennes, in a testimonial drawn up and signed by a 
committee of officers. He had conducted the investigation and 
settlement of land claims to the entire satisfaction of the residents, 
had upheld the principles of free government in keeping with the 
animus of the American Revolution, and had established in good 
order the machinery of a good and wise government. In the same 
address Major Hamtramck also received a fair share of praise for 
his judicious management of affairs. 



MILITARY HISTORY 1790-1800. 

EXPEDITIONS OF HARMiR, SCOTT AND WILKINSON. 

Gov. St. Clair, on his arrival at Fort Washington from Kas- 
kaskia, had a long conversation with Gen. Ilarinar, and concluded 
to send a powerful force to chastise the savages about the head- 
waters of the "Wabash. He had been empowered by the President 
to call on Virginia for 1,000 troops and on Pennsylvania for 500, 
and he immediately availed himself of this resource, ordering 300 
of the Virginia militia to muster at Fort Steuben and march with 
the garrison of tiiat fort to Vincenues, and join Maj. Hamtramck, 
who had orders to call for aid from the militia of Vincennes, march 
up the Wal)ash, and attack any of the Indian villages which he 
miglit think he could overcome. The remaining 1,200 of the mi- 
litia were ordered to rendezvous at Fort Washington, and to join 
the regular troops at that post under command of Gen. Harmar. 
At this time the United States troops in the West were estimated 
by Gen. Harmar at 400 effective men. These, with the militia, 
gave him a force of 1,450 men. With this army Gen. Harmar 
marched from Fort Washington Sept. 30, and arrived at the Mau- 
mee Oct. 17. They commenced the work of punishing the Indians, 
but were not very successl"ul. The savages, it is true, received a 
severe scourging, but the militia behaved so badly as to be of little 
or no service. A detachment of 340 militia and 60 regulars, under 
the command of Col. Hardin, were sorely defeated on the Maumee 
Oct. 22. The next day the army took up the line of march for 
Fort Washington, which place they reached Nov. 4, having lost in 
the expedition 183 killed and 31 wounded; the Indians lost about 
as many. During the progress of this expedition Maj. Hamtramck 
marched up the Wabash from Vincennes, as far as the Vermillion 
river, and destroyed several deserted villages, but without finding 
an enemy to oppose him. 

Although the savages seem to have been severely punished by 
tliese expeditions, yet they refused to sue for peace, and continued 
their hostilities. Thereupon the inhabitants of the frontier settle- 
ments of Virginia took alarm, and the delegate.^ of Ohio, Monoii- 



76 HISTORT OF INDIANA. 

gahela, Harrison, Randolph, Greenbrier, Kanawha and Mont- 
gomery counties sent a joint memorial to the Governor uf Vir- 
ginia, saying that tlie defenseless condition of tlie counties, form- 
ing a line of nearly 400 miles along the Ohio river, exposed to the 
hostile invasion of their Indian enemies, destitute of every kind of 
support, was truly alarming; for, notwithstanding all the regula- 
tions of the General Government in that country, they have reason 
to lament that they have been up to that time ineffectual for their 
protection; nor indeed could it be otherwise, for the garrisons kept 
by the Continental troops on the Ohio river, if of any use at all, 
must protect only the Kentucky settlements, as they immediately 
covered that country. They further stated in their memorial: "We 
beg leave to observe that we have reason to fear that the conse- 
quences of the defeat of our army by the Indians in the late expe- 
dition will be severely felt on our frontiers, as there is no doubt 
that the Indians will, in their turn, being flushed with victory, in- 
vade our settlements and exercise all their horrid murder upon the 
inhabitants thereof whenever the weather will permit them to 
travel. Then is it not better to support us where we are, be the ex- 
pense what it may, than to oblige such a number of your brave 
citizens, who have so long supported, and still continue to support, 
a dangerous frontier (although thousands of their relatives in the 
flesh have in the prosecution thereof fallen a sacrifice to savage in- 
ventions) to quit the country, after all they have done and suffered, 
when you know that a frontier must be supported somewhere?" 

This memorial caused the Legislature of Virginia to authorize 
the Governor of that State to make any defensive operations neces- 
sary for the temporary defense of the frontiers, until the general 
Government could adopt and carry out measures to suppress the 
hostile Indians. The Governor at once called upon the military 
commanding officers in the western counties of Virginia to raise hy 
the first of March, 1791, several small companies of rangers for this 
purpose. At the same time Charles Scott was appointed Brigadier- 
General of the Kentucky militia, with authority to raise 226 vol- 
unteers, to protect the most exposed portions of that district. K 
full report of the proceedings of the Virginia Legislature being 
transmitted to Congress, that body constituted a local Board of 
War for the district of Kentuck}-, consisting of five men. March 9, 
1791, Gen. Henry Knox, Secretary of War, sent a letter of instruc- 
tions to Gen. Scott, recommending an expedition of mounted men 
not exceeding 750, against the Wea towns on the Wabash. With 



HISTdKV OK INDIANA. 77 

this force Gen. Scott accordingly crossed the Ohio, May 23, 1791, 
and reached the Wabash in about ten days. Many of the Indians, 
having discovered his approach, fled, but he succeeded in destroy- 
ing all the villages around Ouiatenon, together with several Kick- 
apoo towns, killing 32 warriors and taking 5S prisoners. He 
released a few of the most infirm prisoners, giving them a " talk," 
which they carried to the towns farther up the Wabash, and which 
the wretched condition of his horses prevented him from reaching. 

March 3, 1791, Congress provided for raising and equipping a 
regiment for the protection of the frontiers, and Gov. St. Clair was 
invested with the chief command of about 3,000 troops, to be raised 
and employed against the hostile Indians in the territory over 
whicli his jurisdiction extended. H(? was instructed by the Secre- 
tary of War to march to the Miami village and establish a strong 
and permanent military post there; also such posts elsewhere along 
the Ohio as would be in communication with Fort Washington. 
The post at Miami village was intended to keep the savages in that 
vicinity in check, and was ordered to be strong enough in its gar- 
rison to afford a detachment of 500 or 600 men in case of emer- 
gency, either to chastise any of the Wabash or other hostile Indians 
or capture convoys of the enemy's provisions. The Secretary of 
War also urged Gov. St. Clair to establish that post as the first and 
most important part of the campaign. In case of a previous 
treaty the Indians were to be conciliated upon this point if possible; 
and he presumed good arguments might be offered to induce their 
acquiescence. Said he: "Having commenced your march upon the 
main expedition, and the Indians continuing hostile, you will use 
every possible exertion to make them feel the effects of your superi- 
ority; and, after having arrived at the Miami village and put your 
works in a defensible state, you will seek the enemy with the whole 
of your remaining force, and endeavor by all possible means to 
strike them with great severity. * * * * 

In order to avoid future wars, it might be proper to make the Wa- 
bash and thence over to the Maumee, and down the same to its 
mouth, at Lake Erie, the boundary between the people of the 
United States and the Indians (excepting so far as the same should 
relate to the Wyandots and Delawares), on the supposition of their 
continuing faithful to the treaties; but if they should join in the 
war against the United States, and your army be victorious, the 
said tribes ought to be removed without the boundary mentioned." 

Previous to marching a strong force to the Miami town, Gov. St. 



7b HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

Clair, June 25, 1791, authorized Gen Wilkinson to conduct a second 
expedition, not exceeding 500 mounted men, against the Indian 
villages on the Wabash. Accordingly Gen. Wilkinson mustered 
his forces and was ready July 20, to march with 525 mounted vol- 
unteers, well armed, and provided with 30 days' provisions, and 
with this force he reached the Ke-na-pa-com-a-qua village on the 
north bank of Eel river about six miles above its mouth, Aug. 7, 
where he killed six warriors and took 34 prisoners. This town> 
which was scattered along the river for three miles, was totally de- 
stroyed. Wilkinson encamped on the ruins of the town that night, 
and the next day he commenced his march for the Kickapoo town 
on the prairie, which he was unable to reach owing to the impassa- 
ble condition of the route which he adopted and the failing condi- 
tion of his horses. He reported the estimated results of the expe- 
/dition as follows: "I have destroyed the chief town of the Ouiate- 
non nation, and have made prisoners of tlie sons and sisters of the 
king. I have burned a respectable Kickapoo village, and cutdown 
at least 400 acres of corn, chiefly in the milk." 

EXPEDITIONS OF ST. CLAIK AND WAYNE. 

The IndianB were greatly damaged by the expeditions of Harmar, 
Scott and Wilkinson, but were far from being subdued. They 
regarded the policy of the United States as calculated to extermi- 
nate them from the land; and, goaded on by the English of Detroit, 
enemies of the Americans, they were excited to desperation. At 
this time the British Government still supported garrisons at 
Niagara, Detroit and Michilimackinac, although it was declared by 
the second article of the definitive treaty of peace of 17S3, that 
the king of Great Britain would, " with all convenient speed, and 
without causing any destruction or carrying away any negroes or 
property of the American inhabitants, withdraw all his forces, 
garrisons and fleets from the United States, and from every post, 
place and iiarbor within the same." That treaty also provided that 
the creditors on either side should meet with no lawful impedi- 
ments to the recovery of the full value, in sterling money, of all 
honu fide debts previously contracted. The British Government 
claimed that the United States had broken faith in this particular 
understanding of the treaty, and in consequence refused to with- 
draw its forces from the territory. The British garrisons in the 
Lake Region wepo a source of much annoyance to the Americans, 
as they afforded oviitor xo hostile Indians, encouraging them to 



mSTOliV OF INDIANA. 79 

make raids among the Americans. This state of affairs in the 
Territory Northwest of tiie Ohio continued from the commence- 
ment of the Revolutionary war to 1796, when under a second 
treaty all British soldiers were withdrawn from the country. 

In September, 1791, St. Clair moved from Fort Washington 
with about 2,000 men, and November 3, the main army, consisting 
of about 1,400 effective troops, moved forward to the head-waters 
of the Wabash, where Fort Recovery was afterward erected, and 
here the army encamped. About 1,200 Indians were secreted a few 
miles distant, awaiting a favorable opportunity to begin an attack, 
which they improved on the morning of Nov. 4, about half an hour 
before sunrise. The attack was first made upon the militia, which 
immediately gave way. St. Clair was defeated and he returned to 
Fort Wasiiington with a broken and dispirited army, having lost 
39 officers killed, and 539 men killed and missing; 22 officers and 
232 men were wounded. Several pieces of artillery, and all the 
baggage, ammunition and provisions were left on the field of bat- 
tle and fell into the hands of the victorious Indians. The stores 
and other public property lost iu the action were valued at $32,800. 
There were also 100 or more American women with the army of 
the wiiites, very few of whom escaped the cruel carnage of the sav- 
age Indians. The latter, characteristic of their brutal nature, 
proceeded in the flush of victory to perpetrate the most horrible 
acts of cruelty and brutality upon the bodies of the living and the 
dead Americans who fell into their hands. Believing that the 
whites had made war for many years merely to acquire land, the 
Indians crammed clay and sand into the eyes and down tlie throats 
of the dying and the dead! 

GEN. Wayne's great victory. 

Although no particular blame was attached to Gov. St. Clair for 
the loss in this expedition, yet he resigned the office of Major-Gen- 
eral, and was succeeded by Anthony Wayne, a distinguished 
officer of the Revolutionary war. Early in 1792 provisions were 
made by the general Government for re-organizing the army, so 
that it should consist of an efficient degree of strength. Wayne 
arrived at Pittsburg in June, where the army was to rendezvous. 
Here he continued actively engaged in organizing and training his 
forces until October, 1793, when with an army of about 3,600 men 
he moved westward to Fort Washington. 

While Wavne was preparing for an offensive campaign, every 



so nisruKY OF Indiana. 

possible means was employed to induce tlie hostile tribes of the 
Northwest to enter into a general treaty of peace with the Ameri- 
can Government; speeches were sent amonw them, and agents to 
make treaties were also sent, but little was accomplished. Major 
Hamtramck, who still remained at Vincennes, succeeded in con- 
cluding a general peace with the Wabash and Illinois Indians; but 
the tribes more immediately under the influence of the British 
refused to hear the sentiments of friendship that were sent among 
them, and tomahawked several of the messengers. Their courage 
had been aroused by St. Clair's defeat, as well as by the unsuccess- 
ful expeditions which had preceded it, and they now felt quite pre- 
pared to meet a superior force under Gen. Wayne. The Indians 
insisted on the Ohio river as the boundary line between their lands 
and the lands of the United States, and felt certain that they could 
maintain tlmt boundary. 

Maj. Gen. Scott, with about 1,600 mounted volunteers from 
Kentucky, joined the regular troops under Gen. Wayne July 26, 
1794, and on the 28th the united forces began their march for the 
Indian towns on the Maumee river. Arriving at the mouth of 
the Auglaize, they erected Fort Detiance, and Aug. 15 the army 
advanced toward the British fort at the foot of the rapids of the 
Maumee, where, on the 20th, almost within reach of the British 
the American army gained a decisive victory over the combined 
forces of the hostile Indians and a considerable number of the 
Detroit militia. The number of the enemy was estimated at 2,000, 
against about 900 American troops actually engaged. This horde 
of savages, as soon as the action began, abandoned themselves to 
flight and dispersed with terror and dismay, leaving Wayne's vic- 
torious army in full and quiet possession of the field. The Ameri- 
cans lost 33 killed and 100 wounded; loss of the enemy more than 
double this number. 

The army remained three days and nights on the banks of the 
Maumee, in front of the field of battle, during which time all the 
houses and cornfields were consumed and destroyed for a considera- 
ble distance both above and below Fort Miami, as well as within 
pistol shot of the British garrison, who were compelled to remain 
idle spectators to this general devastation and conflagration, among 
which were the houses, stores and property of Col. McKee, the 
British Indian agent and " principal stimulator of the war then 
existing between the United States and savages." On the return 
march to Fort Defiance the villages and cornfields for about 5C 



HISTOKV OF INDIANA. 81 

miles on each side of tlie Mauinee were destroyed, as well as those 
for a considerable distance around that post. 

Sept. ]i. 179-ir, tlie army under Gen. Wayne commenced its 
marcli toward tlie deserted Miami villages at the confluence of St. 
Joseph's and St. Mary's rivers, arriving Oct. 17, and on the follow- 
ing day the site of Fort Wayne was selected. The fort was com- 
pleted Xov. 2'2, and garrisoned by a strong detachment of infantry 
and artillery, under the command of Col. John F. Hamtramck, who 
gave to the new fort the name of Fort Wayne. In 1814 a new fort 
was built on the site of this structure. The Kentucky volunteers 
returned to Fort Washington and were mustered out of service. 
Gen. Wa3me, with the Federal troops, marched to Greenville and 
took up his headquarters during the winter. Here, in August, 
1795, after several months of active negotiation, this gallant officer 
succeeded in concluding a general treaty of peace with all the hos- 
tile tribes of the Northwestern Territory. This treaty opened the 
way for the flood of immigration for many years, and ultimately 
made the States and territories now constituting tiie mighty North- 
west. 

Up to the organization of the Indiana Territory there is but little 
history to record aside from those events connected with military 
affixirs. In July, 1796, as before stated, after a treaty was con- 
cluded between tlie United States and Spain, the British garrisons, 
with their arms, artillery and stores, were withdrawn from the 
posts within the boundaries of the United States northwest of the 
Ohio river, and a detachment of American troops, consisting of 65 
men, under the command of Capt. Moses Porter, took possession 
of the evacuated post of Detroit in the same month. 

In the latter part of 1796 Winthrop Sargent went to Detroit and 
organized the county of Wayne, forming a part of the Indiana 
Territory until its division in 1805, when the Territory of Michigan 
was organized. 



TEKRITORIAL HISTOEY. 

ORGANIZATION OF INDIANA TEEEITOEY. 

On the final success of American arms and diplomacy in 1796, 
the principal town within the Territory, now the State, of Indiana 
was Vincennes, which at this time comprised about 50 liouses, all 
presenting a thrifty and tidy appearance. Each house was sur- 
rounded by a garden fenced with poles, and peach and apple-trees 
grew in most of the enclosures. Garden vegetables of all kinds 
were cultivated with success, and corn, tobacco, wheat, barley and 
cotton grew in the fields around the village in abundance. During 
the last few years of the 18th century the condition of society at 
Vincennes improved wonderfully. 

Besides Vincennes there was a small settlement near where the 
town of Lawrenceburg now stands, in Dearborn county, and in the 
course of that year a small settlement was formed at " Armstrong's 
Station," on the Ohio, within the present limits of Clark county. 
There were of course several other smaller settlements and trading 
posts in the present limits of Indiana, and the number of civilized 
inhabitants comprised within the territory was estimated at 4,875. 

The Territory of Indiana was organized by Act of Congress May 
7, 1800, the material parts of the ordinance of 1787 remaining in 
force; and the inhabitants were invested with all the I'ights, privi- 
leges and advantages granted and secured to the people by that 
ordinance. The seat of government was fixed at Vincennes. May 
13, 1800, Wm. Henry Harrison, a native ot Virginia, was appoint- 
ed Governor of this new territory, and on the next day John Gib- 
son, a native of Pennsylvania and a distinguished "Western pioneer, 
(to whom the Indian chief Logan delivered his celebrated speech in 
1774), was appointed Secretary of the Territory. Soon afterward 
Wm. Clark, Henry Vanderburgh and John Griffio were appointed 
territorial Judges. 

Secretary Gibson arrived at Vincennes in July, and commenced, 
in the absence of Gov. Harrison, the administration of government. 
Gov. Harrison did not arrive until Jan. 10, 1801, when he imme- 
diately called together the Judges of the Territory, who proceeded 

(82) 



HISTORY OF INIMANA. S3 

to pass such laws as they deemed necessary for the present govern- 
ment of the Territory. This session began March 3, 1801. 

From this time to 1810 the principal subjects wliicli attracted the 
attention of the people of Indiana were land speculations, the 
adjustment of land titles, the question of negro slavery, the purchase 
of Indian lands by treaties, the organization of Territorial legis- 
latures, the extension of the right of suffrage, the division of 
Indiana Territory, the movements of Aaron Burr, and the hostile 
views and proceedings of the Shawanee chief, Tecuniseh, and his 
brother, the Propliet. 

Up to this time the sixth article of the celebrated ordinance of 
1787, prohibiting slavery in the Northwestern Territor}', had been 
somewhat neglected in the execution of the law, and many French 
settlers still held slaves in a manner. In some instances, according 
to rules prescribed by Territorial legislation, slaves agreed by 
indentures to remain in servitude under their masters for a certain 
number of years; but many slaves, with whom no such contracts 
were made, were removed from the Indiana Territory either to the 
west of the Mississippi or to some of the slaveholdlng States, 
Gov. Harrison convoked a session of delegates of the 'ierritory^ 
elected by a popular vote, who petitioned Congress to declare tiie 
sixth article of the ordinance of 1787, prohibiting slavery, suspend- 
ed; but Congress never consented to grant that petition, and many 
other petitions of a similar import. Soon afterward some of the 
citizens began to take colored persons out of the Territory for the 
purpose of selling them, and Gov. Harrison, by a proclamatiou 
April 6, 1804, forbade it, and called upon the authorities of the 
Territory to assist him in preventing such removal of persons 
of color. 

During the year 1804 all the country west of the Mississippi and 
north of 33° was attached to Indiana Territory by Congress, but in 
a few months was again detached and organized into a separate ter- 
ritory. 

When it appeared from the result of a popular vote in the Terri- 
tory that a majority of 138 freeliolders were in favor of organizing 
a General Assembly, Gov. Harrison, Sept. 11, 1804, issued a procla- 
mation declaring that tlie Territory had passed into the second grade 
of government, as contemplated by the ordinance of 1787, and 
fixed Thursday, Jan. 3, 1805, as the time for holding an election in 
the several counties of the Territory, to choose members of a House 
of Representatives, who should meet at Vincennes Feb. 1 and 



84 UISTOltY OF INDIANA. 

adopt measures for the orgaaizatioii of a Territorial Council. These 
delegates were elected, and met according to the proclamation, and 
selected ten men from whom the President of the United States, 
Mr. Jefferson, should appoint five to be and constitute the Legisla- 
tive Council of the Territory, but he declining, requested Mr. Har- 
rison to make the selection, which was accordingly done. Before 
the first session of this Council, however, was held, Michigan Ter- 
ritory was set off, its south line being one drawn from the southern 
end of Lake Michigan directly east to Lake Erie. 

FIBST TERKITOKIAL LEGISLATURE. 

The first General Assembly, or Legislature, of Indiana Territory 
met at Vincennes July 29, 1805, in pursuance of a gubernatorial 
proclamation. The members of the House of Representatives were 
Jesse B. Thomas, of Dearborn county; Davis Floyd. of Clark count}'; 
Benjamin Parke and John Johnson, of Knox county; Shadrach 
Bond and William Biggs, of St. Clair county, and George Fisher, 
of Randolph count}'. July 30 the Governor delivered his first mes- 
sage to "the Legislative Council and House of Representatives of 
the Indiana Territory." Benjamin Parke was the first delegate 
elected to Congress. He had emigrated from New Jersey to In- 
diana in 1801. 

THE "western sun" 

was the first newspaper published in the Indiana Territory, now 
comprising the four great States of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and 
Wisconsin, and the second in all that country once known as the 
"Northwestern Territory." It was commenced at Vincennes in 
1S03, by Elihu Stout, of Kentucky, and- first called the Indiana 
OaztUe, and July, 4, 1S04, was changed to the 'Western Sun. Mr. 
Stout continued the paper until 1845, amid many discouragements, 
■when he was appointed postmaster at the place, and he sold out 
the office. 

INDIANA IN 1810. 

The events which we have just been describing really constitute 
the initiatory steps to the great military campaign of Gen. Harrison 
which ended in the "battle of Tippecanoe;" but before proceeding 
to an account of that brilliant affair, let us take a glance at the re- 
sources and strength of Indiana Territory at this time, 1810: 

Total population, 24,520; 33 grist mills: 14 saw mills; 3 horse 
mills; 18 tanneries; 28 distilleries; 3 powder mills; 1,256 looms; 



HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 85 

1,350 spinning wheels; value of manufactures — woolen, cotton 
hempen and flaxen cloths, $159,052; of cotton and wool spun in 
mills, $150,000; of nails, 30,000 pounds, $4,000; of leather tanned, 
$i},300; of distillery products, 35,950 gallons, $16,230; of gun- 
powder, 3,600 pounds, $1,S00; of wine from grapes, 96 barrels, 
$6,000, and 5 0,000 pounds of maple sugar. 

During the year 1810 a Board of Commissioners was established 
to straighten out the confused condition into which the land-title 
controversy had been carried by the various and conflicting admin- 
istrations that had previously exercised jurisdiction in this regard. 
This work was attended with much labor on the part of the Commis- 
sioners and great dissatisfaction on the part of a few designing sj^ecu- 
lators, who thought no extreme of perjury too hazardous in their 
mad attempts to obtain lands fraudulently. In closing their report 
the Commissioners used the following expressive language: ''We 
close this melancholy picture of human depravity by rendering our 
devout acknowledgment that, in the awful alternative in which we 
have been placed, of either admitting perjured testimony in sup- 
port of the claims befoi'e us, or having it turned against our char- 
acters and lives, it has as yet pleased that divine providence which 
rules over the affairs of men, to preserve us, both from legal mur- 
der and private assassination." 

The question of dividing the Territory of Indiana was agitated 
from 1S06 to 1809, when Congress erected the Territory of Illinois, 
to comprise all that part of Indiana Territory lying west of the 
Wabash river and a direct line drawn from that river and Post 
Vincennes due north to the territorial line between the United 
States and Canada. This occasioned some confusion in the govern- 
ment of Indiana, but in due time the new elections were confirmed, 
and the new territuiy started off on a journey of prosperity which 
this section of the United States has ever since enjoyed. 

From the first settlement of Vincennes for nearly half a century 
there occurred nothing of importance to relate, at least so far as 
the records inform us. The place was too isolated to grow very 
fast, and we suppose there was a succession of priests and com- 
mandants, who governed the little world around them with almost 
infinite power and authority, from whose decisions there was no 
appeal, if indeed any was ever desired. The character of society 
in such a place would of course grow gradually different from the 
parent society, assimilating more or less with that of neighboring 
tribes. The whites lived in peace with the Indians, each under- 



86 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

Standing the other's peculiarities, which remained fixed long 
enough for both parties to study out and understand them. The 
government was a mixture of the military and the civil. There 
was little to incite to enterprise. Speculations in money and prop- 
erty, and their counterpart, beggary, were both unknown; the nec- 
essaries of life were easily procured, and beyond these there were 
but few wants to be supplied; hospitality was exercised by all, as 
there were no taverns; there seemed to be no use for law, judges 
or prisons; each district had its commandant, and the proceedings 
of a trial were singular. The complaining party obtained a notifi- 
cation from the commandant to his adversary, accompanied by a 
command to render justice. If this had no eflect he was notified 
to appear before the commandant on a particular da}' and answer; 
and if the last notice was neglected, a sergeant and file of men 
were sent to bring him, — no sheriff and no costs. The convicted 
party would be fined and kept in j)rison until he rendered justice 
according to the decree; when extremely refractory the cat-o'-nine- 
tails brought him to a sense of justice. In such a state of society 
there was no demand for learning and science. Few could read, 
and still fewer write. Their disposition was nearly always to deal 
honestly, at least simply. Peltries were their standard of value. 
A brotherly love generally prevailed. But they were devoid of 
public spirit, enterprise or ingenuity. 




GOV. HARRISON AND THE INDIANS. 

Immediately after the organization of Indiana Territory Governor 
Harrison's attention was directed, by necessity as well as by in- 
structions from Congress, to settling affairs with those Indians who 
still held claims to lands. He entered into several treaties, by 
which at the close of 1805 the United States Government had ob- 
tained about 46,000 square miles of territory, including all the 
lands lying on the borders of the Ohio river between the mouth of 
the "Wabash river and the State of Ohio. 

The lei^ying of a tax, especially a poll tax, by the General Assem- 
bly, created considerable dissatisfaction among many of the inhabit- 
ants. At a meeting held Sunday, August 16, 1807, a number of 
Frenchmen resolved to " withdraw their confidence and support 
forever from those men who advocated or in any manner promoted 
the second grade of government." 

In 1807 the territorial statutes were revised and under the new 
code, treason, murder, arson and horse-stealing were each punish- 
able by death. The crime of manslaughter was punishable by the 
common law. Burglary and robbery were punishable by whip- 
ping, fine and in some cases by imprisonment not exceeding forty 
years. Hog stealing was punishable by fine and whipping. Bigamy 
was punishable b}' fine, whipping and disfranchisement, etc. 

In 1804 Congress established three land offices for the sale of 
lands in Indiana territory; one was located at Detroit, one at Vin- 
cennes and one at Kaskaskia. In 1807 a fourth one was opened at 
Jefferson ville, Clark county; this town was first laid out in 1802, 
agreeably to plans suggested by Mr. Jefferson then President of 
the United States. 

Governor Harrison, according to his message to the Legislature 
in 1806, seemed to think that the peace then existing between the 
whites and the Indians was permanent; but in the same document 
he referred to a matter that might be a source of trouble, which in- 
deed it proved to be, namely, the execution of white laws among 
the Indians — laws to which the latter had not been a party in their 
enactment. The trouble was aggravated by the partiality with 
which the laws seem always t6 have been executed; the Indian 

(sr) 



88 HISTOEY OF INDIANA. 

was nearly always the sufferer. All along from 1805 to 1810 the 
Indians complained bitterly against the encroachments of the white 
people upon the lands that belonged to them. The invasion of their 
hunting grounds and the unjustifiable killing of many of their peo- 
ple M'ere the sources of their discontent. An old chief, in laying 
the trouble of his people before Governor Harrison, said: "You 
call us children ; why do you not make us as happy as our fathers, 
the French, did? The}' never took from us our lands; indeed, they 
were common between us. They planted where they pleased, and 
they cut wood where they pleased; and so did we; but now if a 
poor Indian attempts to take a little bark from a tree to cover him 
from the rain, up comes a white man and threatens to shoot him, 
claiming the tree as his own." 

The Indian truly had grounds for his complaint, and the state of 
feeling existing among the tribes at this time was well calculated 
to develop a patriotic leader who should carry them all forward to 
victory at arms, if certain concessions were not made to them by the 
whites. But this golden opportunity was seized by an unworthy 
warrior. A brother of Tecumseh, a "prophet" named Law-le-was-i- 
kaw, but who assumed the name of Pems-quat-a-wah (Open Door), 
was the crafty Shawanee warrior who was enabled to work upon 
both the superstitions and the rational judgment of his fellow In- 
dians. He was a good orator, somewhat peculiar in his appearance 
and well calculated to win the attention and respect of the savages. 
He began by denouncing witchcraft, the use of intoxicating liquors, 
the custom of Indian women marrying white men, the dress of the 
whites and the practice of selling Indian lands to the United States. 
He also told the Indians that the commands of the Great Spirit re- 
quired them to punish with death those who practiced the arts of 
witchcraft and magic; that the Great Spirit had given him power 
to find out and expose such persons; that he had power to cure all 
■diseases, to confound his enemies and to stay the arm of death in 
sickness and on the battle-field. His harangues aroused among 
some bands of Indians a high degree of superstitious excitement. 
An old Delaware chief named Ta-te-bock-o-she, through whose in- 
fluence a treaty had been made with the Delawares in 1804, was 
accused of witchcraft, tried, condemned and tomahawked, and 
his body consumed by fire. The old chief's wife, nephew 
("Billy Patterson ") and an aged Indian named Joshua were next 
accused of witchcraft and condemned to death. The two men were 
burned at the stake, but the wife of Ta-te-bock-o-she was saved from 




TnE SHAW.NEK i'KOf'ilK P. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 91 

death by her brother, who suddenly approached her, took her by the 
hand, and, without meeting any opposition from the Indians present, 
led her out of the council- house. He then immediately returned and 
checked the growing influence of the Prophet by exclaiming in a 
strong, earnest voice, " The Evil Spirit has come among us and we 
are killing each other." — [Dillon's Ilhtorii of Indiana. 

When Gov. Harrison was made acquainted with these events he 
sent a special messenger to the Indians, strongly entreating them to 
renounce the Prophet and his works. This really destroyed to some 
extent the Prophet's influence; but in the spring of 1808, having 
aroused nearly all the tribes of the Lake Region, the Prophet with 
a large number of followers settled near the mouth of the Tippe- 
canoe river, at a place which afterward had the name of "Prophet's- 
Town." Taking advantage of his brother's influence, Tecuraseh 
actively engaged himself in forming the various tribes into a con- 
federacy. He announced publicly to all the Indians that the 
treaties by which the United States had acquired lands northwest 
of the Ohio were not made in fairness, and should be considered 
void. He also said that no single tribe was invested with power to 
sell lands without the consent of all the other tribes, and that he 
and his brother, the Prophet, would oppose and resist all future 
attempts which the white people might make to extend their set- 
tlements in the lands that belonged to the Indians. 

Early in 1808, Gov. Harrison sent a speech to the Shawanees, 
in which was this sentence: " My children, this business must be 
stopped; I will no longer sufler it. You have called a number of 
men from the most distant tribes to listen to a fool, who speaks 
not the words of the Great Spirit but those of the devil and the 
British agents. My children, your conduct has much alarmed the 
white settlers near you. They desire that you will send away those 
people; and if they wish to have the impostor with them they can 
carry him along with them. Let him go to the lakes; he can hear 
the British more distinctly." This message wounded the pride of 
the Prophet, and he prevailed on the messenger to inform Gov. 
Harrison that he was not in league with the British, but was speak- 
ing truly the words of the Great Spirit. 

In the latter part of the summer of 1808, the Prophet spent sev- 
eral weeks at Vincennes, for the purpose of holding interviews 
with Gov. Harrison. At one time he told the Governor that he 
was a Christian and endeavored to persuade his people also to 
become Christians, abandon the use of liquor, be united in broth- 



92 HISTOKV OK INUIANA. 

erlj love, etc., making Mr. Harrison believe at least, that he was 
honest; but before long it was demonstrated that the "Prophet'* 
was designing, cunning and unreliable; that both he and Tecumseh 
were enemies of the United States, and friends of the English; and 
that in case of a war between the Americans and English, they 
would join the latter. The next year the Prophet again visited 
Vincennes, with assurances that he was not in sympathy with the 
English, but the Governor was not disposed to believe him; and in 
a letter to the Secretary of War, in July, 1809, he said that he 
regarded the bands of Indians at Prophet's Town as a combination 
which had been produced by British intrigue and influence, in antic- 
ipation of a war between them and the United States. 

In direct opposition to Tecumseh and the prophet and in spite 
of all these difficulties, Gov. Harrison continued the work of extin- 
guishing Indian titles to lands, with very good success. By the 
close of 1809, the total amount of land ceded to the United States, 
under treaties which had been efl'ected by Mr. Harrison, exceeded 
30,000,000 a res. 

From 1S05 to 1807, the movements of Aaron Burr in the Ohio 
valley created considerable excitement in Indiana. It seemed tiiat 
he intended to collect a force of men, invade Mexico and found a 
republic there, com])rising all the country west of the Alleghany 
mountains. He gathered, however, but a few men, started south, 
and was soon arrested by the Federal authorities. But before his 
arrest he had abandoned his expedition and his followers had 
dispersed. 

Harrison's campaign. 

While the Indians were combining to prevent any further trans- 
fer of land to the whites, the British were using the advantage as a 
groundwork for a successful war upon the Americans. In the 
spring of 1810 the followers of the Prophet refused to receive their 
annuity of salt, and the officials who offered it were denounced as 
"American dogs," and otherwise treated in a disrespectful manner. 
Gov. Harrison, in July, attempted to gain the friendship of the 
Prophet by sending him a letter, offering to treat with him person- 
ally in the matter of his grievances, or to furnish means to send 
him, with three of his principal chiefs, to the President at Wash- 
ington; but the messenger was coldly received, and they returned 
word that they would visit Vincennes in a few days and interview 
the Governor. Accordingl}', Aug. 12, 1810, the Shawanee chief 
with 70 of his principal warriors, marched up to the door of the 



IIISTOKY OF INDIANA. 93 

Ooveriior's liouse, and from that day until the 22d held daily inter- 
views with llis Excellency, lu all of iiis speeches Tecumseh was 
liaughty, and sometimes arrogant. On the 20tli he delivered that 
celebrated speech in which he gave the Governor the alternative of 
returning their lands or meeting them in battle. 

While the Governor was replying to this speech Tecumseh inter- 
rupted hiin with an angry exclamation, declaring that the United 
States, through Gov. Harrison, had "cheated and imposed on the 
Indians." When Tecumseh first rose, a number of his party also 
sprung to their feet, armed wnth clubs, tomahawks and spears, and 
made some threatening demoustrations. The Governor's guards, 
who stood a little way oflf, were marched up in haste, and the In- 
dians, awed by the presence of this small armed force, abandoned 
what seemed to be an intention to make an open attack on the Gov- 
ernor and his attendants. As soon as Tecumseh's remarks were 
interpreted, the Governor reproached him for his conduct, and com- 
manded him to depart instantly to his camp. 

On the following day Tecumseh repented of his rash act and re- 
quested the Governor to grant him another interview, and pro- 
tested against any intention of offense. The Governor consented, 
and the council was re-opened on the 21st, when the Shawanee 
chief addressed him in a respectful and dignified manner, but re- 
mained immovable in his policy. The Governor then requested 
Tecumseh to state plainly whether or not the surveyors who might 
be sent to survey the lands purchased at the treaty of Fort Wayne 
in 1809, would be molested by Indians. Tecumseh replied: 
"Brother, when you speak of annuities to me, I look at the land 
and pity the women and children. I am authorized to say that they 
will not receive them. Brother, we want to save that piece of land. 
We do not wish you to take it. It is small enough for our purpose. 
If you do take it, you must blame yourself as the cause of the 
trouble between us and the tribes who sold it to you. I want the 
present boundary line to continue. Should you cross it, I assure 
you it will be productive of bad consequences." 

Tiie next day the Governor, attended only by his interpreter, 
visited the camp of the great Shawanee, and in the course of a long 
interview told him that the President of the United States would 
not acknowledge liis claims. "Well," replied the brave warrior, 
"as the great chief is to determine the matter, I hope the Great 
Spirit will put sense enough into his head to induce liim to direct 
you to give up this land. It is true, he is so far off he will not be 



tJ4 UISTOEY OF INDIANA. 

injured by the war. He may sit still in his town and drink his 
wine, while yon and I will have to fight it out." 

In his message to the new territorial Legislature in 1810 Gov. 
Harrison called attention to the dangerous views held by Tecumseh 
and the Prophet, to the pernicious influence of alien enemies 
among the Indians, to the unsettled condition of the Indian trade 
and to the policy of extinguishing Indian titles to lands. The 
eastern settlements were separated from the western by a consider- 
able extent of Indian lands, and the most fertile tracts within the 
territory were still in the hands of the Indians. Almost entirely 
divested of the game from which they had drawn their subsistence, 
it had become of little use to them; and it was the intention of 
the Government to substitute for the precarious and scanty sup- 
plies of the chase the more certain and plentiful support of agri- 
culture and stock-raising. The old habit of the Indians to hunt 
so long as a deer could be found was so inveterate that they would 
not break it and resort to intelligent agriculture unless they were 
compelled to, and to this they would not be compelled unless they 
were confined to a limited extent of territory. The earnest lan- 
guage of the Governor's appeal was like this: "Are then those 
extinguishments of native title which are at once so beneficial to 
the Indian and the territory of the United States, to be suspended on 
account of the intrigues of a few individuals? Is one of the fair- 
est portions of the globe to remain in a state of nature, the hannt 
of a few wretched savages, when it seems destined by the Creator 
to give support to a large population, and to be the seat of civili- 
zation, of science and true religion?" 

In the same message the Governor also urged the establishment 
of a system of popular education. 

Among the acts passed bv this session of the Legislature, one 
authorized the President and Directors of the Vincennes Public 
Library to raise $1,000 by lottery. Also, a petition was sent to 
Congress for a permanent seat of government for the Territory, and 
commissioners were appointed to select the site. 

With the beginning of the year 1811 the British agent for 
Indian affairs adopted measures calculated to secure the support of 
the savages in the war which at this time seemed almost inevitable. 
Meanwhile Gov. Harrison did all in his power to destroy the influ- 
ence of Tecumseh and his brother and break up the Indian confed- 
eracy which was oeing organized in the interests of Great Britain. 
Pioneer settlers and the Indians naturally grew uiore and more 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 95 

aggressive and intolerant, committing depredations and murders, 
until the Governor felt compelled to send the following speech, 
substantially, to the two leaders of the Indian tribes: "This is the 
third year that all the white people in this country have been 
alarmed at your proceedings; you threaten us with war; you invite 
all the tribes north and west of you to join against us, while your 
warriors who have lately been here deny this. The tribes on the 
Mississippi have sent me word that you intended to murder me 
and then commence a war upon my people, and your seizing the salt 
I recently sent up the Wabash is also sufficient evidence of such 
intentions on your part. My warriors are preparing themselves, 
not to strike you, but to defend themselves and their women and 
children. You shall not surprise us, as you e.xpect to do. Your 
intended act is a rash one: consider well of it. What can induce 
you to undertake such a thing when there is so little prospect of 
success? Do you really think that the handful of men you have 
about you are able to contend with the seventeen 'fires?' or even 
that the whole of the tribes united could contend against the Ken- 
tucky 'fire' alone? I am myself of the Long 'Knife fire.' As soon 
as they hear my voice you will see tliem pouring forth their swarms 
of hunting-shirt men as numerous as the musquitoes on the shores 
of the Wabash. . Take care of their stings. It is not our wish to 
hurt you; if we did, we certainly have power to do it. 

" You have also insulted the Government of the United States, 
by seizing the salt that was intended for other tribes. Satisfaction 
must be given for that also. You talk of coming to see me, attend- 
ed by all of your young men; but this must not be. If your inten- 
tions are good, you have no need to bring but a few of your young 
men with you. I must be plain with you. I will not suffer you 
to come into our settlements with such a force. My advice is that 
you visit the President of the United States and lay your griev- 
ances before him. 

" With respect to the lands that were purchased last fall I can 
enter into no negotiations with you; the affair is with the Presi- 
dent. If you wish to go and see him, I will supply you with the 
means. 

" The person who delivers this is one of my war officers, and is a 
man in whom I have entire confidence; whatever he says to you, 
although it may not be contained in this paper, you may believe 
comes from me. My friend Tecumseh, the bearer is a good man 
and a brave warrior; I hope you will treat him well. You ar? 



96 UISTORT OF INDIANA. 

yourself a warrior, and all such should have esteem for each other." 

The bearer of this speech was politely received by Tecumseh, 
•who replied to the Governor briefly that he should visit Vincennes 
in a few days. Accordingly he arrived July 27, 1811, bringing 
with him a considerable force of Indians, which created much 
alarm among the inhabitants. In view of an emergency Gov. 
Harrison reviewed his militia — about 750 armed men — and station- 
ed two companies and a detachment of dragoons on the borders of 
the town. At this interview Tecumseh held forth that he intended 
no war against the United States; that he would send messengers 
among the Indians to prevent murders and depredations on the 
white settlements; that the Indians, as well as the whites, who had 
committed murders, ought to be forgiven; that he had set the white 
people an example of forgiveness, which tliey ought to follow; 
that it wag his wish to establish a union among all the Indian 
tribes; that the northern tribes were united; that he was going to 
visit the southern Indians, and then return to the Prophet's town. 
He said also that he would visit the President the next spring and 
settle all difficulties with liim, and that he hoped no attempts would 
be made to make settlements on the lands which had been sold to 
the United States, at the treaty of Fort Wayne, because the Indians 
wanted to keep those grounds for hunting. 

Tecumseh then, with about 20 of his followers, left for the South, 
to induce the tribes in that direction to join his confederacy. 

By the way, a lawsuit was instituted by Gov. Harrison against a 
certain Wm. Mcintosh, for asserting that the plaintiff had cheated 
the Indians out of their lands, and that by so doing he had made 
them enemies to the United States. The defendant was a wealthy 
Scotch resident of Vincennes, well educated, and a man of influence 
/ among the people opposed to Gov. Harrison's land policy. The 
jury rendered a verdict in favor of Harrison, assessing the damages 
at $4,000. In execution of the decree of Court a large quantity of 
the defendant's land was sold in the absence of Gov. Harrison; 
but some time afterward Harrison caused about two-thirds of the 
j land to be restored'to Mr. Mcintosh, and the remainder was given 
to some orphan children. 

Harrison's first movement was to erect a new fort on the Wabash 
river and to break up the assemblage of hostile Indians at the 
Prophet's town. For this purpose he ordered Col. Boyd's regiment 
of infantry to move from the falls of Ohio to Vincennes. When 
the military expedition organized by Gov. Harrison was nearly 



HISTORY OF INIiIANA. 97 

ready to march to the Prophet's town, several Indian chiefs arrived 
at Vincennes Sept. 25, 1811, and declared that the Indians 
would comply with the demands of the Governor and disperse; but 
this did not check the military proceedings. The army under com- 
mand of Harrison moved from Vincennes Sept. 26, and Oct. 3, en- 
countering no opposition from the enemy, encamped at the place 
where Fort Harrison was afterward built, and near where the city 
of Terre Haute now stands. On the night of the 11th a few hos- 
tile Indians approached the encampment and wounded one of the 
sentinels, which caused considerable excitement. The army was 
immediately drawn up in line of battle, and small detachments 
were sent in all directions; but the enemy could not be found. 
Then the Governor sent a message to Prophet's Town, requiring 
the Shawanees, Winnebagoes, Pottawatomies and Kickapoos at 
that place to ^eturii to their respective tribes; he also required the 
Prophet to restore all the stolen horses in his ]iossession, or to give 
satisfactory proof that such persons were not there, nor had lately 
been, under his control. To this message the Governor received 
no answer, unless that answer was delivered in the battle of Tip- 
pecanoe. 

The new fort on the Wabash was finished Oct. 28, and at the re- 
quest of all the subordinate officers it was called "Fort Harrison," 
near what is now Terre Haute. This fort was garrisoned with a 
small number of men under Lieutenant-Colonel Miller. On the 
29th the remainder of the army, consisting of 910 men, moved 
toward the Prophet's town; about 270 of the troops were mounted. 
The regular troops, 250 in number, were under the command of 
Col. Boyd. With this army the Governor marched to within a 
half mile of the Prophet's town, when a conference was opened 
with a distinguished chief, in high esteem with the Prophet, and 
he informed Harrison that the Indians were much surprised at the 
approach of the army, and had already dispatched a message to 
him by another route. Harrison replied that he would not attack 
them until he had satisfied himsdf that they would not comply 
with his demands; that he would continue his encampment on the 
Wabash, and on the following morning would have an interview 
with the prophet. Harrison then resumed his march, and, after 
some difficulty, selected a place to encamp — a spot not very desir- 
able. It was a piece of dry oak land rising about ten feet above 
the marshy prairie in front toward the Indian town, and nearly 
twice that height above a similar prairie in the rear, through which 



98 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

and near this bank ran a small stream clotlied with willow and 
brush wood. Toward the left flank this highland widened consid- 
erably, but became gradually narrower in the opposite direction, 
and at the distance of 150 yards terminated in an abrupt point. 
The two columns of infantry occupied the front and lear of this 
ground, about 150 yards from each other on the left, and a little 
more than half that distance on the right, flank. One flank was 
filled by two companies of mounted riflemen, 120 men, under com- 
mand of Major-General Wells, of the Kentucky militia, and one 
by Spencer's company of mounted riflemen, numbering 80 men. 
The front line was composed of one battalion of United States in- 
fantry, under command of Major Floyd, flanked on the right by 
two companies of militia, and on the left by one company. The 
rear line was composed of a battalion of United States troops, 
under command of Capt. Bean, acting as Major, and four companies 
of militia infantry under Lieutenant-Colonel Decker. The regular 
troops of this line joined the mounted riflemen under Gen. Wells, 
on the left flank, and Col. Decker's battalion formed an angle with 
Spencer's company on tlie left. Two troops of dragoons, about 60 
men in all, were encamped in the rear of the left flank, and Capt, 
Parke's troop, which was larger than the other two, in rear of 
the right line. For a night attack the order of encampment was 
the order of battle, and each man slept opposite his post in the 
line. In the formation of the troops single file was adopted, in 
order to get as great an extension of the lin6s as possible. 

BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE. 

No attack was made by the enemy until abou t 4 o'clock on the 
morning of Nov. 7, just after the Governor had arisen. The 
attack was made on the left flank. Only a single gun was fired by the 
sentinels or by the guard in that direction, which made no resist- 
ance, abandoning their posts and fleeing into camp; and the first 
notice which the troops of that line had of the danger was the yell 
of the savages within a short distance of them. But the men 
were courageous and preserved good discipline. Such of them as 
were awake, or easily awakened, seized arms and took their stations; 
others, who were more tardy, had to contend with the enemy in 
the doors of their tents. The storm first fell upon Capt. Barton's 
company of the Fourth United States Regiment, and Capt. Geiger's 
company of mounted riflemen, which formed the left angle of the 
rear line. The fire from the Indians was exceedingly severe, and 



niSTOKV OF INDIANA. 9^' 

men in these companies sutfered considerably before relief could be 
brought to them. Some few Indians passed into the encampment 
near the angle, and one or two penetrated to some distance before- 
they were killed. All the companies formed for action before they 
were fired on. The morning was dark and cloudy, and the fires or 
the Americans afforded only a partial light, which gave greater 
advantage to the enemy than to the troops, and they were there- 
fore e.xtinguished. 

As soon as the Governor could mount his horse he rode to the 
angle which was attacked, where he found that Barton's company had 
suftered severely, and the left of Geiger's entirely broken. He 
immediately ordered Cook's and Wentworth's companies to marclt 
up to the center of the rear line, where were stationed a small com- 
pany of U. S. ritlemen and the companies of Bean, Snelling and 
Prescott. As the General rode up he found Maj. Daviess forming 
the dragoons in the rear of these companies, and having ascertained 
that the heaviest fire proceeded from some trees 15 or 20 paces in. 
front of these companies, he directed the Major to dislodge them, 
with a part of the dragoons; but unfortunately the Major's gal- 
lantry caused him to undertake the execution of the order with a 
smaller force than was required, which enabled the enemy to avoid 
him in front and attack his flanks. He was mortally wounded and 
his men driven back. Capt. Snelling, however, with his company 
immediately dislodged those Indians. Capt. Spencer and his 1st 
and 2nd Lieutenants were killed, and Capt. Warwick mortally 
wounded. The soldiery remained brave. Spencer had too much 
ground originally, and Harrison re-enforced him with a company 
of riflemen which had been driven from their position on the left 
flank. 

Gen. Harrison's aim was to keep the lines entire, to prevent the 
enemy from breaking into the camp uutil daylight, which would 
enable him to make a general and effectual charge. With this view 
he had re-enforced every part of the Hue that had suffered much, 
and with the approach of morning he withdrew several companies 
from the front and rear lines and re-enforced the right and left 
flanks, foreseeing that at these points the enemy would make their 
last effort. Maj. Wells, who had commanded the left flank, charged 
upon the enemy and drove them at the point of the bayonet into 
the marsh, where they could not be followed. Meanwhile Capt. 
Cook and Lieut. Larrabee marched their companies to the right 
flank and formed under tire of the enemy, and being there joined 



100 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

by the riflemen of that flank, charged upon the enemy, killinir a 
number and putting the rest to a precipitate flight. 

Thus ended the famous battle of Tippecanoe, victoriously to tiie 
whites and honorably to Gen. Harrison. 

In this battle Mr. Harrison had about 700 efiicient men, while 
the Indians had probably more than that. The loss of the Ameri- 
cans was 37 killed and 25 mortally wounded, and 126 wounded: the 
Indians lost 3S killed on the field of battle, and the number of the 
wounded was never known. Amonw the whites killed were Daviess, 
Spencer, Owen, Warwick, Tlandolph, Bean and "White. Standing on 
an eminence near by, the Prophet encouraged his warriors to battle 
by singing a favorite war-song. He told them that they would gain 
an easy victory, and that the bullets of their enemies would be made 
harmless by the Great Spirit. Being informed during the engagement 
that some of the Indians were killed, he said that his warriors must 
fight on and they would soon be victorious. Immediately after 
their defeat the surviving Indians lost faith in their great (?") Proph- 
et, returned to their respective tribes, and thus the confederacy 
was destroyed. The Prophet, with a very few followers, then took 
up his residence among a small band of Wyandots encamped on 
"Wild-Cat creek. His famous town, with all its possessions, was 
destroyed the next day, Nov. 8. 

On the 18th the American army returned to Vincennes, where 
most of the troops were discharged. The Territorial Legislature, 
being in session, adopted resolutions complimentary to Gov. Harri- 
son and the officers and men under him, and made preparations for 
/» reception and celebration. 
^ Capt. Logan, the eloquent Shawanee chief who assisted our 
forces so materially, died in the latter part of November, 1812, 
from the effects of a wound received in a skirmish with a recon- 
noitering party of hostile Indians accompanied by a white man in 
the British service, No7.'^22. luthat skirmish the white man was 
killed, and "Winamac, a Pottawatomie chief of some distinction, 
fell by the rifle of Logan. The latter was mortally wounded, when 
he retreated with two warriors of his tribe, Capt. Johnny and 
Bright-Horn, to the camp of Gen. Winchester, where he soon after- 
•ward died. He was buried witii the honors of war. 



WAR OF 1812 WITH GREAT BRITAIN. 

The victory recently gained by tlie Americans at the battle of 
Tippecanoe insured perfect peace for a time, but only a short time 
as the more extensive schemes of the British had so far ripened as 
to compel the United States again to declare war against them. 
Tecuraseh had fled to Maiden, Canada, where, counseled by the 
English, he continued to excite the tribes against the Americans. 
As soon as this war with Great Britain was declared (June 18, 
1812), the Indians, as was expected, commenced again to commit 
depredations. During the summer of 1812 several points along 
the Lake Region succumbed to theBritish, as Detroit, under Gen. 
Hull, Fort Dearborn (now Chicago), commanded by Capt. Heald 
under Gen. Hull, the post at Mackinac, etc. 

In the early part of September, 1812, parties of hostile Indians 
began to assemble in considerable numbers in the vicinity of Forts 
Wayne and Harrison, with a view to reducing them. Capt. Rhea, 
at this time, had command of Fort Wayne, but his drinking pro- 
pensities rather disqualified him for emergencies. For two weeks 
the fort was in great jeopardy. An express had been sent to Gen. 
Harrison for reinforcements, but many days passed without any 
tidings of expected assistance. At length, one day, Maj. Wm. 
Oliver and four friendly Indians arrived at the fort on horseback. 
One of the Indians was the celebrated Logan. They had come in 
defiance of " 500 Indians," had ''broken their ranks" and reached 
the fort in safety. Oliver reported that Harrison was aware of the 
situation and was raising men for a re-enforcement. Ohio was also 
raising volunteers; 800 were then assembled at St. Mary's, Ohio, 
60 miles south of Fort Wayne, and would march to the relief of 
the fort in three or four days, or as soon as they were joined by re- 
enforcements from Kentucky. 

Oliver prepared a letter, announcing to Gen. Harrison his safe ar- 
rival at the besieged fort, and giving an account of its beleaguered 
situation, which he dispatched by his friendly Shawanees, while he 
concluded to take his chances at the fort. Brave Logan and his 
companions started with the message, but had scarcely left the fort 
when they were discovered and pursued by the hostile Indians, yet 
passing the Indian lines in safety, they were soon out of reach. 
The Indians now began a furious attack upon the fort; but the little 
garrison, with Oliver to cheer them on, bravely met the assault, re- 
pelling the attack day after day, until the army approached to their 

relief. During this siege the commanding officer, whose habits of 

aon 



n 



1U2 HISTOKY IIK INDIANA. 

intemperance rendered him unlit for the command, was confined in 
the '• black hole," while the junior officer assumed charge. This 
course was approved by the General, on his arrival, but Capt. Rhea 
received very little censure, probably on account of his valuable ser- 
vices in the Revolutionary war. 

Se]it. 6, 1S12, Harrison moved forward with his army to the re- 
lief of Fort Wayne; the next day he reached a point within three 
milesof St. Mary's river; the next day he reached the river and 
was joined at evening by 200 mounted volunteers, under Col. Rich- 
ard M. Johnson; the next day at "Shane's Crossing" on the St. 
Mary's they were joined by 800 men from Ohio, under Cols. Adams 
and Hawkins. At this place Chief Logan and four other Indians 
offered their services as spies to Gen. Harrison, and were accepted. 
Logan was immediately disguised and sent forward. Passing 
through the lines of the hostile Indians, he ascertained their number 
to be about 1,500, and entering the fort, he encouraged the solaiers 
to hold out, as relief was at hand. Gen. Harrison's force at this 
time was about 3,500. 

After an early breakfast Friday morning they were under march- 
ing orders; it had rained and the guns were damp; they were dis- 
charged and reloaded ; but that day only one Indian was encount- 
ered; preparations were made at night for an expected attack by 
the Indians, but no attack came; the next day, Sept. 10, they ex- 
pected to fight their way to Fort Wayne, but in that they were hap- 
pily disappointed ; and " At the first grey of the morning," as Bryce 
eloquently observes, "the distant halloos of the disappointed sav- 
ages revealed to the anxious inmates of the fort the glorious news 
of the approach of the army. Great clouds of dust could be seen 
from the fort, rolling up in the distance, as the valiant soldiery 
under Gen. Harrison moved forward to the rescue of the garrison 
and the brave boys of Kentucky and Ohio." 

This siege of Fort Wayne of course occasioned great loss to the 
few settlers who had gathered around the fort. At the time of its 
commencement quite a little village had clustered around the mili- 
tary works, but during the siege most of their improvements and 
crops were destroyed by the savages. Every building out of the reach 
of the guns of the fort was leveled to the ground, and thus the in- 
ifant settlement was destroyed. 

During this siege the garrison lost but three men, while the 
Indians lost 25. Gen. Harrison had all the Indian villages for 25 
miles around destroyed. Furt Wayne was nothing but a military 
post until about 1S19. 



HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 103 

Simultaneously with the attack on Fort Wa^'ne the Indians also 
besieged Fort Harrison, which was commanded by Zachary Taylor. 
The Indians commenced firing upon the fort about 11 o'clock one 
night, when the garrison was in a ratlier poor plight for receiving 
them. The enemy succeeded in firing one of tiie block-houses, 
which contained whisky, and the whites had great difliculty in pre- 
venting the burning of all the barracks. The word " fire " seemed 
to have thrown all the men into confusion; soldiers' and citizens' 
wives, who had taken shelter within the fort, were crying; Indians 
were yelling; many of the garrison were sick and unable to be on 
duty; the men despaired and gave themselves up as lost; two of 
the strongest and apparently most reliable men jumped the pickets 
in the very midst of the emergency, etc., so that Capt. Taylor was 
at his wit's end what to do; but he gave directions as to the many 
details, rallied the men by a new scheme, and after about seven 
hours succeeded in saving themselves. The Indians drove up the 
horses belonging to the citizens, and as they could not catch th<^m 
very readily, shot the whole of them in the sight of their owners, 
and also killed a number of the hogs belonging to the whites. 
They drove off all of the cattle, 65 in number, as well as the public 
oxen. 

Among many other depredations committed by the savages dur- 
ing this period, was the massacre of the Pigeon Roost settlement, 
consisting of one man, five women and 16 children; a few escaped. 
An unsuccessful effort was made to capture these Indians, but 
when the news of this massacre and the attack on Fort Harrison 
reached Vinceimes, about 1,200 men, under the command of Col. 
Wm. Russell, of the 7th U. S. Infantry, marched forth for the re- 
lief of the fort and to punish the Indians. On reaching the fort 
the Indians had retired from the vicinity; but on the 15th of Sep- 
tember a small detachment composed of 11 men, under Lieut. Rich- 
ardson, and acting as escort of provisions sent from Vincennes to 
Fort Harrison, was attacked by a party of Indians within the pres- 
ent limits of Sullivan count}'. It was reported that seven of these 
men were killed and one wounded. The provisions of course fell 
into the hands of the Indians. 

EXPEDITIONS AGAINST THE INDIANS. 

By the middle of August, through the disgraceful surrender of 
Gen. Hull, at Detroit, and the evacuation of Fort Dearborn and 
massacre of its garrison, the British and Indians were in possession 
of the whole Northwest. The savages, emboldened by their sue- 



104 BISTORT OF INDIANA. 

cesses, penetrated deeper into the settlements, committing great 
depredations. The activity and success of the enemy aroused the 
people to a realization of the great danger their homes and lamilies 
were in. Gov. Edwards collected a force of 350 men at Camp 
Russell, and Capt. Russell came from Vincennes with about 50 more. 
Being officered and equipped, they proceeded about the middle of 
October on horseback, carrying with them 20 day's rations, to 
Peoria. Capt. Craig was sent with two boats up the Illinois, with 
provisions and tools to build a fort. The little army proceeded to 
Peoria Lake, where was located a Pottawatomie village. They 
arrived late at night, within a few miles of the village, without 
their presence being known to the Indians. Four men were sent 
out that night to reconnoiter the position of the village. The four 
brave men who volunteered for this perilous service were Thomas 
Carlin (afterward Governor), and Robert, Stephen and Davis White- 
side. They proceeded to the village, and explored it and the ap- 
proaches to it thoroughly, without starting an Indian or provoking 
the bark of a dog. The low lands between the Indian village and 
the troops were covered with a rank growth of tall grass, so high 
and dense as to readily conceal an Indian on horseback, until within 
a few feet of him. The ground had become still more yielding by 
recent rains, rendering it almost impassable by mounted men. To 
prevent detection the soldiers had camped without lighting the 
usual camp-fires. The men lay down in their cold and cheerless 
camp, with many misgivings. They well remembered how the 
skulking savages fell upon Harrison's men at Tippecanoe during 
the night. To add to their fears, a gun in the hands of a soldier 
was carelessly discharged, raising great consternation in the camp. 
Through a dense fog which prevailed the following morning, the 
army took up its line of march for the Indian town, Capt. Judy 
with his corps of spies in advance. In the tall grass they came up 
with an Indian and his squaw, both mounted. The Indian wanted 
to surrender, but Judy observed that he '• did not leave home to take 
prisoners," and instantly shot one of them. "With the blood 
streaming from his mouth and nose, and in his agony " singing the 
death song," the dying Indian raised his gun, shot and mortally 
wounded a Mr. Wright, and in a few minutes expired! Many gnna 
were immediately discharged at the other Indian, not then known 
to be a squaw, all of which missed her. Badly scared, and her hus- 
band killed by her side, the agonizing wails of the squaw were 
heart-rending. She was taken prisoner, and afterward restored 
to her nation. 



HISTOKT OF INDIANA. 105 

On nearing tlie town a general charge was made, tlie Imlians 
fleeing to the interior wilderness. Some of their warriors made a 
stand, when a sharp engagement occurred, but the Indians were 
routed. In their flight they left behind all their winter's store of 
provisions, which was taken, and their town burned. Some Indian 
children were found who had been left in the hurried flight, also 
some disabled adults, one of whom was in a starving condition, and 
with a voracious appetite partook of the bread given him. He is 
said to have been killed by a cowardly trooper straggling behind, 
after the main army had resumed its retrograde march, who wanted 
to be able to boast that he had killed an Indian. 

September 19, 1812, Gen. Harrison was put in command of the 
Northwestern army, then estimated at 10,000 men, with these 
orders: "Having provided for the protection of the western front- 
ier, you will retake Detroit; and, with a view to the conquest of 
upper Canada, you will penetrate that country as far as the force 
under your command will in your judgment justify." 

Although surrounded by many difficulties, the General began 
immediately to execute these instructions. In calling for volun- 
teers from Kentucky, however, more men offered than could be 
received. At this time there were about 2,000 mounted volunteers 
at Vincennes, under the command of Gen. Samuel Hopkins, of the 
Revolutionary war, who was under instructions to operate against 
the enemy along the Wabash and Illinois rivers. Accordingly, 
early in October, Gen. Hopkins moved from Vincennes towards the 
Kickapoo villages in the Illinois territory, withaljout 2,000 troops; 
but after four or five days' march the men and officers raised a 
mutiny which gradually succeeded in carrying all back to Vin- 
cennes. The cause of their discontent is not apparent. 

About the same time Col. Russell, with two small companies of 
U. S. rangers, commanded by Capts. Perry and Modrell, marched 
from the neighborhood of Vincennes to unite with a small force of 
mounted militia under the command of Gov. Edwards, of Illinois, 
and afterward to march with the united troops from Cahokia 
toward Lake Peoria, for the purpose of co-operating with Gen. 
Hopkins against the Indian towns in that vicinity; but not find- 
ing the latter on the ground, was compelled to retire. 

Immediately after the discharge of the mutinous volunteers, 
Gen. Hopkins began to organize another force, mainly of infantry, 
to reduce the Indians up the Wabash as far as the Proi)het'st(>wn. 
These troops consisted of three regiments of Kentucky militia. 



106 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

coininanded by Cols. Barbour, Miller and Wilcox; a small company 
of regulars commanded by Capt. Zacliary Taylor; a com])any of 
rangers commanded by Capt. Beckes; and a company of scouts or 
spies under the command of Capt. Washburn. The main body of 
this army arrived at Fort Harrison Nov. 5; on the 11th it pro- 
ceeded up the east side of the Wabash into the heart of the Indian 
country, but found the villages generally deserted. Winter set- 
ting in severely, and the troops poorly clad, they had to return to 
Yincennes as rapidly as possible. With one exception the men 
behaved nobly, and did much damage to the enemy. That 
exception was the precipitate chase after an Indian by a detach- 
ment of men somewhat in liquor, until they found themselves sur- 
rounded by an overwiielming force of the enem}', and they had to 
retreat in disorder. 

At the close of this campaign Gen. Hopkins resigned his 
command. 

In the fall of 1812 Gen. Harrison assigned to Lieut. Col. John 
B. Campbell, of the 19th U. S. Inf., the duty of destroying the 
Miami villages on the Mississinewa river, with a detachment of 
about 600 men. Nov. 25, Lieut. Col. Campbell marched from 
Franklinton, according to orders, toward the scene of action, cau- 
tiously avoiding falling in with the Delawares, who had been ordered 
by Gen. Harrison to retire to the Shawanee establishment on the 
Auglaize river, and arriving on the Mississinewa Dec. 17, when 
they discovered an Indian town inhabited by Delawares and 
Miamis This and three other villages were destroyed. Soon 
after this, the sup])lie8 growing short and the troops in a suffering 
condition, Campbell began to consider the propriety of returning 
to Ohio; but just as he was calling together his officers early one 
morning to deliberate on the proposition, an army of Indians 
rushed upon them with fury. The engagement lasted an hour, 
with a loss of eight killed and 42 wounded, besides about 150 horses 
killed. The whites, however, succeeded in defending themselves 
and taking a number of Indians prisoners, who proved to be Mun- 
sies, of Silver Heel's band. Campbell, hewing that a large force 
of Indians were assembled at Mississinewa village, under Tecum- 
seh, determined to return to Greenville. The privations of his 
troops and the severity of the cold compelled him to send to that 
place for re-enforcements and supplies. Seventeen of the men had 
to be carried on litters. They were met by the re-enforcement 
about 40 miles from Greenville. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 107 

Lieut. Col. Campbell sent two messages to the Delawares, who 
lived on White river and who had been previously directed and 
requested to abandon their towns on that river and remove into 
Ohio. In these messages he expressed his regret at iinfortunately 
killing some of their men, and urged them to move to the Shaw- 
anee settlement on the Auglaize river. lie assured them that their 
people, in his power, would be compensated by the Government 
for their losses, if not found to be hostile ; and the friends of those 
killed satisfied by presents, if such satisfaction would be received. 
This advice was heeded by the main body of the Delawares and a 
few Miarais. The Shawanee Prophet, and some of the principal 
chiefs of the Miamis, retired from the country of the Wabash, and, 
with their destitute and suffering bands, moved to Detroit, where 
the}' were received as the friends and allies of Great Britain. 

On the approach of Gen. Harrison with his army in September, 
1813, the British evacuated Detroit, and the Ottawas, Chippewas, 
Pottawatomies, Miamis and Kickapoos sued for peace with the 
United States, wliich was granted temporarily by Brig. Gen. Mc- 
Arthur, on condition of their becoming allies of the United States 
in case of war. 

In June, 1813, an expedition composed of 137 men, under com- 
mand of Col. Joseph Bartholomew, moved from Valonia toward 
the Delaware towns on the west fork of White rivei", to surprise 
and punish some hostile Indians who were supposed to be lurking 
about those villages. Most of these places they found deserted; 
some of them burnt. They had been but temporarily occupied for 
the purpose of collecting and carrying away corn. Col. Bartholo- 
mew's forces succeeded in killing one or two Indians and destroy- 
ing considerable corn, and they returned to Valonia on the 21st of 
this month. 

July 1, 1813, Col. William Russell, of the 7th U. S., organized 
a force of 573 eflfective men at Valonia and marched to the Indian 
villages about tlie month of the Mississinewa. His experience was 
much like tiiat of Col. Bartholomew, who had just preceded him. 
He had rainy weather, suffered many losses, found tlie villages de- 
serted, destroyed stores of corn, etc. The Colonel reported that he 
went to every ])lace where he expected to find the enemy, but they 
nearly always seemed to have fled the country. The march from 
Valonia to the mouth of the Mississinewa and return was about 
250 miles. 

Several smaller expeditions helped to "checker" the surrounding 



108 IIISTOKV OF INDIANA. 

country, and find that the Indians were very careful to keep tbem- 
selves out of sight, and thus closed this series of campaigns. 

CLOSE OF THE WAR. 

The war with England closed on the 24th of December, 1814, 
when a treaty of peace was signed at Ghent. The 9th article of 
the treaty required the United States to put an end to hostilities 
with all tribes or nations of Indians with whom they had been at 
war; to restore to such tribes or nations respectively all the rights 
and possessions to which they were entitled in 1811, before the 
war, on condition that such Indians should agree to desist from all 
hostilities against the United States. But in February, just before 
the treaty was sanctioned by our Government, there were signs of 
Indians accumulating arms and ammunition, and a cautionary 
order was therefore issued to have all the white forces in readiness 
for an attack by the Indians ; but the attack was not made. During 
the ensuing summer and fall the United States Government ac- 
quainted the Indians with the provisions of the treaty, and entered 
into subordinate treaties of peace with the principal tribes. 

Just before the treaty of Spring Wells (near Detroit) was signed, 
the Shawanee Prophet retired to Canada, but declaring his resolu- 
tion to abide by any treaty which the chiefs might sign. Some 
time afterward he returned to the Shawanee settlement in Ohio, and 
lastly to the west of the Mississippi, where he died, in 1S34. The 
British Government allowed him a pension from 1813 until his 
death, llis brother Tecuraseh was killed at the battle of the 
Thames, Oct. 5, 1813, by a Mr. Wheatty, as we are positively in- 
formed by Mr. A. J. James, now a resident of La Harpe township, 
Hancock county, 111., whose father-in-law, John Pigman, of Co- 
shocton county, Ohio, was an eye witness. Gen. Johnson has gener- 
ally had the credit of killing Tccumsuh. 




^.■sss»»^' 



TEOCJISEU. 



ill 



TECUMSEH. 

If one should inquire who has been the greatest Indian, the most 
noted, the "principal Indian " in North America since its discov- 
ery by Columbus, we would be obliged to answer, Tecumseh. For 
all those qualities which elevate a man far above his race; for talent, 
tact, skill and bravery as a warrior; for high-minded, honorable and 
chivalrous bearing as a man; in a word, for all those elements of 
greatness which place him a long way above his fellows in savage 
life, the name and fame of Tecnmseh will go down to posterity in 
the West as one of the most celebrated of the aborigines of this 
continent, — as one who had no equal among the tribes that dwelt 
in the country drained by the Mississippi. Born to command him- 
self, he used all the appliances that would stimulate the courage 
and nerve the valor of his followers. Always in the front rank of 
battle, his followers blindly followed liis lead, and as his war-cry 
rang clear above tlie din and noise of the battle-field, the Shawnee 
warriors, as they rushed on to victory or the grave, rallied around 
him, foemen worthy of the steel of the most gallant commander 
that ever entered the lists in defense of his altar or his home. 

The tribe to which Tecumseh, or Tecumtha, as some write it, be- 
longed, was the Shawnee, or Shawanee. The tradition of the nation 
held that they originally came from the Gulf of Mexico; that they 
wended their way up the Mississippi and the Ohio, and settled at 
or near the present site of Shawneetown, 111., whence they removed 
to the upper "Wabash. In the latter place, at any rate, they were 
found early in the ISth century, and were known as the " bravest 
of the brave." This tribe has uniformly been the bitter enemy of 
the white man, and in every contest with our people has exhibited 
a degree of skill and strategy tliat should characterize the most 
dangerous foe. 

Tecumseh's notoriety and that of his brother, the Prophet, mutu- 
ally served to establish and strengthen each other. While the 
Prophet had unlimited power, spiritual and temporal, hedistributed 
his greatness in all the departments of Indian life with a kind of 
fanaticism that magnetically aroused the religious and superstitious 

passions, not only of his own followers, but also of all the tribes in 

•<1U) 



112 HISroKV OF IMHANA. 

this part of the country; but Tecuraseh concentrated his greatness 
upon the more practical and business affairs of military conquest. 
It is doubted whether he was really a sincere believer in the preten- 
sions of his fanatic brother; if he did not believe in the pretentious 
feature of them he had the shrewdness to keep his unbelief to him- 
self, knowing that religious fanaticism was one of the strongest im- 
pulses to reckless bravery. 

During his sojourn in the Northwestern Territor}', it was Tecnm- 
seh's uppermost desire of life to confederate all the Indian tribes of 
the country together against the whites, to maintain their choice 
hunting-grounds. All his public policy converged toward this sin- 
gle end. In his vast scheme he comprised even all the Indians in 
the Gulf country, — all in America west of the Alleghany moun- 
tains. He held, as a subordinate principle, that the Great Spirit 
had given the Indian race all these hunting-grounds to keep in 
common, and that no Indian or tribe could cede any portion of the 
land to the whites without the consent of all the tribes. Hence, in 
all his councils with the whites he ever maintained that the treaties 
were null and void. 

When he met Harrison at Vincennes in council the last time, 
and, as he was invited by that General to take a seat with him on 
the platform, he hesitated; Harrison insisted, saying that it was the 
"wish of their Great Father, the President of the United States, 
that he should do so." The chief paused a moment, raised his tall 
and commanding form to its greatest height, surveyed the troops 
and crowd around hini, iixed his keen eyes upon Gov. Harrison, 
and then turning them to the sky above, and pointing toward 
heaven with his sinewy arm in a manner indicative of supreme 
contempt for the paternity assigned him, said in clarion tones: " ]My 
father? The sun is my father, the earth is my mother, and on her 
bosom I will recline." He then stretched himself, with his war- 
riors, on the green sward. Tlie effect was electrical, and for some 
moments there was perfect silence. 

The Governor, then, through an interpreter, told him that he un- 
derstood he had some complaints to make and redress to ask, etc., 
and that he wished to investigate the matter and make restitution 
wherever it might be decided it should be done. As soon as the 
Governor was through with this introductory speech, the stately 
warrior arose, tall, athletic, manly, dignified and graceful, and with 
a voice at first low, but distinct and musical, commenced a reply. 
As he warmed up with his subject his clear tones might be heard, 



flISTOEY OF INDIANA. 113 

as if " trumpet-tongiied," to the utmost limits of the assembly. 
The most perfect silence prevailed, e.\cept when his warriors gave 
their guttural assent to some eloquent recital of the red man's 
wrong and the white man's injustice. Tecuniseh recited the wrongs 
which his race had suffered from die ti.iie of the massacre of the 
Moravian Indians to the present; said he did not know how he 
could ever again be the friend of the white man; that the Great 
Spirit had given to the Indian all the land from the Miami to the 
Mississippi, and from the lakes to the Ohio, as a commou property 
to all the tribes in these borders, and that the land could not and 
should not be sold without the consent of all; that all the tribes on 
the continent formed but one nation; that if the United States 
would not give up the lands they had bought of the Miamis and 
the other tribes, those united with him were determined to annihi- 
late those tribes; that they were determined to have no more chiefs, 
but in future to be governed by their warriors; that unless the 
whites ceased their encroachments upon Indian lands, the fate of 
the Indians was sealed; they had been driven from the banks of 
the Delaware across the Alleghanies, and their possessions on the 
Wabash and the Illinois were now to be taken from them; that in 
a few years they would not have ground enough to bury their war 
riors on this side of the "Father of Waters;" that all would perish, 
all their possessions taken from them by fraud or force, unless they 
stopped the progress of the white man westward; that it must be 
a war of races in which one or the other must perish; that their 
tribes had been driven toward the setting sun like a gallojiing 
horse (ne-kat a-kush-e ka-top-o-lin-to). 

The Shawnee language, in which this most eminent Indian states- 
man spoke, excelled all other aboriginal tongues in its musical ar- 
ticulation; and the eifect of Tecumseh's oratory on this ociasion 
can be more easily imagined than described. Gov. Harrison, 
although as brave a soldier and General as any American, was over- 
come by this speech. He well knew Tecumseh's power and influ- 
ence among all the tribes, knew his bravery, courage and determi- 
nation, and knew that he meant what he said. When Tecumseh 
was done speaking there was a stillness throughout the assembly 
which was really jtainful; not a whisper was heard, and all eyes were 
turned from the speaker toward Gov. Harrison, who after a few 
moments came to himself, and recollecting many of the absurd 
statements of the great Indian orator, began a reply which was 
more logical, if not so eloquent. The Shawnees were attentive uu- 



114 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

til Harrison's interpreter began to translate bis speech to the Mia- 
mis and Pottawatomies, when Tecumseh and his warriors sprang 
to their feet, brandishing their war-clubs and tomahawks. "Tell 
him," said Tecumseh, addressing the interpreter in Shawnee, " he 
lies." The interpreter undertook to convey this message to the 
Governor in smoother language, but Tecumseh noticed the effort 
and remonstrated, " No, no; tell him belies." The warriors began 
to grow more excited, when Secretary Gibson ordered the Ameri- 
can troops in arras to advance. This allayed the rising storm, and 
as soon as Tecumseh's " He lies " was literally interpreted to the 
Governor, the latter told Tecumseh through the interpreter to tell 
Tecumseh he would hold no further council with him. 

Thus the assembly was broken up, and one can hardly imagine a 
more exciting scene. It would constitute the finest subject for a 
historical painting to adorn the rotunda of the capitol. The next 
day Tecumseh requested another interview with the Governor, 
which was granted on condition that he should make an apology ta 
the Governor for his language the day before. This he made 
through the interpreter. Measures for defense and protection were 
taken, however, lest there should be another outbreak. Two com- 
panies of militia were ordered from the country, and the one in 
town added to them, while the Governor and his friends went into 
council fully armed and prepared for any contingency. On this oc- 
casion the conduct of Tecumseh was entirely different from tliat of 
the day before. Firm and intrepid, showing not the slightest fear 
or alarm, surrounded with a military force four times his own, he 
preserved the utmost composure and equanimity. No one would 
have supposed that he could have been the principal actor in the 
thrilling scene of the previous day. He claimed that half the 
Americans were in sympathy with him. He also said that whites 
had informed him that Gov. Harrison had purchased land from the 
Indians without any authority from the Government; that he, 
Harrison, had but two years more to remain in office, and that if 
he, Tecumseh, could prevail upon the Indians who sold the lands 
not to receive their annuities for that time, and the present Gover- 
nor displaced by a good man as his successor, the latter would re- 
store to the Indians all the lands purchased from them. 

The Wyandots, Kickapoos, Pottawatomies, Ottawas and the Win- 
nebagoes, through their respective spokesmen, declared their 
adherence to the great Shawnee warrior and statesman. Gov. Harri- 
son then told them that he would send Tecumseh's speech to thePresi- 



HISTORTOF INDIANA. 115 

dent of the United States and return the answer to tlie Indians as soon 
as it was received. Tecumseh then declared that he and his allies were 
determined that the old boundary line should continue; and that 
if the whites crossed it, it would be at their peril . Gov. Harrison re- 
plied that he would be equally plain with him and state that the 
President would never allow that the lands on the Wabash were the 
property of any other tribes than those who had occupied them 
since the white people first came to America; and as the title to 
the lands lately purchased was derived from those tribes by a fair 
purchase, he might rest assured that the right of the United States 
would be supported by the sword. " So be it," was the stern and 
haughty reply of the Shawnee chieftan, as he and his braves took 
leave of the Governor and wended their way in Indian file to their 
camping ground. 

Thus ended the last conference on earth between the chivalrous 
Tecumseh and the hero of the battle of Tippecanoe. The bones ot* 
the first lie bleaching on the battle-field of the Thames, and those 
of the last in a mausoleniu on the banks of the Ohio; each strus- 
^led for the mastery of his race, ap<J each no doubt was equally 
honest and patriotic in his purposes. Tlie weak yielded to the 
strong, the defenseless to the powerful, and the hunting-ground of 
the Shawnee is all occupied by his enemy. 

Tecumseh, with four of his braves, immediately embarked in a 
birch canoe, descended the Wabash, and went on to the South to 
unite the tribes of that country in a general system of self-defense 
against the encroachment of the whites. His emblem was a dis- 
jointed snake, with the motto, "Join or die!" In union alone was 
strength. 

Before Tecumseh left the Prophet's town at the mouth of the 
Tippecanoe river, on his excursion to the South, he had a definite 
understanding with his brother and the chieftains of the other tribes 
in the Wabash country, that they should preserve perfect peace 
with the whites until his arrangements were completed for a con- 
federacy of the tribes on both sides of the Ohio and on the Missis- 
sippi river; but it seems that while he was in the South engaged 
in his work of uniting the tribes of that country some of the North- 
ern tribes showed siijns of fight and precipitated Harrison into that 
cain])aign which ended in the battle of Ti])pecanoe and the total 
route of the Indians. Tecumseh, on his return from the South, 
learning what had happened, was overcome with chagrin, disappoin'- 
ment and anger, and accused his brother of duplicity and coward- 



116 HISTORY OF INDIAN V. 

ice; indeed, it is said that he never furgave him to the day of his 
<leath. A short time afterward, on the breaking out of the war of 
Oreat Britain, he joined Proctor, at Maiden, with a party of his 
warriors, and finally suffered the fate mentioned on page 108. 

CIVIL MATTERS lS12-'5. 

Owing to the absence of Gov. Harrison on military duty, John 
iiibson, the Secretary of the Territory, acted in the administration 
of civil affairs. In his message to the Legislature convening on the 
1st of February, 1813, he said, substantially: 

"Did I possess the abilities of Cicero or Demosthenes, I could 
aiot portray in more glowing colors our foreign and domestic politi- 
<cal situation than it is already experienced within our own breasts. 
The United States have been compelled, by frequent acts of injus- 
tice, to declare war against England. For a detail of the causes of 
this war I would refer to the message of President Madison; it 
<3oes honor to his head and heart. Although not au admirer of 
■war, I am glad to see our little but inimitable navy riding triumph- 
.•anton the seas, but chagrined to find that our armies by land are 
:S0 little successful. The spirit of '76 appears to have fled from i>ur 
.continent, or, if not fleJ, is at least asleep, for it appears not to 
pervade our armies generally. At your last assemblage our politi- 
cal horizon seemed clear, and our infant Territory bid fair for rapid 
;and rising grandeur; but, alas, the scene has changed; and whether 
rthis change, as respects our Territory, has been owing to an over 
:anxi£ty in us to extend our dominions, or to a wish for retaliation 
'(by <miT foes, or to a foreign influence, I shall not say. The Indians, 
»otti' former neighbors and friends, have become our most inveterate 
foes. Our former frontiers are now our wilds, and our inner settle- 
ments have become frontiers. Some of our best citizens, and old 
;men worn down with age, and helpless women and innocent 
(babes, have fallen victims to savage cruelty. I have done my duty 
-.as well as I can, and hope that the interposition of Providence will 
■protect us." 

The many complaints made about the Territorial Government 
Mr. Gibson said, were caused more by default of officers than of the 
Jaw. Said he: '' It is an old and, I believe, correct adage, that 
'' good officers make good soldiers.' This evil having taken root, I do 
aiot know how it can be eradicated; but it may be remedied. In 
vlace of men searching after and accepting commissions before they 



ITISTOKY OF INDIANA. IIT 

are even tolerably qualified, thereby subjecting themselves to ridi- 
cule and their country to ruin, barely for the name of the thin<», I 
think may be remedied by a previous examination." 

During this session of the Legislature the seat of the Territorial- 
Government veas declared to be at Corydon, and immediately acting 
Governor Gibson prorogued the Legislature to meet at that place, 
the first Monday of December, 1S13. During this year the Terri- 
tory was almost defenseless; Indian outrages were of common- 
occurrence, but no general outbreak was made. The militia-men 
were armed with rifles and long knives, and many of the rangers- 
carried tomahawks. 

In 1813 Thomas Posey, who was at that time a Senator m Con- 
gress from Tennessee, and who had been officer of the army of the 
Revolution, was appointed Governor of Indiana Territory, to suc- 
ceed Gen. Harrison. He arrived in Vinceniies ai'd entered upon 
the discharge of his duties May 25, 1813. During this year several 
expeditions against the Indian settlements were set on foot. 

In his first message to the Legislature the following December, 
at Corydon, Gov. Posey said: " The present crisis is awful, andJbig. 
with great events. Our land and nation is involved in the coramoit 
calamity of war; but we are under the protecting care of the beaefi- 
cent Being, who has on a former occasion brought us safely tbroaglr 
an arduous struggle and placed us on a foundation of independence, 
freedom and happiness. He will not sufter to be taken from us:- 
what He, in His great wisdom has thought proper to confer ancJ 
bless us with, if we make a wise and virtuous use of His good 
gifts. * * * Although our affairs, at the commencement of 
the war, wore a gloomy aspect, they have brightened, and promise 
a certainty of success, if properly directed and conducted, of v/liicli 
I have no doubt, as the President and heads of departments of the ■ 
general Government are men of undoubted patriotism, talents and 
experience, and who have grown old in the service of their country. 
* * * It must be obvious to every thinking man that we were 
forced into the war. Every measure consistent with honor,, both 
before and since the declaration of war, has tried to be on amicable 
terms with our enemy. * * * You who reside in variona parts 
of the Territory have it in 3'our power to understand what will tend 
to its local and general advantage. The judiciary system wonld 
require a revisal and amendment. The militia law is very defective 
and requires your immediate attention. It is necessary to lutve- 



lis IlIsTOKY OF INDIANA. 

good roads and liighwajs in as many directions through the Terri- 
tory as the circumstances and situation of the inhabitants will 
admit; it would contribute very much to promote the settlement 
and improvement of the Territory. Attention to education is highly 
necessary. Tliere is an appropriation made by Congress, in lands, 
for tiio purpose of establishing public schools. It comes now with- 
in your province to carry into operation the design of the appro- 
priation." 

Tiiis Legislature passed several ver}- necessary laws for the wel- 
fare of the settlements, and the following year, as Gen. Harrison 
was generally successful in his military campaigns in the North- 
west, the settlements in Indiana began to increase and improve. 
The fear of danger from Indians had in a great measure subsided, 
and the tide of immigration began again to flow. In January, 
1S14-, about a thousand Miamis assembled at Fort Wayne for the 
purpose of obtaining food to prevent starvation. They met with 
ample hospitality, and their example was speedily followed by 
others. These, with other acts of kindness, won the lasting friend- 
ship of the Indians, many of whom had fought in the interests of 
Great Britain. General treaties i)etween the United States and the 
Northwestern tribes were subsequently concluded, and the way 
was fully opened for the iniprovornent and settlement of the lands. 

POPULATION IN 1815. 

The population of the Territory of Indiana, as given in the 
official returns to the Legislature of 1815, was as follows, by 
counties: 

COUNTI ES. While males of 21 and over. TOTAL. 

Wavnc 1,225 '. C,407 

Fraaklia 1,430 7,370 

Dearborn i)02 4,431 

Switzcrlami 377 1,832 

.Jefferson-- 874 4,270 

Cl;irk 1,387 7.1.50 

Washington 1,420 7,317 

Harrison 1,050 6,!»75 

Knox 1,391 8,068 

Gibson 1,100 5,3.iO 

Posey 320 1,619 

Warrick 280 1,41.-) 

Perry 350...'. 1,720 



Grand Totals 12,112 63,897 

GENERAL VIEW. 

The well-known ordinance of 1787 conferred man}- " rights and 
privileges " upon the inhabitants of the Northwestern Territory, and 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 119 

consequently upon the people of Indiana Territory, bat after all it 
came far short of conferring as many privileges as are enjoyed at 
the present day by our Territories. They did not have a full form 
of Republican government. A freehold estate in 500 acres of land 
was one of the necessary qualifications of each member of the legis- 
lative council of the Terri tor}'; every member of the Territorial House 
of Representatives was required to hold, in his own riglit, 200 acres 
of land; and the privilege of voting for members of the House 
of Representatives was restricted to those inliabitants who, in addi- 
tion to other qualifications, owned severally at least 50 acres of 
land. The Governor of the the Territory was invested with the 
power of appointing officers of the Territorial militia, Judges of the 
inferior Courts, Clerks of the Courts, Justices of the Peace, Sheriffs. 
Coroners, County Treasurers and County Surveyors. He was also 
authorized to divide the Territory into districts; to apportion 
among tiie several counties tlie members of the House of Represent- 
atives; to prevent the passage of any Territorial law; and to con- 
vene and dissolve the General Assembly whenever he thought best. 
None of the Governors, however, ever exercised these extraordinary 
powers arbitrarily. Nevertheless, the people were constantly agi- 
tating the question of extending the right of suffrage. Five years 
after the organization of the Territory, the Legislative Council, in 
reply to the Governor's Message, said: "Although we are not as 
completely independent in our legislative capacity as we would 
wish to be, yet we are sensible that we must wait with patience for 
that period of time when our population will burst the trammels 
of a Territorial government, and we shall assume the character more 
consonant to Republicanism. * * * The confidence which our 
fellow citizens have uniformly had in your administration has been 
such that they have hitherto had no reason to be jealous of the un- 
limited power which you possess over our legislative proceedings. 
We, however, cannot help regretting that such powers have 
been lodged in the hands of any one, especially when it is recol- 
lected to what dangerous lengths tlie exercise of those powers may 
be extended." 

After repeated petitions the people of Indiana were empowered 
by Congress to elect the members of the Legislative Council by popu- 
lar vote. Tliis act was passed in 1809, and defined what was known 
as the property qualification of voters. These qualifications were 
abolished by Congress in 1811, which extended the riglit of voting 
for members of the General Assembly and for a Territorial delegate 



120 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

to Congress to every free white male person who had attained the 
age of twenty -one years, and who, having paid a county or Terri- 
torial tax, was a resident of the Territory and had resided in it for 
a year. In 1814 the voting qualification in Indiana was defined by 
Congress, " to every tree white male person having a freehold in 
the Territory, and being a resident of the same." The House of 
Kepresentatives was authorized by Congress to lay off the Territory 
into five districts, in each of which the qualified voters were em- 
powered to elect a member of the Legislative Council. The division 
was made, one to two counties in each district. 

At the session in August, 1814, the Territory was also divided 
into three judicial circuits, and provisions were made for holding 
courts in the same. The Governor was empowered to appoint a 
presiding Judge in each circuit, and two Associate Judges of the 
circuit court in each county. Their compensation was fixed at 
$700 per annum. 

The same year the General Assembly granted charters to two 
banking institutions, the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank of Madi- 
son and the Bank of Vincennes. The first was authorized to raise 
a capital of $750,000, and the other $500,000. On the organization 
of the State these banks were merged into the State Bank and ita 
branches. 

Here we close the history of the Territory of Indiana. 




ORGANIZATION OF THE STATE. 

The last regular session of the Territorial Legislature was held at 
Corydon, convening in December, 1815. The message of Governor 
Posey congratulated the people of the Territory upon the general 
success of the settlements and the great increase of immigration, 
recommended light taxes and a careful attention to the promotion 
of education and the improvement of the State roads and highways. 
He also recommended a revision of the territorial laws and an 
amendment of the militia system. Several laws were passed pre- 
paratory to a State Government, and December 14, 1815, a me- 
morial to Congress was adopted praying for the authority to adopt 
a constitution and State Government. Mr. Jenning8,the Territorial 
delegate, laid this memorial before Congress on the 28th, and April 
19, 1816, the President approved the bill creating the State of In- 
diana. Accordingly, May 30 following, a general election was held 
for a constitutional convention, which met at Corydon June 10 to 
29, Johathan Jennings presiding and Wm. Hendricks acting as 
Secretary. 

" The convention that formed the first constitution of the State 
of Indiana was composed mainly of clear-minded, unpretending 
men of common sense, whose patriotism was unquestionable and 
whose morals were fair. Their familiarity with the theories of the 
Declaration of American Independence, their Territorial experience 
under the provisions of the ordinance of 1787, and their knowledge of 
the principles of the constitution of the United States were sufficient, 
when combined, to lighten materially their labors in the great work 
of forming a constitution for a new State. With such landmarks 
in view, the labors of similar conventions in other States and Ter- 
ritories have been rendered comparatively light. In the clearness 
and conciseness of its style, in the comprehensive and just pro- 
visions which it made for the maintainance of civil and religious 
liberty, in its mandates, which were designed to protect the rights 
of the people collectively and individually, and to provide for the 
public welfare, the constitution that was formed for Indiana in 1816 
was not inferior to any of the State constitutions whicii were in ex- 
istence at that time." — Dillon'' x History of Indiana. 



122 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

The first State election took place on the first Monday of August, 
1816, and Jonathan Jennings was elected Governor, and Christo- 
pher Harrison, Lieut. Governor. Wm. Hendricks was elected to 
represent the new State in the House of Representatives of the 
United States. 

The first General Assemblj elected under the new constitution 
began its session at Corydon, Nov. 4, 1816. John Paul was called 
to the chair of the Senate pro tem., and Isaac Blackford was elected 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

Among other things in the new Governor's message were the 
following remarks: " The result of your deliberation will be con- 
sidered as indicative of its future character as well as of the future 
happiness and prosperity of its citizens. In the commencement 
of the State government the shackles of the colonial should be for- 
gotten in our exertions to prove, by happy experience, that a uni- 
form adherence to the first principles of our Government and a 
virtuous exercise of its powers will best secure eflSciency to its 
measures and stability to its character. Without a frequent recur- 
rence to those principles, the administration of the Government 
will imperceptibly become more and more arduous, until the sim- 
plicity of our Republican institutions may eventually be lost in 
dangerous exjjedients and political design. Under every free gov- 
ernment the happiness of the citizens must be identified with their 
morals; and while a constitutional exercise of their rights shall 
continue to have its due weight in discharge of the duties required 
of the constituted authorities of the State, too much attention can- 
not be bestowed to the encouragement and promotion of every 
moral virtue, and to the enactment of laws calculated to restrain 
the vicious, and prescribe punishment for every crime commensu- 
rate with its enormity. In measuring, however, to each crime its 
adequate punishment, it will be well to recollect that the certainty 
of punishment has generally the surest effect to prevent crime; 
while punishments unnecessarily severe too often produce the ac- 
quittal of the guilty and disappoint one of the greatest objects of 
legislation and good goverument « * * The dissemination of 
useful knowledge will be indispensably necessary as a support to 
morals and as a restraint to vice; and on this subject it will only 
be necessary to direct your attention to the plan of education as 
prescribed by the constitution. * * * j recommend to your 
consideration the propriety of providing by law, to prevent more 
effectually any unlawful attempts to seize and carry into bondage 




01'i.M.\u A.N 1.NU1A>.\ FOUKST. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 125 

persons of color legally entitled to their freedom; and at the same 
time, as far as practicable, to prevent those who rightfully owe ser- 
vice to the citizens of any other State or Territory from seeking 
within the limits of this State a refuge from the possession of their 
lawful owners. Such a measure will tend to secure those who are 
free from any unlawful attempts (to enslave them) and secures the 
rights of the citizens of the other States and Territories as far as 
ought reasonably to be expected." 

This session of the Legislature elected James Noble and Waller 
Taylor to the Senate of the United States; Robert A. New was 
elected Secretary of State; W. H. Lilley, Auditor of State; and 
Daniel C. Lane, Treasurer of State. The session adjourned Janu- 
ary 3, 1817. 

As the history of the State of Indiana from this time forward is 
best given by topics, we will proceed to give them in the chronolog- 
ical order of their origin. 

The happy close of the war with Great Britain in 1814 was fol- 
lowed by a great rush of immigrants to the great Territory of the 
Northwest, including the new States, all now recently cleared of 
the enemy; and by 1820 the State of Indiana had more than 
doubled her population, having at this time 147,178, and by 1825 
nearly doubled this again, that is to say, a round quarter of a mil- 
lion,^ — a growth more rapid probably than that of any other section 
in this country since the days of Columbus. 

The period lS25-'30 was a prosperous time for the young State. 
Immigration continued to be rapid, the crops were generally good 
and the hopes of the people raised higher than they had ever been 
before. Accompanying this immigration, however, were paupers 
and indolent people, who threatened to be so numerous as to 
become a serious burden. On this subject Governor Ray called for 
legislative action, bnt the Legislature scarcely knew what to do 
and they deferred action. 



BLACK HAWK WAR. 

In 1830 there still lingered within the bounds of the State two 
tribes of Indians, whose growing indolence, intemperate habits, 
dependence upon their neighbors for the bread of life, diminished 
prospects of living by the chase, continued perpetration of murders, 
and other outrages of dangerous precedent, primitive igno- 
rance and unrestrained exhibitions of savage customs before the 
children of the settlers, combined to make them subjects for a more 
rigid government. The removal of the Indians west of tiie Missis- 
sippi was a melancholy but necessary duty, ^he time having- 
arrived for the emigration of the Pottawatomies, according to the 
stipulations contained in their treaty with the United States, they 
evinced that reluctance common among aboriginal tribes on leav- 
ing the homes of their childhood and the graves of their ancestors. 
Love of country is a principle planted in the bosoms of all man- 
kind. The Laplander and the Esquimaux of the frozen north» 
who feed on seals, moose and the meat of thepolar bear, would not 
exchange their country for the sunny clime of "Araby the blest.'* 
Color and shades of complexion have nothing to do with the 
heart's best, warmest emotions. Then we should not wonder that the 
Pottawatomie, on leaving his home on the Wabash, felt as sad as 
-iEschines did when ostracised from his native land, laved bv the 
waters of the classic Scamander; and the noble and eloquent Nas- 
waw-kay, on leaving the encampment on Crooked creek, felt his, 
banishment as keenly as Cicero when thrust from the bosom of hie. 
beloved Rome, for which he had spent the best efforts of his life,, 
and for which he died. 

On Sunday morning. May 18, 1832, the people on the west side 

of the Wabash were thrown into a state of great consternation, on 

account of a report that a large body of hostile Indians had 

approached within 15 miles of Lafayette and killed two men. The 

alarm soon spread tliroughout Tippecanoe, Warren, Vermillion, 

Fountain, Montgomery, and adjoining counties. Several brave 

commandants of companies on the west side of the Wabash in 

Tippecanoe county, raised troops to go and meet the enemy, and 

dispatched an express to Gen. Walker with a request that he should 

(126) 



niETuET OF INDIANA. 127 

make a call upon the militia of the county to equip themselves 
instantly and march to the aid of their bleeding countrymen. 
Thereupon Gen. Walker, Col. Davis, Lieut-Col. Jenners, Capt. 
Brown, of the artillery, and various other gallant spirits mounted 
their war steeds and proceeded to the army, and thence upon a 
scout to the Grand Prairie to discover, if possible, the number, 
intention and situation of the Indians. Over 300 old men, women 
and children flocked precipitately to Lafayette and the surrounding 
country east of the Wabash. A remarkable event occurred in this 
stampede, as follows: 

A man, wife and seven children resided on the edge of the 
Grand Prairie, west of Lafayette, in a locality considered particu- 
larly dangerous. On hearing of this alarm he made hurried 
preparations to fly with his family to Lafayette for safety. Lnag- 
ine his surprise and chagrin when his wife told him she would not 
go one step; that she did not believe in being scared at trifles, and 
in her opinion there was not an Indian within 100 miles of them. 
Importunity proved unavailing, and the disconsolate and frightened 
husband and father took all the children except the youngest, bade 
his wife and babe a long and solemn farewell, never expecting to 
see them again, unless perhaps he might find their mangled re- 
mains, minus their scalps. On arriving at Lafayette, his acquaint- 
ances rallied and berated him for abandoning his wife and child in 
that way, but he met their jibes with a stoical indifference, avowing 
that he should not be held responsible for their obstinacy. 

As the shades of the first evening drew on, the wife felt lonely; 
and the chirping of the frogs and the notes of the whippoorwill only 
intensified her loneliness, until she half wished she had accom- 
panied the rest of the family in their flight. She remained in the 
house a .ew hours without striking a light, and then concluded 
that '* discretion was the better part of valor," took her babe and 
some bed-clothes, fastened the cabin door, and hastened to a sink- 
hole in the woods, in which she afterward said that she and her 
babe slept soundly until sunrise next morning. 

Lafayette literally boiled over with people and patriotism. A 
meeting was held at the court-house, speeches were made by 
patriotic individuals, and to allay the fears of the women an armed 
police was immediately ordered, to be called the " Lafayette Guards." 
Thos. T. Benbridge was elected Captain, and John Cox, Lieutenant. 
Capt. Benbridge yielded the active drill of his guards to the 
Lieutenant, who had served two years in the war of 1812. After 



128 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

the meeting adjourned, the guards were paraded on the green 
wliere Purdue's block now stands, and put through sundry evohi- 
tions by Lieut. Cox, who proved to be an expert drill officer, and 
whose clear, shrill voice rung out on the night air as he marched 
and counter- marched the troops from where the paper-mill stands 
to Main street ferry, and over the suburbs, generallj'. Every old 
gun and sword tliat could be found was brought into requisition, 
with a new shine on them. 

Gen. Walker, Colonels Davis and Jenners, and other officers 
joined in a call of the people of Tippecanoe county for volunteers to 
inarch to the frontier settlements. A large meeting of the citizens 
assembled in the public square in the town, and over 300 volunteers 
mostly mounted men, left for the scene of action, with an alacrity 
that would have done credit to veterans. 

The first night they camped nine miles west of Lafayette, near 
Grand Prairie. They placed sentinels for the night and retired to 
rest. A few of the subaltern officers very injudiciously concluded 
to try what effect a false alarm would have upon the sleeping sol- 
diers, and a few of theia withdrew to a neighboring thicket, and 
thence made a charge upon the picket guards, who , after hailing 
them and receiving no countersign, fired off their guns and ran for 
the Colonel's marquee in the center of the encampment. The aroused 
Colonels and staff sprang to their feet, shouting "To arms! to arms!" 
and the obedient, though panic-stricken soldiers seized their guns 
and demanded to be led against the invading foe. A wild scene of 
disorder ensued, and amid the din of arms and loud commands of 
the officers the raw militia felt that they had already got into the 
red jaws of battle. One of the alarm sentinels, in running to the 
center of the encampment, leaped over a blazing camp fire, and 
alighted full upon the breast and stomach of a sleeping lawyer, who 
was, no doubt, at that moment dreaming of vested and contingent 
remainders, rich clients and good fees, which in legal parlance was 
suddenly estopped by the hob-nails in the stogas of the scared 
sentinel. As soon as the counselor's vitality and consciousness 
sufficiently returned, ho put in some strong demurrers to the con- 
duct of the affrighted picket men, averring that he would greatly 
prefer being wounded by the enemy to being run over by a cowardly 
booby. Next morning the organizers of the ruse were severely 
reprimanded. 

May 28, 1832, Governor Noble ordered General Walker to call 
out liis whole command, if necessary, and supply arms, horses and 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 12D 

provisions, even though it be necessary to seize tliem. The next 
day four baggage wagons, loaded with camp equipments, stores, 
provisions and other articles, were sent to the little army, who were 
thus provided for a campaign of five or six weeks. The following 
Thursday a squad of cavalry, under Coloudl Sigler, passed through 
Lafayette on the way to the hostile region ; and on the 13th of June 
Colonel Russell, commandant of the iOth Regiment, Indiana Militia, 
passed through Lafayette with 340 mounted volunteers from the 
counties of Marion, Hendricks and Johnson. Also, several com- 
panies of volunteers from Montgomery, Fountain and Warren 
counties, hastened to the relief of the frontier settlers. The troops 
from Lafayette marched to Sugar creek, and after a short time, 
there being no probability of finding any of the enemy, were 
ordered to return, Tliey all did so except about 4.5 horsemen, who 
volunteered to cross Hickory creek, where the Indians had com- 
mitted their depredations. They organized a company by electing 
Samuel McGeorge, a soldier of the war of 1812, Captain, and Amos 
Allen and Andrew W. Ingraliam, Lieutenants. 

Crossing Hickory creek, they marched as far as O'Plein river 
without meeting with opposition. Finding no enemy here they 
concluded to return. On the first night of their march home they 
encamped on the open prairie, posting sentinels, as usual. About 
ten o'clock it began to rain, and it was with diflBculty that the sen- 
tinels kept their guns dry. Capt. I. H. Cox and a man named Fox 
had been posted as sentinels within 1.5 or 20 paces of each other. 
Cox drew the skirt of his overcoat over his gun-lock to keep it dry; 
Fox, perceiving this motion, and in the darkness taking him for an 
Indian, fired upon him and fractured his thigh-bone. Several sol- 
diers immediately ran toward the place where the flash of the gun 
bad been seen ; but when they cocked and leveled their guns on the 
figure which had fired at Cox, the wounded man caused them to 
desist by crying, " Don't shoot him, it was a sentinel who shot me." 
The next day the wounded man was left behind the company in 
caie of four men, who, as soon as possible, removed him on a litter 
to Col. Moore's company of Illinois militia, then encamped on the 
O'Plein, where Joliet now stands. 

Although the main body returned to Lafayette in eight or nine 
days, yet the alarm among the people was so great that they could 
not be induced to return to their farms for some time. The pres- 
ence of the hostiles was hourly expected by the frontier settlements 
of Indiana, from Vincennes to La Porte. In Clinton county the 



130 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

inhabitants gathered within the forts and prepared for a regular 
siege, while our neighbors at Crawfordsville were suddenly 
astounded by the arrival of a courier at full speed with the announce- 
ment that the Indians, more than a thousand in number, were then 
crossing the Nine-Mile prairie about twelve miles north of town, 
killing and scalping all. The strongest houses were immediately 
put in a condition of defense, and sentinels were placed at the prin- 
cipal points in the direction of the enemy. Scouts were sent out to 
reconnoitre, and messengers were dispatched in different directions 
to announce the danger to the farmers, and to urge them to hasten 
with their families into town, and to assist in fighting the moment- 
arily expected savages. At night-fall the scouts brought in the 
news that the Indians had not crossed the Wabash, but were hourly 
expected at Lafayette. The citizens of Warren, Fountain and Ver- 
million counties were alike terrified by exaggerated stories of Indian 
massacres, and immediately prepared for defense. It turned out 
that the Indians were not within 100 miles of these temporary 
forts; but this by no means proved a want of courage in the citizens. 

After some time had elapsed, a portion of the troops were 
marched back into Tippecanoe county and honorably discharged ; 
but the settlers were still loth for a long time to return to their 
farms. Assured by published reports that the Miamis and Potta- 
watomies did not intend to join the hostiles, the people by degrees 
recovered from the panic and began to attend to their neglected 
crops. 

During this time there was actual war in Illinois. Black Hawk 
and his warriors, well nigh surrounded by a well-disciplined foe, 
attempted to cross to the west bank of the Mississippi, but after 
being chased up into Wisconsin and to the Mississippi again, he 
was in a final battle taken captive. A few years after his liberation, 
about 1837 or 1838, he died, on the banks of the Des Moines river, 
in Iowa, in what is now the county of Davis, where his remains 
were deposited above ground, in the usual Indian style. His re- 
mains were afterward stolen and carried away, but they were re- 
covered by the Governor of Iowa and placed in the museum of the 
Historical Society at Burlington, where they were finally destroyed 
by fire. 



LAST EXODUS OF THE INDIANS. 

In July, 1837, Col. Abel C. Pepper convened the Pottawatomie 
nation of Indians at Lake Ke-waw-nay for the purpose of remov- 
ing them west of the Mississippi. That fall a small party of some 
80 or 90 Pottawatomies was conducted west of the Mississippi 
river by George Prolfit, Esq. Among the number were Ke-waw- 
nay, Nebash, Nas-waw-kay, Pash-po-ho and many other leading 
men of the nation. The regular emigration of these poor Indians, 
about 1,000 in number, took place under Col. Pepper and Gen. Tip- 
ton in the summer of 1838. 

It was a sad and mournful spectacle to witness these children of 
the forest slowly retiring from the home of their childhood, that 
contained not only the graves of their revered ancestors, but also 
many endearing scenes to which their memories would ever recur 
as sunny spots along their pathway through the wilderness. They 
felt that they were bidding farewell to the hills, valleys and streams 
of their infancy; the more exciting hunting-grounds of their ad- 
vanced youth, as well as the stern and bloody battle-fields where 
they had contended in riper manhood, on which they had received 
wounds, and where many of their friends and loved relatives had 
fallen covered with gore and with glory. All these they were leav- 
ing behind them, to be desecrated by the plowshare of the white 
man. As they cast mournful glances back toward these loved 
scenes that were rapidly fading in the distance, tears fell from the 
cheek of the downcast warrior, old men trembled, matrons wept, 
the swarthy maiden's cheek turned pale, and sighs and half-sup- 
pressed sobs escaped from the motley groups as tiiey passed along, 
some on foot, some on horseback, and others in wagons, — sad as a 
funeral procession. Several of the aged warriors were seen to cast 
glances toward the sky, as if they were imploring aid from the 
spirits of their departed heroes, who were looking down upon them 
from tlie clouds, or from the Great Sjjirit, who would ultimately 
redress the wrongs of the red man, whose broken bow had fallen 
from his hand, and whose sad heart was bleeding within him. 
Ever and anon one of the party would start out into the brush and 
break back to their old encampmetitson Eel river and on the Tippe- 

(131) 



132 HISTOEY OF INDIANA. 

canoe, declaring that they would rather die than be banished frcnn 
their country. Thus, scores of discontented emigrants returned 
from different points on their journey; and it was several years 
before they conld be induced to join their .countrymen west of the 
Mississippi. / 

Several years after the removal of the Pottawatomies the Miami 
nation was removed to their Western home, by coercive means, un- 
der an escort of United States troops. They were a proud and 
once powerful nation, but at the time of their removal were far 
inferior, in point of numbers, to the Pottawatomie guests whom 
they had permitted to settle and hunt upon their lands, and fish iti 
iheir lakes and rivers after they had been driven southward by 
powerful and warlike tribes who inhabited the shores of the North- 
ern lakes. 

INDIAN TITLES. 

In 1831 a joint resolution of the Legislature of Indiana, request- 
ing an appropriation by Congress for the extinguishment of tiic 
Indian title to lands within tlie State, was forwarded to that bodyi 
^which granted the request. The Secretary of "War, by authority, 
appointed a committee of three citizens to carry into effect the pro- 
visions of the recent law. The Miamis were surrounded on all 
sides by American settlers, and were situated almost in the heart 
of the State on the line of the canal then being made. The chiefs 
-<were called to a council for the purpose of making a treaty; they 
promptly came, but peremptorily refused to go westward or sell 
ithe remainder of their land. The Pottawatomies sold about 
{6,000,000 acres in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan, including all 
vthfcir claim in this State. y 

In 1838 a treaty was concluded with the Miami Indians through 
the good offices of Col. A. C. Pepper, the Indian agent, by which 
A considerable of the most desirable portion of their reserve was 
iceded to the United States. 



LAND SALES. 

As an example of the manner in which land speculators were 
treated by the early Lidianians, we cite the following instances 
from Cox's " Kecollections of the Wabash Valley." 

At Crawfordsville, Dec. 24, 1824, many parties were present 
from the eastern and southern portions of the State, as well as from 
Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and even Pennsylvania, to attend a 
land sale. There was but little bidding against each other. The 
settlers, or " squatters," as they were called by the speculators, had 
arranged matters among themselves to their general satisfaction. 
If, upon comparing numbers, it appeared that two were after the 
same tract of land, one would ask the other what he would take 
not to bid against him; if neither would consent to be bought off 
they would retire and cast lots, and the lucky one would enter the 
tract at Congress price, $1.25 an acre, and the other would enter the 
second choice on his list. If a speculator made a bid, or showed a 
disposition to take a settler's claim from him, he soon saw the 
white of a score of eyes glaring at him, and he would "crawfish'* 
out of the crowd at the first opportunity. 

The settlers made it definitely known to foreign capitalists that 
they would enter the tracts of land they had settled upon before 
allowing the latter to come in with their speculations. The land' 
was sold in tiers of townships, beginning at the southern part of 
the district and continuing north until all had been offered at 
public sale. This plan was persisted in, although it kept many on 
the ground for several days waiting, who desired to purchase land 
in the uurtliern part of the district. 

In 1827 a regular Indian scare was gotten up to keep specu- 
lators away for a short time. A man who owned a claim on Tippe- 
canoe river, near Pretty prairie, fearing that some one of the 
numerous land hunters constantly scouring the country might 
enter the laud he had settled upon before he could raise the money 
to buy it, and seeing one day a cavalcade of land hunters riding 
toward where his land lay, mounted his horse and darted off at 
full speed to meet them, swinging his hat and shouting at the top 

of his voice, " Indians! Indians! the woods are full of Indians, 

(133) 



134 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

murdering and scalping all before them!" Thev paused a moment, 
but as the terrified horseman still urged his jaded animal and cried, 
"Help! Longlois, Cicots, help!" they turned and fled like a troop of 
retreating cavalrj', hastening to the thickest settlements and giving 
the alarm, which spread like fire among stubble until the whole 
frontier region was shocked with the startling cry. The squatter 
who fabricated the story and started this false alarm took a cir- 
cuitous route home that evening, and while others were busy 
building temporary block-houses and rubbing up their guns to 
meet the Indians, he was quietly gathering up money and slipped 
down to Crawfordsville and entered his land, chuckling to himself, 
"There's a Yankee trick for you, done up by a Hoosier." 

HARMONY COMMUNITY. 

In 1814 a society of Germans under Frederick Rappe, who had 
originally come from Wirtemberg, Germany, and more recently 
from Pennsylvania, founded a settlement on the Wabash about 50 
miles above its mouth. They were industrious, frugal and honest 
Lutherans. They purchased a large quantity of land and laid otf 
a town, to which the^' gave the name of "Harmony," afterward 
called "New Harmony." They erected a church and a public 
school-house, opened farms, planted orchards and vineyards, built 
flouring mills, established a house of public entertainment, a public 
store, and carried on all the arts of peace with skill and regularity. 
Their property was " in common," according to the custom of an- 
cient Christians at Jerusalem, but the governing power, both tem- 
poral and spiritual, was vested in Frederick Rappe, the elder, who 
was regarded as the founder of the society. By the 3-ear 1S21 the 
society numbered about 900. Every individual of proper age con- 
tributed his proper share of labor. There were neither spendthrifts, 
idlers nor drunkards, and during the whole 17 years of their sojourn 
in America there was not a single lawsuit among them. Every 
controversy arising among them was settled by arbitration, expla- 
nation and compromise before sunset of the day, literally according 
to the injunction of the apostle of the New Testament. 

About 1825 the town of Harmony and a considerable quantity 
of land adjoining was sold to Robert Owen, father of David Dale 
Owen, the State Geologist, and of Robert Dale Owen, of later 
notoriet}'. He was a radical philosopher from Scotland, who had 
become distinguished for his philanthropy and opposition to 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 135 

Christianity. He charged the latter with teaching false notions 
regarding human responsihility — notions which have since been 
clothed in the language of physiology, mental philosophy, etc. 
Said lie: 

" That which has hitherto been called wickedness in our fellow 
men has proceeded from one of two distinct causes, or from some 
combination of those causes. They are what are termed bad or 
wicked, 

•' 1. Because they are I)orn with faculties or propensities which 
render them more liable, under the same circumstances, than other 
men, to commit such actions as are usually denominated wicked; 
or, 

" 2. Because they have been placed by birth or other events in 
particular countries, — have been influenced from infancy by par- 
ents, pla3'raates and others, and have been surrounded by those 
circumstances which gradually and necessarily trained them in the 
habits and sentiments called wicked; or, 

" 3. They have become wicked in consequence of some particu- 
lar combination of these causes. 

" If it should be asked. Whence then has wickedness pro- 
ceeded? I reply. Solely from the ignorance of our forefathers. 

" Every society which exists at present, as well as every society 
which history records, has been formed and governed on a belief 
in the following notions, assumed as first principles: 

*' 1. That it is in the power of every individual to form his own 
character. Hence the various systems called by the name of religion, 
codes of law, and punishments; hence, also, the angry passions 
entertained by individuals and nations toward each other. 

" 2. That the aflections are at the command of the individual. 
Hence insincerit}' and degradation of character; hence the miseries 
of domestic life, and more than one-half of all the crimes of man- 
kind. 

" 3. That it is necessary a large portion of mankind should ex- 
ist in ignorance and poverty in order to secure to the remaining part 
such a degree of happiness as they now enjoy. Hence a system of 
counteraction in the pursuits of men, a general opposition among 
individuals to the interests of each other, and the necessary effects 
of such a system, — ignorance, poverty and vice. 



THE MEXICAN WAR 

During the administration of Gov. Whitcomb the war with 
Mexico occurred, which resulted in annexing to the United States 
vast tracts of land in the south and west. Indiana contributed her 
full ratio to the troops in that war, and with a remarkable spirit of 
promptness and patriotism adopted all measures to sustain the gen- 
eral Government. These new acquisitions of territory re-opened 
the discussion of the slavery question, and Governor Whitcomb 
expressed his opposition to a further extension of the " national 
sin." 

The causes which led to a declaration of war against Mexico in 
1846, must be sought for as far back as the year 1830, when the 
present State of Texas formed a province of New and Independent 
Mexico. During the years immediately preceding 1830, Moses 
Austin, of Connecticut, obtained a liberal grant of lands from the 
established Government, and on his death his son was treated in an 
equally liberal manner. The glowing accounts rendered by Aus- 
tin, and the vivid picture of Elysian fields drawn by visiting jour- 
nalists, soon resulted in the influx of a large tide of immigrants, 
nor did the movement to the Southwest cease until 1S30. The 
Mexican province held a prosperous population, comprising 10,0OC 
American citizens. The rapacious Government of the Mexicans 
looked with greed and jealousy upon their eastern province, and, 
under the presidency of Gen. Santa Anna, enacted such measures, 
both unjust and oppressive, as would meet their design of goading 
the people of Texas on to revolution, and thus afford an opportu- 
nity for the infliction of punishment upon subjects whose onlj' 
crime was industry and its accompaniment, prosperity. Precisely 
in keeping with the course pursued by the British toward the col- 
onists of the Eastern States in the last century, Santa Anna's 
Government met the remonstrances of the colonists of Texas with 
threats ; and they, secure in their consciousness of right quietly 
issued their declaration of independence, and proved its literal 
meaning on the field of Gonzales in 1835, having with a force of 

(136) 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 137 

500 men forced the Mexican army of 1,000 to fly for refuge to their 
strongholds. Battle after battle followed, bringing victory always 
to the Colonists, and ultimately resulting in the total rout of the 
Mexican army and the evacuation of Texas. The routed army 
after a short term of rest reorganized, and reappeared in the Terri- 
tory, 8,000 strong. On April 21, a division of this large force 
under Santa Anna encountered the Texaiis under General Samuel 
Houston on tlie banks of the San Jacinto, and though Houston 
could only oppose 800 men to the Mexican legions, the latter were 
driven from the field,nor could they reform their scattered ranks until 
their General was captured next day and forced to sign the declaration 
of 1835. The signature of Santa Anna, though ignored by the 
Congress of the Mexican Kepublic, and consequently left unratified 
on tiie part of Mexico, was effected in so much, that after the sec- 
ond defeat of the army of that Republic all the hostilities of an 
important nature ceased, the Republic of Texas was recognized by 
the powers, and subsequently became an integral part of the United 
States, July 4, 1846. At this period General Herrera was pres- 
ident of Mexico. He was a man of peace, of common sense, and 
very patriotic; and he thus entertained, or pretended to enter- 
tain, the great neighboring Republic in high esteem. For this 
reason he grew unpopular with his people, and General Paredes 
was called to the presidential chair, which he continued to occupy 
until the breaking out of actual hostilities with the United States, 
when Gen. Santa Anna was elected thereto. 

President Polk, aware of the state of feeling in Mexico, ordered 
(jren. Zachary Taylor, in command of the troops in the Southwest, to 
proceed to Texas, and post himself as near to the Mexican border 
as he deemed prudent. At the same time an American squadron was 
dispatched to the vicinity, in the Gulf of Mexico. In November, 
Genera] Taylor had taken his position at Corpus Christi, a Texan 
settlement on a bay of the same name, with about 4,000 men. On 
the 13th of January, 1846, the President ordered him to advance 
with his forces to the Rio Grande; accordingly he proceeded, and 
in Marcli stationed himself on the north bank of that river, with- 
in cannon-shot of the Mexican town of Matamoras. Here he 
hastily erected a fortress, called Fort Brown. The territory ly- 
ing between the river Nueces and the Rio Grande river, about 
120 miles in width, was claimed both by Texas and Mexico; ac- 
cording to the latter, therefore, General Taylor had actually 
invaded lier Territory, and had tlius committed an open 



138 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

act of war. On the 26th of April, the Mexican General, Arapudia, 
gave notice to this effect to General Taj-lor, and on the same day a 
party of American dragoons, sixty-three in number, being on the 
north side of the Rio Grande, were attacked, and, after the loss of 
sixteen men killed and wounded, were forced to surrender. Their 
commander, Captain Thornton, only escaped. The Mexican forces 
had now crossed the river above Matamoras and were supposed to 
meditate an attack on Point Isabel, where Taylor had established a 
depot of supplies for his army. On the 1st of May, this ofEcer left 
a small number of troops at Fort Brown, and marched with his 
chief forces, twenty-three hundred men, to the defense of Point 
Isabel. Having garrisoned this place, he set out on his return. 
On the 8th of May, about noon, he met the Mexican army, six 
thousand strong, drawn up in battle array, on the prairie near Palo 
Alto. The Americans at once advanced to the attack, and, after an 
action of five hours, in which their artillery was very effective, 
drove the enemy before them, and encamped upon the field. The 
Mexican loss was about one hundred killed; that ot the Americans, 
four killed and forty wounded. Major Ringgold, of the artillery, 
an officer of great merit, was mortally wounded. The next day, as 
the Americans advanced, they again met the enemy in a strong 
position near Resaca de la Palma, three miles from Fort Brown. 
An action commenced, and was fiercely contested, the artilleiy on 
both sides being served with great vigor. At last the Mexicans 
gave way, and fled in confusion, General de la Vega having fallen 
into the hands of the Americans. They also abandoned their guns 
and a large quantity of ammunition to the victors. The remain- 
ing Mexican soldiers speedily crossed tlie Rio Grande, and the next 
<iay the Americans took up their position at Fort Brown. This 
little fort, in the absence of General Taylor, had gallantly sustained 
an almost uninterrupted attack of several days from tlie Mexican 
batteries of Matamoras. 

"When the news of the capture of Captain Thornton's party was 
spread over the United States, it produced great excitement. The 
President addressed a message to Congress, then in session, declar- 
ing " that war with Mexico existed by her own act;" and that body. 
May, 1846, placed ten millions of dollars at the President's dispo- 
sal, and authorized him to accept the services of fifty thousand 
volunteers. A great part of the summer of 1846 was spent in ]>rep- 
aration for the war, it being resolved to invade Mexico at several 
points. In pursuance of this plan. General Taylor, who had taken 



HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 139 

possession of Matamoras, abandoned by the enemy in May, iiiarclied 
northward in the enemy's country in August, and on the 19th of 
September he appeared before Monterey, capital of the Mexican 
State of New Leon. His army, after having garrisoned several 
places along his route, amounted to six thousand men. The attack 
began on the 21st, and after a succession of assaults, during the 
period of four days, the Mexicans capitulated, leaving the town 
in possession of the Americans. In October, General Taylor 
terminated an armistice into which he had entered with the 
Mexican General, and again commenced offensive operations. 
Various towns and fortresses of the enemy now rapidly fell into 
•our possession. In Xovember, Saltillo, the capital of the State 
of Coahuila was occupied by tlie division of General Worth; 
in December, General Patterson took possession of Victoria, 
the capital of Tamaulipas, and nearly at the same period, 
Commodore Perry captured the fort of Tampico. Santa Fe, 
the capital of New Mexico, with the whole territory of the State 
liad been subjugated by General Harney, after a march of one 
thousand miles through the wilderness. Events of a startling char- 
acter had taken place at still earlier dates along the Pacific coast. On 
the 4th of Juh , Captain Fremort, having repeatedly defeated su- 
perior Mexican forces with tiie small band under his command, de- 
clared California independent of Mexico. Other important places 
in this region had yielded to the American naval force, and in Au- 
gust, 1846, the wliole of California was in the undisputed occupa- 
tion of the Americans. 

The year 1847 opened with still more brilliant victories on the 
part of our armies. By the drawins off of a large part of 
"General Taylor's troops for a meditated attack on Vera Cruz, he 
was left with a comparatively small force to meet the great body of 
Mexican troops, now marching upon him, under command of the 
celebrated Santa Anna, who had again become President of Mexico. 

Ascertaining the advance of this powerful army, twenty thou- 
sand strong, and consisting of the best of the Mexican soldiers, 
<Teneral Taylor took up his position at Buena Vista, a valley a few 
miles from Saltillo. His whole troops numbered only four thousand 
seven hundred and fifty-nine, and here, on the 23d of February, he 
was vigorously attacked by the Mexicans. The battle was very 
severe, and continued nearly the whole day, when the Mexicans fled 
from the field in disorder, with a loss of nearly two thousand men. 
Santa Anna speedily withdrew, and thus abandoned the region of 



140 HISTOEY OF INDIANA. 

the Rio Grande to the complete occupation of our troops. This left 
our forces at liberty to prosecute the grand enterprise of the cam- 
paign, the capture of the strong town of Vera Cruz, with its re- 
nowned castle of San Juan d'Ulloa. On the 9th of March, 1847, 
General Scott landed near the city with an army of twelve thousand 
men, and on the 18th commenced an attack. For four days and 
nights an almost incessant shower of shot and shells was poured 
upon the devoted town, while the batteries of the castle and the city 
replied with terrible energy. At last, as the Americans were pre- 
paring for an assault, the Governor of the city offered to surrender, 
and on the 26th the American flag floated triumphantly from the 
walls of the castle and tlie city. General Scott now prepared to 
march upon the city of Mexico, the capital of the country, situated 
two hundred miles in the interior, and approached only through a 
series of rugged passes and mountain fastnesses, rendered still more 
formidable by several strong fortresses. On the 8th ot April the 
army commenced their march. At Cerro Gordo, Santa Anna had 
posted himself with fifteen thousand men. On the 18th the Amer- 
icans began the daring attack, and by midday every intrenchment 
of the enemy had been carried. The loss of the Mexicans in this 
remarkable battle, besides one thousand killed and wounded, was 
three thousand prisoners, forty-three pieces of cannon, five 
thousand stand of arms, and all their amunitions and mate- 
rials of war. The loss of the Americans was four hundred 
and thirty-one in killed and wounded. The next day our forces 
advanced, and, capturing fortress after fortress, came on the 
18th of August within ten miles of Mexico, a city of two hun- 
dred thousand inhabitants, and situated in one of the most 
beautiful valleys in the world. On the 20th they attacked and 
carried the strong batteries of Coutreras, garrisoned by 7,000 men> 
in an impetuous assault, which lasted but seventeen minutes. On 
the same day an attack was made by the Americans on the fortified 
post of Churubusco, four miles northeast of Contreras Here 
nearly the entire Mexican army — more than 20,000 in number — 
were posted; but they were defeated at every point, and obliged to 
seek a retreat in the cit^', or the still remaining fortress of Cbapul- 
tepec. While preparations were being made on the 21st by Gen- 
eral Scott, to level his batteries against the city, prior to summon- 
ing it to surrender, he received propositions from the enemy, which 
terminated in an armistice. This ceased on the 7th of September. 
On the Sth the outer defense of Chapultepec was successfully 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 1-il 

stormed by General Worth, though he lost one-fourth of his men 
in the desperate struggle. The castle of Chapultepec, situated on 
an abrupt and rocky eminence, 150 feet above the snrrounding 
country, presented a most formidable object of attack. On the 
12th, however, the batteries were opened against it, and on the 
next day the citadel was carried by storm. The Mexicans still strug- 
gled along the great causeway leading to the city, as the Americans 
advanced, but before nightfal a part of our army was within the 
gates of the city. Santa Anna and the officers of the Government 
fled, and the next morning, at seven o'clock, the flag of the Ameri- 
cans floated from tlie national palace of Mexico. This conquest of 
the capital was the great and final achievement of the war. The 
Mexican republic was in fact prostrate, her sea-coast and chief 
cities being in the occupation of our troops. On the 2d of Feb- 
ruary, ISiS, terms of peace were agreed upon by the American 
commissioner and the Mexican Government, this treaty being rati- 
fied by the Mexican Congress on the 30th of May following, and 
by the United States soon after. President Polk proclaimed peace 
on the 4th of July, 1848. In the preceding sketch we have given 
only a mere outline of the war with Mexico. We have necessarily 
passed over many interesting events, and have not even named 
many of our soldiers who performed gallant and important ser- 
vices. General Taylor's successful operations in the region of the 
Eio Grande were duly honored by the people of the United States, 
by bestowing upon him tlie Presidency. General Scott's campaign, 
from the attack on Vera Cruz, to the surrender of the city of 
Mexico, was far more remarkable, and, in a military point of view, 
must be considered as one of the most brilliant of modern times. It 
is true the Mexicans are not to be ranked with the great nations of 
the earth; with a population of seven or eight millions, they have 
little more than a million of the white race, the rest being half-civ- 
ilized Indians and mestizos, that is, those of mixed blood. Their 
government is inefficient, and the people divided among them- 
selves. Their soldiers often fought bravely, but they were badly 
officered. While, therefore, we may consider the conquest of so 
extensive and populous a country, in so short a time, and attended 
with such constant superiority even to the greater numbers of the 
enemy, as highly gratifying evidence of the courage and capacity 
of our army, still we must not, in judging of our achievements, fail 
to consider the real weakness of the nation whom we vanquished. 



142 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

One thing we may certainly dwell upon with satisfaction — the ad- 
mirable example, not onl}' as a soldier, but as a man, set by our com- 
mander. Gen. Scott, who seems, in the midst of war and the ordinary 
license of the camp, always to have preserved the virtue, kindness, 
and humanity belonging to a state of peace. These qualities 
secured to him the respect, confidence and good-will even of the 
enemy he had conquered. Among the Generals who effectually 
aided General Scott in this remarkable campaign, we must not 
omit to mention the names of Generals Wool, Twiggs, Shields,. 
Worth, Smith, and Quitman, who generally added to the high 
qualities of soldiers the still more estimable characteristics of 
good men. The treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo stipulated that the 
disputed territory between the Nueces and the Rio Grande should 
belong to the United States, and it now forms a part of Texas, as 
has been already stated; that the United States should assume and 
pay the debts due from Mexico to American citizens, to the amount 
of $3,500,000; and that, in consideration of the sum of $15,000,000 
to be paid by the United States to Mexico, the latter should 
relinquish to the former the whole of New Mexico and Upper 
California. 

The soldiers of Indiana who served in this war were formed into 
five regiments of volunteers, numbered respectively, 1st, 2d, 3rd, 
4th and 5th. The fact that companies of the three first-named reg- 
iments served at times with the men of Illinois, the New York 
volunteers, the Palmettos of South Carolina, and United States 
marines, under Gen. James Shields, makes for them a history; be- 
cause the campaigns of the Rio Grande and Chihuahua, the siege 
of Vera Cruz, the desperate encounter at Cerro Gordo, the tragic 
contests in the valley, at Contreras and Churubusco, the storming 
of Chapultepec, and the planting of the stars and stripes upon 
every turret and spire within the conquered city of Mexico, were 
all carried out by the gallant troops under the favorite old General, 
and consequently each of them shared with him in the glories at- 
tached to snch exploits. The other regiments under Cols. Gorman 
and Lane participated in the contests of the period under other com- 
manders. The 4tli Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, comprising 
ten companies, was formally organized at Jeffersonville, Indiana, 
by Capt. R. C. Gatlin, June 15, 1S47, and on the 16th elected 
Major Willis A. Gorman, of the 3rd Regiment, to the Colonelcy; 
Ebenezer Dumont, Lieutenant-Colonel, and W. McCoy, Major. On 
the 27th of June the regiment left Jefiersonville for the front, and 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 143 

subsequently was assigned to Brigadier-General Lane's command, 
which then comprised a battery of five pieces from the 3rd Regi- 
ment U. S. Artillery; a battery of two pieces from the 2nd Regiment 
U. S. Rrtillery, the 4tli Regiment of Indiana Volunteers and the 4th 
Regiment of Ohio, with a squadron of mounted Louisianians and 
detachments of recruits for the U. S. army. The troops of this 
brigade won signal honors at Fasso de Ovegas, August 10, 1847; 
National Bridge, on the 12th; Cerro Gordo, on the 16th; Las Ani- 
mas, on the 19th, under Maj. F. T. Lally, of General Lane's staff, 
and afterward under Lane, directly, took a very prominent part in 
the siege of Puebla, which began on the 15th of September and 
terminated on the 12th of October. At Atlixco, October 19th; 
Tlascala, November 10th; Matamoras and Pass Galajara, Novem- 
ber 23rd and 24th; Guerrilla Ranche, December 5th; Napaloncan, 
December 10th, the Indiana volunteers of the 4th Regiment per- 
formed gallant service, and carried the campaign into the following 
year, representing their State at St. Martin's, February 27, 1848; 
Cholula, March 26th; Matacordera, February 19tli; Sequalteplan, 
February 25th; and on the cessation of hostilities reported at 
Madison, Indiana, for discharge, July 11, 1848; while the 5th In- 
diana Regiment, under Col. J. H. Lane, underwent a similar round 
of duty during its service with other brigades, and gained some 
celebrity at Yera Cruz, Churubusco and with the troops of Illinois 
under Gen. Shields at Chapultepec. 

This war cost the people of the United States sixty-six millions 
of dollars. This very large amount was not paid away for the at- 
tainment of mere glory; there was something else at stake, and 
this something proved to be a country larger and more fertile than 
the France of the Napoleons, and more steady and sensible than 
the France of the Republic. It was the defense of the great Lone 
Star State, the humiliation and chastisement of a quarrelsome 
neighbor. 



SLAVERY. 

We have already referred to the prohibition of slavery in the 
Northwestern Territory, and Indiana Territory by the ordinance of 
17S7; to the imperfection in the execution of this ordinance and the 
troubles which the authorities encountered; and the complete estab- 
lishment of the principles of freedom on the organization of the State. 
The next item of significjtnce in this connection is the following lan- 
guage in the message of Gov. Ray to the Legislature of 1S28: " Since 
onr last separation, while we have witnessed with anxious solicitude 
the belligerent operations of another hemisphere, the cross contend- 
ing against the crescent, and the prospect of a general rupture among 
the legitimates of other quarters of the globe, our attention has 
been arrested by proceedings in our own country truly dangerous 
to liberty, seriously premeditated, and disgraceful to its authors 
if agitated only to tamper with the American people. If such ex- 
periments as we see attempted in certain deluded quarters do not 
tail with a burst of thunder upon the heads of their seditious pro- 
jectors, then indeed the Republic has begun to experience the days 
of its degeneracy. The union of these States is the people's only 
sure charter for their liberties and independence. Dissolve it and 
each State will soon be in a condition as deplorable as Alexander's 
conquered countries after they were divided amongst his victorious 
military captains." 

In pursuance of a joint resolution of the Legislature of 1850, a 
block of native marble was procured and forwarded to Washington, 
to be placed in the monument then in the course of erection at the 
National Capital in memory of George Washington. In the 
absence of any legislative instruction concerning the inscription 
upon this emblem of Indiana's loyalty, Gov. Wright ordered the 
following words to be inscribed upon it: Indiana Knows No 
NoKTH, No South, Nothing but the Union. Within a dozen 
years thereafter this noble State demonstrated to the world her loy- 
alty to the Union and the principles of freedom by the sacrifice of 
blood and treasure which she made. In keeping with this senti- 
ment Gov. Wright indorsed the compromise measures of Congress 
on the slavery question, remarking in his message that " Indiana 
takes her stand in the ranks, not of Southern destiny, nor yet of 

(144) 




SCENE I'N I III WAI-.ASn B!VEIt. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 14j 

Northern destiny: she plants herself on the basis of the Consti- 
tution and takes her stand in the ranks of American destiny." 

FIFTEENTH AMENDMENT. 

At the session of the Legislature in Jaiiuarv, 1869, the subjeel 
of ratifying the fifteenth amendment to the Federal Constitution, 
allowing negro sutirage, came up with such persistency that neither 
party dared to undertake any other business lest it be checkmated 
in some way, and being at a dead lock on this matter, they adjourn- 
ed in March without having done much important business. The 
Democrats, as well as a portion of the conservative Republicans, 
opposed its consideration strongly on the ground that it would be 
unfair to vote on the question until the people of the State liad had 
an opportunity of expressing their views at the polls; but most of 
the liepublicans resolved to push the measure through, while the 
Democrats resolved to resign in a body and leave the Legislatuin; 
without a quorum. Accordingly, on March 4, 17 Senators and 3(j 
Representatives resigned, leaving both houses without a quorum. 

As the early adjournment of the Legislature left the benevolent 
institutions of the State unprovided for, the Governor convened 
that body in extra session as soon as possible, and after the neces- 
sary appropriations were made, on the 19th of May the fifteenth 
amendment came up; but in anticipation of this the Democratic 
members had all resigned and claimed that there was no quorum 
present. There was a quorum, however, of Senators in office, 
though some of them refused to vote, declaring that they were no 
longer Senators; but the president of that body decided that as he 
had not been informed of their resignation by the Governor, they 
were still members. A vote was taken and the ratifying resolution 
was adopted. When the resolution came up in the House, the 
chair decided that, although the Democratic members had resigned 
there was a quorum of the de facto members present, and the 
House proceeded to pass the resolution. This decision of the chair 
was afterward sustained by the Supreme Court. 

At the next regular session of the Legislature, in 1871, the 
Democrats undertook to repeal the ratification, and the Republican 
members resigned to prevent it. The Democrats, as the Republi- 
cans did on the previous occasion, proceeded to pass their resolu- 
tion of repeal; but while the process was under way, before the 
House CoMimittee had time to report on the matter, 34 Republicau 
members resigned, thereby preventing its passage and putting.? 
stop to further legislation. 



INDIANA IN THE WAR. 

The events of the earlier years of this State have been reviewed 
down to that period in the nation's history when the Republic de- 
manded a first sacrifice from the newly erected States: to the time 
when the very safety of the glorious heritage, bequeathed by the 
fathers as a rich legacy, was threatened with a fate worse than death 
— a life under laws that harbored the slave — a civil defiance of the 
first principles of the Constitution. 

Indiana was among the first to respond to the summons of patri- 
otism, and register itself on the national roll of honor, even as she 
was among tlie first to join in that song of joy which greeted a Re- 
public made doubly glorious within a century by the dual victory 
which won liberty for itself, and next bestowed the precious boon 
upon the colored slave. 

The fall of Fort Sumter was a signal for the uprising of the State. 

The news of the calamity was flashed to Indianapolis on the 14tliof 

April, 1861, and early the next morning the electric wire brought 

the welcome message to Washington: — 

Executive Department of Indiana, ) 
Indianapolis, April 15, 1861. ( 
To Abraham Lincoln, President of the United Slates: — On behalf of the State 
of Indiana, 1 tender to you for the defense of the Xation, and to uphold the au- 
thority of the Government, ten thousand men. 

OLIVER P. MORTON, 
Governor of Indiana. 

This may be considered the first official act of Governor Morton, 
who had just entered on the duties of his exalted position. The 
State was in an almost helpless condition, and yet the faith of the 
" War Governor " was prophetic, when, after a short consultation 
with the members of the Executive Council, he relied on the fidelity 
of ten thousand men and promised their services to the Protectorate 
at Washington. This will be more ap])areut when the military 
condition of the State at the beginning of 1S61 is considered. At 
that time the armories contained less than five hundred stand of 
serviceable small arms, eight pieces of cannon which might be use- 
ful in a museum of antiquities, with sundry weapons which would 
miTcly do credit to the aborigines of one hundred years ago. The 
financial condition of the State was even worse than the military. 

(14.<) 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. '^^ 

The sum of $10,368.58 in trust funds was the amount of ca^^h in the 
lianils of the Treasurer, and tiiis was, to all intents and ]>iirposes 
unavailable to meet the emergency, since it could not be devoted 
to the military requirements of the day. This state of affairs was 
dispiriting in the extreme, and would doubtless have militated 
against the ultimate success of any other man than Morton; yet 
he overleaped every difficulty, nor did the fearful realization of 
Floyd's treason, discovered during his visit to Washington, damp 
Ins indomitable courage and energy, but with rare persistence he 
urged the claims of his State, and for his exertions was requited 
with an order for five thousand muskets. The order was not exe- 
cuted until hostilities were actually entered upon, and consequently 
for some days succeeding the publication of tlie President's procla- 
mation the people labored under a feeling of terrible anxiety min- 
gled with uncertainty, amid the confusion which followed the crim- 
inal negligence that permitted the disbandment of the magnificent 
corps cT armee (51,000 men) of 1832 two years later in 1834. Great 
numbers of the people maintained their equanamity with the result 
of beholding within a brief space of time every square mile of their 
State represented by soldiers prepared to fight to the bitter end ia 
defense of cherished institutions, and for the extension of the prin- 
ciple of human liberty to all States and classes within the limits of 
the threatened Union. This, tlieirzeal, was not animated by hos- 
tility to the slave holders of the Southern States, but rather by ai 
fraternal spirit, akin to that which urges the eldest brother to cor- 
rect the persistent follies of his juniors, and thus lead them front 
crime to the maintenance of family honor; in this correction, tO' 
draw them away from all that was cruel, diabolical and inhuman in 
the Republic, to all that is gentle, holy and sublime therein. Many 
of the raw troops were not only unimated by a patriotic feeling, 
but also by that beautiful idealization of the poet, who in his un- 
conscious Republicanism, said: 

" I would not have a slave to till my ground, 

To carry me, to fan me while I sleep, 

And tremble when I wake, for all the wealth 

That sinews boui^ht and sold have ever earned 

No: dear as freedom is — and, in my heart's 

Just estimatiiin, prized above all price — 

I h.ad much rather be myself the slave, 

And wear the bonds, than fasten them on him." 

Thus animated, it is not a matter for surprise to find the first 
call to arms issued by the President, and calling for 75,000 mcn» 



150 



IIISTCJET OF INDIANA. 



answered nobly by the people of Indiana. The quota of troops to 
be furnished by the State on the first call was 4,6S3 men for three 
years' service from April 15, 1860. On the 16th of April, Gov- 
ernor Morton issued his proclamation calling on all citizens of the 
State, who had the welfare of the Republic at heart, to organize 
themselves into six regiments in defense of their rights, and in 
apposition to the varied acts of rebellion, charged by him against 
Blie Southern Confederates. To this end, the Hon. Lewis Wallace, 
a soldier of the Mexican campaign was appointed Adjutant-General, 
Col. Thomas A. Morris of the United States Military Academy, 
Quartermaster-General, and Isaiah Mansur, a merchant of Indian- 
apolis, Commissary-General. These general officers converted the 
grounds and buildings of the State Board of Agriculture into a 
military headquarters, and designated the position Camp Morton, 
as the beginning of the many honors which were to follow the pop- 
nlar Governor throughout his future career. Now the people, im- 
bued with confidence in their Government and leaders, rose to the 
grandeur of American freemen, and with an enthusiasm never 
equaled hitherto, flocked to the standard of the nation ; so that 
within a few days (19th April) 2,400 men were ranked beneath 
tteir regimental banners, until as the official report testifies, the 
anxious question, passing from mouth to mouth, was, " Which of 
Hs will be allowed to go? " It seemed as if Indiana was about to 
monopolize the honors of the period, and place the 75.000 men 
demanded of the Union by the President, at his disposition. Even 
now under the genial sway of guaranteed peace, the features of 
Indiana's veterans flush with righteous pride when these days — re- 
membrances of heroic sacrifice — are named, and freemen, still un- 
born, will read their history only to be blessed and glorified in the 
possession of such truly, noble progenitors. Nor were the ladies 
of the State unmindful of their duties. Everywhere they partook 
of the general enthusiasm, and made it practical so far as in their 
power, by embroidering and presenting standards and regimental 
colors, organizing aid and relief societies, and by man}^ other acts 
of patriotism and humanity inherent in the high nature of woman. 
During the days set apart by the military authorities for the or- 
ganization of the regiments, the financiers of the State were en- 
gaged in the reception of munificent grants of money from pri- 
vate citizens, while the money merchants within and without the 
State oflered large loans to the recognized Legislature without even 
imposing a condition of payment. This most practical generosity 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 151 

strengthened the hands of the Executive, and within a very few days 
Indiana had passed the crucial test, recovered some of her military 
prestige lost in 1834, and so was prepared to vie with the other 
and wealthier States in making sacrifices for the public welfare. 

On the 20th of April, Messrs, I. S. Dobbs and Alvis D. Gall re- 
ceived their appointments as Medical Inspectors of the Division, 
while Major T. J. Wood arrived at headquarters from Washington 
to receive the newly organized regiments into the service of the 
Union. At the moment this formal proceeding took place, Morton, 
unable to restrain the patriotic ardor ot the people, telegraphed to 
the capitol that he could place six regiments of infantry at the dis- 
posal of the General Government within six days, if such a pro- 
ceeding were acceptable; but in consequence of the wires being cut 
between the State and Federal capitols, no answer came. Taking 
advantage of the little doubt whicli may have had existence in re- 
gard to future action in the matter and in the absence of general 
orders, he gave expression to an intention of placing the volunteers 
in camp, and in his message to the Legislature, who assembled three 
days later, he clearly laid down the principle of immediate action 
and strong measures, recommending a note of $1,000,000 for there- 
organization of the volunteers, for the purchase of arms and supplies, 
and for the punishment of treason. The message was received most 
enthusiastically. The assembly recognized the great points made 
by the Governor, and not only yielded to them in toto, but also made 
the following grand appropriations: 

General military purposes $1,000,000 

Purchase of arras 500,000 

Continsicnt military expenses 100,000 

Organization and support of militia for two years 140,000 

These appropriations, together with the laws enacted during the 
session of the Assembly, speak for the men of Indiana. The celerity 
with which these laws were put in force, the diligince and economy 
exercised by the officers, entrusted with their administration, and 
that systematic genius, under which all the machinery of Govern- 
ment seemed to work in harmony, — all, all, tended to make for the 
State a spring-time of noble deeds, when seeds might be cast along 
her fertile fields and in the streets of her villages of industry to 
grow up at once and blossom in the ray of fame, and after to bloom 
throughout the ages. Within three daj's after the opening of the 
extra session of the Legislature (27th April) six new regiments were 
organized, and commissioned for three months' service. These reg- 



152 



HISTORY UK INDIANA. 



•' 


u 


Ebenezer Dumont 


a 


i( 


W 


P. 


Beuton. 


a 


(( 


R. 


H. 


Milroy. 


<i 


(( 


T. 


T. 


Reynolds. 


u 




Le 


wis 


Wallace. 



iraents. notwithstaudiug the fact that the first sis regiments were 
already imistered into the general service, were known as '-The 
First Brigade. Indiana Volunteers," and with the simple object of 
making the way of the future student of a brilliant history clear, 
were numbered respectively 

Sixth Regiment, commanded by Col. T. T. Crittenden. 

Seventh •' " 

Eighth " " 

Ninth " " 

Tenth " " 

Eleventh " " 

The idea of these numbers was suggested by the fact that the 
military representation of Indiana in the Mexican Campaign was 
one brigade of five regiments, and to observe consecutiveness the 
regiments comprised in the first division of volunteers were thus 
numbered, and the entire force placed under Brigadier General T. 
A. Morris, with the following stafi": John Love, Major; Cyrus C> 
Hines, Aid-de-camp; and J. A. Stein, Assistant Adjutant General. 
To follow the fortunes of these volunteers through all the vicissi- 
tudes of war would prove a special work; yet their valor and endur- 
ance during their first term of service deserved a notice of even more 
value than that of the historian, since a commander's opinioa has 
to be taken as the basis upon which the chronicler may expatiate. 
Therefore the following dispatch, dated from the headquarters of the 
Army of Occupation, Beverly Camp, W. Virginia, July 21, 1S61, 
must be taken as one of the first evidences of their utility and 
valor: — 

"Governor O. P. Morton, Indtanapolit, Indiana 

Governor : — I have directed the three months' regiments from Indiana to 
move to Indianapolis, there to be mustered out and reorganized for three years' 
service. 

I cannot permit them to return to you without again expressing my high 
appreciation of the distinguished valor and endurance of the Indiana troops, and 
my hope that but a short time will elapse before I have the pleasure of knowing 
that they are again ready for the field. ******* 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
George B. McCleixax, 
iliijor-Oerural, U. S- A. 

On the return of the troops to Indianapolis, July 29, Brigadier 
Morris issued a lengthy, logical and well-deserved congratulatory 
address, from which one paragraph may be extracted to characterize 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 153 

the whole. After passing a glowing eulogium on their military 
qualities and on that unexcelled gallantry displayed at Laurel Hill, 
Phillipi and Carrick's Ford, he says: — 

" Soldiers! You have now returned to the friends whose prayers went with you 
to the field of strife. They welcome you witli pride and exultation. Your State 
and country acknowledge the value of your labors. May your future career be as 
your past has been, — honorable to yourselves and serviceable to your country." 

The six regiments forming Morris' brigade, together with one 
composed of the surplus volunteers, for whom there was no regi- 
ment in April, now formed a division of seven regiment?, all reor- 
ganized for three years' service, between the 20th August and 20th 
September, with the exception of the new or 12th, which was ac- 
cepted for one year's service from May 11th, under command of 
Colonel John M. Wallace, and reorganized May 17, 1862, for three 
years' service under Col. W. H. Link, who, with 172 officers and 
men, received their mortal wounds during the Richmond (Ken- 
tucky) engagement, three months after its reorganization. 

The 13th Regiment, under Col. Jeremiah Sullivan, was mus- 
tered into the United States in 1861 and joined Gen. McClellan's 
command at Rich Mountain on the 10th July. The day following it 
was present under Gen. Rosencrans and lost eight men killed; three 
successive days it was engaged under Gen. L I. Re^'nolds, and won 
its laurels at Cheat Mountain summit, where it participated in the 
decisive victory over Gen. Lee. 

The Hth Regiment, organized in 1861 for one year's service, and 
reorganized on the 7th of June at Terre Haute for three years' ser. 
vice. Commanded by Col. Kimball and siiowing a muster roll of 
1,134 men, it was one of the finest, as it was the first, three years' 
regiment organized in the State, with varying fortunes attached to 
its never ending round of duty from Cheat Mountain, September, 
1861, to Morton's Ford in 1864, and during the movement South in 
May of that year to the last of its labors, the battle of Cold Har- 
bor. 

The loTH Regiment, reorganized at La Fayette 14th June, 1861, 
under Col. G. D. Wagner, moved on Rich Mountain on the 11th 
of July in time to participate in the complete rout of the enemy. 
On the promotion of Col. Wagner, Lieutenant-Col. G. A. Wood 
became Colonel of the regiment, November, 1^62, and during the 
first days of January, 1863, took a distinguished part in the severe 
action of Stone River. From this period down to the battle of Mis- 
sion Ridge it was in a series of destructive engagements, and was, 



15-t HISTORY OK INDIANA. 

after enduring terrible liardsliips, ordered to Chattanooga, and 
thence to Indianapolis, where it was mustered out the 18th June, 
186-1, — four days after the expiration of its term of service. 

The 16th Regiment, organized under Col. P. A. Hackleman at 
Richmond for one year's service, after participating in many minor 
military events, was mustered out at Washington, D.C., on the 14th 
of May, 1862. Col. Hackleman was killed at the battle of luka, 
and Lieutenant-Col. Thomas I. Lucas succeeded to the command. 
It was reorganized at Indianapolis for three years' service, May 27, 
1862, and took a conspicuous part inall the brilliant engagements 
of the war down to June, 18G5, when it was mustered out at New 
Orleans. The survivors, numbering 365 rank and file, returned to 
Indianapolis the 10th of July amid the rejoicing of the populace. 

The 17th Regiment was mustered into service at Indianapolis 
the 12tli of June, 1861, for three years, under Col. Hascall, who 
on being promoted Brigadier General in March, 1862, left the 
Colonelcy to devolve on Lieutenant Colonel John T. Wilder. This 
regiment participated in the many exploits of Gen. Reynold's army 
from Green Brier in 1862, to Macon in 1865, under Gen. Wilson. 
Returning to Indianapolis the 16th of August, in possession of a 
brilliant record, the regiment was disbanded. 

The 18th Regiment, under Colonel Thomas Pattison, was organ- 
ized at Indianapolis, and mustered into service on the 16th of 
August, 1861. Under Gen. Pope it gained some distinction at 
Blackwater, and succeeded in retaining a reputation made there, 
by its gallantry at Pea Ridge, February, 1862, down to the moment 
when it planted the regimental flag on the arsenal of Augusta, 
Georgia, where it was disbanded August 28, 1865. 

The 19th Regiment, mustered into three years' service at the 
State capital July 29, 1861, was ordered to join the army of the 
Potomac, and reported its arrival at Washington, August 9. Two 
days later it took part in the battle of Lewinsville, under Colonel 
Solomon Meredith. Occupying Falls Church in September, 1861, 
it continued to maintain a most enviable place of honor on the 
military roll until its consolidation with the 20th Regiment, October, 
1864, under Colonel William Orr, formerly its Lieutenant Colonel. 

The 20th Regiment of La Fayette was organized in July. 1861, 
mustered into three years' service at Indianapolis on the 22d of the 
eame month, and reached the front at Cockeysville, Maryland, 
twelve daj's later. Throughout aW its iirilliant actions from Hat- 
teras Bank, on the 4th of October, to Clover Hill, 9th of April, 1865, 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 155 

iticludiiig tlie saving of the United States ship ^oMjr/vs.v', at New- 
]iort News, it added daily some new name to its escutcheon. This 
rejjiment was mustered out at Louisville in July, 1865, and return- 
iwijr to Indianapolis was welcomed by the great war Governor of 
their State. 

The 2l8T -Regiment was mustered into service under Colonel I. 
W. McMillan, July 24, IStU, and re])orted at tlie front the third 
day of August. It was the first regiment to enter New Orleans. 
The fortunes of this regiment were as varied as its services, so that 
its name and fame, grown from the blood shed by its members, are 
destined to live and flourish. In December, 1863, the regiment 
was reorganized, and on the 19th February, 1864, many of its 
veterans returned to their State, where Morton received them with 
that spirit of proud gratitude which he was capable of showing to 
those who deserve honor for honors won. 

Tlie 22d Regiment, under Colonel Jeff. C. Davis, left Indian- 
apolis the 15th of August, and was attached to Fremont's Corps at 
St. Louis on the 17th. From the day it moved to the support of 
Colonel Mulligan at Lexington, to the last victory, won under 
General Sherman at Bentonville, on the 19th of March, 1865, it 
gained a high military reputation. After the fall of Johnston's 
southern army, this regiment was mustered out, and arrived at 
Indianapolis on the 16tli June. 

The 23d Battalion, commanded by Colonel W. L. Sanderson, 
"was mustered in at New Albany, the 29th July, 1861, and moved 
to the front early in August. From its unfortunate marine ex- 
periences before Fort Henry to Bentonville it won unusual honors, 
and after its disbandment at Louisville, returned to Indianapolis 
July 24, 1S65, wiiere Governor Morton and General Sherman 
reviewed and complimented the gallant survivors. 

The 24th Battalion, under Colonel Alvin P. Hovey, was 
mustered at Vincennes the 31st of July, 1861. Proceeding imme- 
diately to the front it joined Fremont's command, and participated 
under many Generals in important affairs during the war. Three 
hundred and ten men and otficers returned to their State in August, 
1865, and were received with marked honors by the people and 
E.xecutive. 

The 25th Regiment, of Evansville mustered into service there 
for three years under Col. J. C. Veatch, arrived at St. Louis on the 
26tli of August, 1861. During the war this regiment was present 
at 18 battles and skirmishes, sustaining therein a loss of 352 men 



156 HISTOKV OF INDIANA. 

and officers. Mustered out at Louisville, July 17, 1S6.5, it returned 
to Indianapolis on tJie 21st amid universal rejoicing. 

The 26th Battalion, under W. M. Wheatley, left Indianapolis 
for the front the 7th of September, 1S61, and after a brilliant cam- 
paign under Fremont, Grant, Heron and Smith, may be said to 
disband the ISth of September, 1S65, when the non-veterans and 
recruits were reviewed by Morton at the State capital. 

The 27th Regiment, uuder Col. Silas Colgrove, moved from 
Indianapolis to Washington City, September 15tli, 1861, and in 
October was allied to Gen. Banks' army. From Winchester 
Heights, the 9th of March 1862, through all the afl'airs of General 
Sherman's campaign, it acted a gallant and faithful part, and was 
disbanded immediately after returning to their State. 

The 28th or 1st Cavalry was mustered into service at Evans- 
ville on the 20th of August, 1861, under Col. Conrad Baker. From 
the skirmish at Ironton, on the 12th of September, wherein three 
companies under Col. Gavin captured a position held by a 
tew rebels, to the battle of the Wilderness, the First Cavalry per- 
formed prodigies of valor. In June and July, 1865, the troops 
were mustered out at Indianapolis. 

The 29th Battalion of La Porte, under Col. J. F. Miller, left 
on the 5th of October, 1861, and reaching Camp Nevin, Kentucky, 
on the 9th, was allied to Rosseau's Brigade, serving with McCook's 
division at Shiloh, with Buell's army in Alabama, Tennessee and 
Kentucky, with liosencrans at Murfreesboro, at Decatur, Alabama, 
and at Dalton, Georgia. The Twenty-ninth won many laurels, 
and had its Colonel promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. 
This officer was succeeded in the command by Lieutenant-Col. 
D.M.Dunn. 

The 30th Regiment of Fort Wayne, under Col. Sion S. Bass, 
proceeded to the front via Indianapolis, and joined General Rosseau 
at Camp Nevin on the 9th of October, 1801. At Shiloh, Col. 
Bass received a mortal wound, and died a few days later at 
Paducah, leaving the Colonelcy to devolve upon Lieutenant-Col. J. 
B. Dodge. In October 1865, it formed a battalion of General Sheri- 
dan's army of observation in Texas. 

The 3l8t Regiment, organized at Terre Haute, under Col. Charles 
Cruft, in September 1861, was mustered in, and left in a few days 
for Kentucky, Present at the reduction of Fort Donolson on the 
13th, l-ith, and loth of February, 1862, its list of killed and 
wounded proves its desperate fighting qualities. The organization 



mSTOKV OF INDIANA. 157 

was subjected to many changes, but in all its phases maintained a 
fair tame won on many battle fields. Like the former regiment, 
it passed into Gen. Sheridan's Army of Observation, and held the 
district of Green Lake, Texas. 

The 32d Regimen't of German Infantry, under Col. Augnst 
Willich, organized at Lidianapolis, mustered on the 24:th of August, 
isfil, served with distinction throughout the campaign Col. 
Willich was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General, andLieut.- 
Col. Henry Von Trebra commissioned to act, under whose com- 
mand the regiment passed into General Sheridan's Army, hold- 
ing the post of Salado Creek, until the withdrawal of the corps of 
observation in Texas. 

The 33d Regiment of Indianapolis possesses a military history 
of no small proportions. The more facts that it was mustered in 
under Col. John Coburn, the 16th of September, won a series of 
distinctions throughout the war district and was mustered out at 
Louisville, July 21, 1S65, taken with its name as one of the most 
powerful regiments engaged in the war, are sufficient here. 

The 34th Battalion, organized at Anderson on the 16th Sep- 
tember, 1S61, under Col. Ashbury Steele, appeared among the in- 
vesting battalions before New Madrid on the 30th of March, 1862. 
From the distinguished part it took in that siege, down to the 
13th of May, 1865, when at Palmetto Ranche, near Palo Alto, it 
fought for hours against fearful odds the last battle of the war for 
the Union. Afterwards it marched 250 miles up the Rio Grande, 
and was the first regiment to reoccupy the position, so 1 mg in 
Southern hands, of Riiigold barracks. In 186.5 it garrisoned Bea- 
consville as part of the Army of Observation. 

The 35th ok First Irish Regiment, was organized at Indian- 
apolis, and mustered into service on the 11th of December, 1861, 
under Col. John C. "Walker. At Nashville, on the 22d of May, 
1862, it was joined by the organized portion of the Sixty-lirst or 
Second Irish Regiment, and unassigned recruits. Col. Mullen now 
became Lieut.-Colonel of the 35th, and shortly after, its Colonel. 
From the ]'.ursuit of Gen. Bragg through Kentucky and the affair 
at Perryville on the 8th of October, 1862, to the terrible hand to 
hand combat at Kenesaw mountain, on the night of the 20th of 
June, 1864, and again from the conclusion of the Atlanta campaign 
to September, 1865, with Gen. Sheridan's army, when it was mus- 
tered out, it won for itself a name of reckless daring and unsur- 
passed gallantry. 



158 IIISTOKY OF INDIANA. 

The 36th Regiment, of Richiiiond, Ind., under Col. William 
Grose, mustered into service tor three years on the 16th of Sep- 
tember, 1861, went immediately to the front, and shared the for- 
tunes of the Army of the Ohio until the 27th of February, 1862, 
when a forward movement led to its presence on the battle-field of 
Shiloh. Following up the honors won at Shiloh, it participated in 
some of the most important actions of the war, and was, in October, 
1865, transferred to Gen. Sheridan's army. Col. Grose was pro- 
moted in 1864 to the position of Brigadier-General, and the 
Colonelcy devolved on Oliver H. P. Carey, formerly Lieut.-Colonel 
of the regiment. 

The 37th Battalion, of Lawrenceburg, commanded by Col. 
Geo. W. llazzard, organized the ISth of September, 1861, left for 
the seat of war early in October. From the eventful battle of 
Stone river, in December, 1862, to its participation in Sherman's, 
march through Georgia, it gained for itself a splendid I'eputation. 
This regiment returned to, and was present at, Indianapolis, on the 
30th of July, 1865, where a public reception was tendered to meu 
and officers on the grounds of the Capitol. 

The 38th Regiment, under Col. Benjamin F. Scribner, was mus- 
tered in at New Albany, on the 18th of September, 1861, and 
in a few days were en rovie for the front. To follow its continual 
round of duty, is without the limits of this sketch; therefore, it 
will suffice to say, that on every well-fought field, at least from 
February, 1S62, until its dissolution, on the 15th of July, 1865, it 
earned an enviable renown, and drew from Gov. Morton, on return- 
ing to Indianapolis the 18th of the same mouth, a congratulatory 
address couched in the highest terms of praise. 

The 39th Regiment, or Eighth Cwalrt, was mustered in as 
an infantry regiment, under Col. T. J. Harrison, on the 28th of 
August, 1861, at the State capital. Leaving immediately for the 
front it took a conspicuous part in all the engagements up to April, 
1863, when it was reorganized as a cavalry regiment. The record of 
this organization sparkles with great deeds which men will extol 
while language lives; its services to the LTnioti cannot be over esti- 
mated, or the memory of its daring deeds be forgotten by the un- 
happy people who raised the tumult, which culminated in their 
second shame. 

The 40tu Regiment, of Lafayette, under Col. W. C. Wilson, 
subsequently commanded by Col. J. W. Blake, and again by Col. 
Henry Learning, was organized on the 30th of December, 1861, and 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 15;» 

at once proceeded to the front, where some time was necessarily spent 
in the Camp of Instruction at Bardstowu, Kentucky. In February, 
1862, it joined in Buell's forward movement. During the war the 
regiment shared in all its hardships, participated in all its honors, 
and like many other brave commands took service under Gen. 
Sheridan in his Army of Occupation, holding the post of Port 
Lavaca, Texas, until peace brooded over the land. 

The 41st Regiment ob Second Cavalry, the first complete regi- 
ment of horse ever raised in the State, was organized on the 3d of 
September, 1861, at Indianapolis, under Col. John A. Bridgland, 
and December 16 moved to the front. Its first war experience was 
gained e)h route to Corinth on the 9th of April, 1862, and at Pea 
Ridge on the 15th. Gallatin, Vinegar Hill, and Perryville, and 
Talbot Station followed in succession, each battle bringing to the 
cavalry untold honors. In May, 1864, it entered upon a glorious 
career under Gen. Sherman in his Atlanta campaign, and again 
under Gen. Wilson in the raid through Alabama during April, 
1865. On tiie 22d of July, after a brilliant career, the regiment was 
mustered out at Nashville, and returned at once to Indianapolis for 
discharge. 

The 42d, under Col J. G. Jones, mustered into service at Evans- 
ville, October 9, 1861, and having participated in the principal 
military affairs of the period, Wartrace. Mission Ridge, Altoona, 
Kenesaw, Savannah, Charlestown and Bentonville, was discharged 
at Indianapolis on the 25th of July, 1865. 

The 43d Battalion was mustered in on the 27th of September, 
1861, under Col. George K. Steele, and left Terre Haute enroute to 
the front within a few days. Later it was aPied. to Gen. Pope's 
corps, and afterwards served with Commodore Foote's marines in 
the reduction of Fort Pillow. It was the first Union regiment to 
enter Memj)his. From that period until the close of the war it was 
distinguished for its unexcelled qualifications as a military body, 
and fully deserved the encomiums passed upon it on its return to 
Indiana])olis in March, 1865. 

The 44th or the Regiment of the 10th Congressional District 
was organized at Fort Wayne on the 24th of October, 1861, under 
Col. Hugh B. Reed. Two months later it was ordered to the front, 
and arriving in Kentucky, was attached to Gen. Cruft's Brigade, 
then quartered at Calhoun. After years of faithful service it was 
mustered out at Chattanooga, the 14th of September, 1865. 

The 45Tn, or Third Cavalry, comprised ten companies 



160 HISTOKV OF. IXL.IANA. 

organized at different periods and for varied services in 1861- 
'62, under Colonel Scott Carter and George H. Chapman. The 
distinguished name won by the Third Cavalry is established in 
every village within the State. Let it suffice to add that after its 
brilliant participation in Gen. Sheridan's raid down the James' 
river canal, it was mustered out at Indianapolis on the 7th of Au- 
gust, 1865. 

The 4:6th Regiment, organized at Logansport under Colonel 
Graham N. Fitch, arrived in Kentucky the 16th of February, 1862, 
and a little later became attached to Gen. Pope's army, then quar- 
tered at Commerce. The capture of Fort Pillow, and its career 
under Generals Curtis, Palmer, Hovey, Gorman, Grant, Sherman, 
Banks and Burbridge are as truly worthy of applause as ever iell to 
the lot of a regiment. The command was mustered out at Louis- 
ville on the 4th of September, 1865. 

The 47th was organized at Anderson, under Col. I. P. Slack, early 
in October, 1862. Arriving at Bardstown, Kentuckj-, on the 21st 
of December, it was attached to Gen. Buell's army; but within two 
months was assigned to Gen. Pope, under whom it proved the first 
regiment to enter Fort Thompson near New Madrid. In 1864 the 
command visited Indianapolis on veteran furlough and was enthu- 
siastically received by Governor Morton and the people. Return- 
ing to the trout it engaged heartily in Gen. Banks' company. In 
December, Col. Slack received his commission as Brigadier-General, 
and was succeeded on the regimental command by Col. J. A. Mc- 
Laughton ; at Shreveport under General Heron it received the sub- 
mission of General Price and his army, and there also was it mus- 
tered out of service on the 23d of October, 1865. 

The 48th Regiment, organized at Goshen tlie 6th of December, 
1861, under Col. Norman Eddy, entered on its duties during the 
siege of Corinth in May, and again in October, 1862. The record 
of this battalion may be said to be unsurpassed in its every feature, 
so that the grand ovation extended to the returned soldiers in 
1865 at Indianapolis, is not a matter for surprise. 

The 49th Regiment, organized at Jeffersonville, under Col. J. "W 
Ray, and mustered in on the 21st of November, 1861, for service, 
left en route for the camp at Bardstown. A month later it arrived 
at the unfortunate camp-ground of Cumberland Ford, where dis- 
ease carried off a number of gallant soldiers. The regiment, how- 
ever, survived the dreadful scourge and won its laurels on manj 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 1*31 

a well-foiiglit field until September, 1865, when it was mustered out 
at Louisville. 

The 50rH Regiment, under Col. Cyrus L. Dunham, organized 
during the month of September, 1S61, at Seymour, left en route to ' 
Bardstown for a course of military instruction. On the 20th of 
August, 1862, a detachment of the 50th, under Capt. Atkinson, was 
attacked by Morgan's Cavalry near Edgefield Junction; but the 
gallant few repulsed their oft-repeated onsets and finally drove 
them from the field. Tlie regiment underwent many changes in 
organization, and may be said to muster out on the 10th of Septem- 
ber, 1865. 

TheSlsT Regiment, under Col. Abel. D. Streight, left Indianap- 
olis on the 14th of December, 1861, for the South. After a short 
course of instruction at Bardstown, the regiment joined General 
Buell's and acted with great eflTect during the campaign in Ken- 
tucky and Tennessee. Ultimately it became a participator in the 
work of the Fourth Corps, or Army of Occupation, and held the post 
of San Antonio until peace was doubly assured. 

The 5"2d Regiment was partially raised at Rushville, and the 
organization completed at Indianapolis, where it was consolidated 
with the Railway Brigade, or 56th Regiment, on the 2d of Feb- 
ruary, 1862. Going to the front immediately after, it served with 
marked distinction throughoiit the war, and was mustered out at 
Montgomery on the 10th of September, 1865. Returning to Indian- 
apolis six days later, it was welcomed by Gov. Morton and a most 
enthusiastic reception accorded to it. 

The 53kd Battalion was raised at New Albany, and with the 
addition of recruits raised at Rockport formed a standard regi- 
ment, under command of Col. W. Q. Gresham. Its first duty was 
that of guarding the rebels confined on Camp Morton, but on 
going to the front it made for itself an endurable name. It was nnis- 
tered out in July, 1865, and returned to Indiananoplis on the 25tli 
of the same month. 

The 51:TH Regiment was raised at Indianapolis on the 10th of 
June, 1862, for three months' service under Col. D.G.Rose. The 
succeeding two months saw it in charge of the prisoners at Camp 
Morton, and in August it was pushed forward to aid in the defense 
of Kentucky against the Confederate General, Kirby Smith. The 
remainder of its short term of service was given to the cause. On the 
muster out of the three months' service regiment it was reorgan- 



162 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

ized for one year's service and gained some distinction, after which 
it was mustered out in 1863 at New Orleans. 

The 55th Regiment, organized for three months' service, retains 
the brief history applicable to the first organization of the 5-tth. 
It was mustered in on the 16th of June, 1862, under Col. J. R. 
Mahon, disbanded on the expiration of its term and was not reor- 
ganized. 

The 56th Regiment, referred to in the sketch of the 5'2nd. was 
designed to be composed of railroad men, marshalled under J M. 
Smith as Colonel, but owing to the fact that many railroaders had 
already volunteered into other regiments, Col. Smith's volunteers 
were incorporated with the 52nd, and this number left blank in the 
army list. 

The 57th Battalion, actually organized by two ministers of the 
gospel, — the Rev. I. W. T. McMuUen and Rev. F. A. Ilardin, of 
Richmond, Ind., mustered into service on the IStli of Novem- 
ber, 1861, under the former named reverend gentleman as Colonel» 
who was, however, succeeded by Col. Cyrus C. Haynes, and he in 
turn by G. W. Leonard, Willis Blanch and John S. McGrath, the 
latter holding command until the conclusion of the war. The 
history of this battalion is extensive, and if participation in a num- 
ber of battles with the display of rare gallantry wins fame, the 57th 
may rest assured of its possession of this fragile yet coveted prize. 
Like many other regiments it concluded its military labors in the 
service of General Sheridan, and held the post of Port Lavaca in 
conjunction with another regiment until peace dwelt in the land. 

The 58th Regiment, of Princeton, was organized there early in 
October, 1861, and was mustered into service under the Colonelcy 
of Henry M. Carr. In December it was ordered to join Gen- 
eral Buell's army, after which it took a share in the various 
actions of the war, and was mustered out on the 25th of July, 1865, 
at Louisville, having gained a place on the roll of honor. 

The 59th Battalion was raised under a commission issued by 
Gov. Morton to Jesse I. Alexander, creating him Colonel. Owing 
to the peculiarities hampering its organization, Col. Alexander could 
not succeed in having his regiment prepared to muster in before 
the 17th of February, 18G2. However, on that day the equipment 
was complete, and on the 18th it left en route to Commerce, where 
on its arrival, it was incorporated under General Pope's command. 
The list of its casualties speaks a history, — no less than 793 men 
were lost during the campaign. The regiment, after a term char- 



HISTORY OB' INDIANA. 163 

acterized hy distinguislied service, was mustered out at Louisvillo 
on tlie 17th of July, 1S65. 

The 60th Regiment was partially organized under Lieut.-Col. 
Kicliard Owen at Evansville during November 1861, and perfected 
at Camp Morton during March, 1862. Its first experience was its 
gallant resistance to Bragg's army investing Munfordsville, which 
culminated in the unconditional surrender of its first seven com- 
panies on the 14fh of September. An exchange of prisoners took 
place in November, which enabled it to joine the remaining com- 
panies in the field. The subsequent record is excellent, and forms, 
as it were, a monument to their fidelity and heroism. The main 
portion of this battalion was mustered out at Indianapolis, on the 
21st of March, 1S65. 

The 61sT was partially organized in December, 1861, under Col. 
B. F. Mullen. The failure of thorough organization on the 22d of 
May, 1862, led the men and ofticers to agree to incorporation with 
the 35th Regiment of Volunteers. 

The 62d Battalion, raised under a commission issued to Wil- 
liam Jones, of Rockport, authorizing him to organize this regiment 
in the First Congressional District was so unsuccessful that consoli- 
dation with the 53d Regiment was resolved upon. 

The 63d Regiment, of Covington, under James McMauomy, 
Commandant ot Camp, and J. S. Williams, Adjutant, was partially 
organized on the 31st of December, 1861, and may be considered 
on duty from its very formation. After guarding prisoners at 
Camp Morton and Lafayette, and engaging in battle on Manassas 
Plains on the 30th of August following, the few companies sent 
out in February, 1862, returned to Indianapolis- to find six new 
companies raised under the call of July, 18G2, ready to embrace 
the fortunes of the 63d. So strengthened, the regiment went forth 
to battle, and continued to lead in the paths of honor and fidelity 
until mustered out in May and June, 1865. 

The 64th Regiment failed in organization as an artillery corps; 
but orders received from the War Department prohibiting the con- 
solidation of independent batteries, put a stop to any further move 
in the matter. However, an infantry regiment bearing the same 
number was afterward organized. 

The 65th was mustered in at Princeton and Evansville, in July 
and August, 1862, under Col. J. W. Foster, and left at once e/b 
route for the front. The record of this battalion is creditable, not 
onlv to its members, but also to the State which claimed it. Its 



If!4 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

last action daring the war was on the ISth and 20th of February, 
1865, at Fort Anderson and Town creek, after whicli, on the 22d 
June, it was disbanded at Greensboro. 

The 66th Regimext partially organized at New Albany, under 
Commandant Roger Martin, was ordered to leave for Kentucky on 
the 19th of August, 1^62, for the defense of that State against the 
incursions of Kirby Smith. After a brilliant career it was mus- 
tered out at Washington on the 3d of June, 1865, after which it 
returned to Indianapolis to receive the thanks of a grateful people. 

The 67th Regiment was organized within the Third Congressional 
District under Col. Frank Emerson, and was ordered to Louisville 
on the 20th of August, 1S62, whence it marched to Munfordville, 
only to share the same fate with the other gallant regiments en- 
gaged against Gen. Bragg's advance. Its roll of honor extends 
down the years of civil disturbance, — always adding garlands, un- 
til Peace called a truce in the fascinating race after fame, and insured 
a term of rest, wherein its members could think on comrades forever 
vanished, and temper the sad thought with the sublime mem- 
ories born of that chivalrous fight for the maintenance and integri- 
ty of a great Republic. At Galveston on the 19tli of July, 1S65. the 
gallant 67th Regiment was mustered out, and returning within a 
iew days to its State received the enthusiastic ovations of lier citi- 
zens. 

The 68th Regiment, organized at Greensburg under Major Ben- 
jamin C. Shaw, was accepted for general service the 19th of August, 
1862, under Col. Edward A. King, with Major Shaw as Lieutenant 
Colonel; on the 25th its arrival at Lebanon was reported and with- 
in a few days it appeared at the defense of Munfordville; Imt shar- 
ing in the fate of all the defenders, it surrendered uuconditionallv to 
Gen. Bragg and did not participate further in the actions of that 
jear, nor until after the exchange of prisoners in 1S63. From this 
period it may lay claim to an enviable history extending to the end 
of the war, when it was disembodied. 

The 69th Regiment, of Richmond, Ind., under Col. A. Bickle, 
left for the front on the 20th ot August, 1S62. and ten days later 
made a very brilliant stand at Richmond, Kentucky, against 
the advance of Gen. Kirby Smith, losing in the engagement two 
hundred and eighteer; men and officers together with, its liberty. 
After an exchange of prisoners the regiment was reorganized under 
Col. T. "W. Bennett and took the field in December, 1862, under 



UISTDRY OF INDIANA. 165 

Generals Sheldon, Morgan and Sherman of Grant's army. Chick- 
asaw, Vicksburg, Blakely and many other names testify to the valor 
of the 69th. The remnant of the regiment was in January, 1865, 
formed into a battalion under Oran Perry, and was mustered out in 
July following. 

The 70th Regiment was organized at Indianapolis on the 12th of 
August, 1862, under Col. B. Harrison, and leaving for Louisville on 
the 13th, shared in the honors cf Brace's division at Franklin 
and Russellville. The record of the regiment is brimful of honor. 
It was mustered out at Washington, June 8, 1865, and received at 
Indianapolis with public honors. 

The 71sT OR Sixth Cavalry was organized as an infantry regi- 
ment, at Terre Haute, and mustered into general service at Indian- 
apolis on the 18th of August, 1862, under Lieut. -Col. Melville D. 
Topping. Twelve days later it was engaged outside Richmond, 
Kentucky, losing two hundred and fifteen otScers and men, includ- 
ing Col. Topping and Major Conklin, together with three hundred 
and forty-seven prisoners, only 225 escaping death and capture. 
After an exchange of prisoners the regiment was re-formed under 
Col. I. Bittle, but on the 28th of December it surrendered to Gen, 
J. H. Morgan, who attacked its position at Muldraugh's Hill with a 
force of 1,000 Confederates. During September and October, 1863, 
it was organized as a cavalry regiment, won distinction throughout 
its career, and was mustered out the loth of September, 1865, at 
Murfreesboro. 

The 77th Regiment was organized at Lafayette, &nd left en route 
to Lebanon, Kentucky, on the 17th of August, 1862. Under Col. 
Miller it won a series of honors, and mustered out at Nashville on 
the 26th of June, 1865. 

The 73kd Regiment, under Col. Gilbert Hathaway, was mustered 
in at South Bend on the 16th of August, 1862, and proceeded im- 
mediately to the front. Day's Gap, Crooked Creek, and the high 
eulogies of Generals Rosencrans and Granger speak its long and 
brilliant history, nor were the welcoming shouts of a great people 
and the congratulations of Gov. Morton, tendered to the regiment 
on its return home, in July, 1865, necessary to sustain its well won 
reputation. 

The 74th Regiment, partially organized at Fort Wayne and made 
almost complete at Indianapolis, left for the seat of war on the 22d 
of August, 1S62, under Col. Charles W. Chapman. The desperate 
opposition to Gen. Bragg, and the magnificent defeat of Morgan, 



166 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

together with the battles of Dallas, Cliattahoochie river, Kenesaw 
and Atlanta, where Lieut. Col. Myron Baker was killed, all bear evi- 
dence of its never surpassed gallantry. It was mustered out of ser- 
vice on the 9t]i of June, 1865, at Washington. On the return of the 
regiment to Indianapolis, the war Governor and people tendered it 
special honors, and gave expression to the admiration and regard 
in which it was held. 

The 7oTH Regiment was organized within the Eleventh Congress- 
ional District, and left Wabash, onthe2Ist of August, 1862, for the 
front, under Col. I. W. Petit. It was tlie first regiment to enter 
Tullahoma, and oneof the last engaged in the battles of the Repub- 
lic. After the submission of Gen. Jolinson's army, it was mustered 
out at Washington, on the 8th of June 1865. 

The 76th Battalion was solely organized for thirty days' service 
Under Colonel James Gavin^ for the purpose of pursuing the rebel 
guerrilas, who plundered Newburg on the 13th July, 1862. It was 
organized and equipped within forty-eight hours, and during its 
term of service gained the name, " The Avengers of Newburg." 

The 77th, or Fourth Cavalry, was organized at the State capi- 
tal in August, 1862, under Colonel Isaac P. Gray. It carved its 
way to fame over twenty battlefields, and retired from service at 
Edgefield, on the 29tii June, 1865. 

The 79th Regiment was mustered in at Indianapolis on the 2nd 
September, 1862, under Colonel Fred Kneiler. Its history may be 
termed a record of battles, as the great numbers of battles, from 
1862 to the conclusion of hostilities, were participated in by it. 
The regiment received its discharge on tiie 11th June, 1865, at 
Indianapolis. During its continued round of field duty it captured 
eighteen guns and over one tliousand prisoners. 

The SOth Regiment was organized within the First Congress- 
ional District under Col. C. Denby, and equipped at Indianapolis, 
when, on the 8th of September, 1862, it left for the front. During 
its term it lost only two prisoners; but its list of casualties sums 
up 325 men and officers killed and wounded. The regiment may 
be said to muster out on the 22nd of June, 1865, at Saulsbur3% 

The 81sT Regiment, of New Albany, under Colonel W. W. 
Caldwell, was organized on the 29th August, 1862j and proceeded 
at once to join Buell's headquarters, and join in the pursuit of 
General Bragg. Throughout the terrific actions of the war its 
influence was felt, imr did its labors cease until it aided in driving 
the rebels across the Tennessee. It was disembodied at Nashville 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 1()7 

on the 13tli J\me, 1865, and returned to Indianapolis on the 15th, 
to receive the well-merited congratulations of Governor Morton 
and the people. 

The S2nd Regiment, under Colonel Morton C. Hunter, was 
mustered in at Madison, Ind., on the 30th August, 1S62, and 
leaving iinnicdiately for the seat of war, participated in many of 
the great battles down to the return of peace. It was mustered out 
at Washington on the 9th June, 1865, and soon returned to its 
State to receive a grand recognition of its faithful service. 

The S3ku Regiment, of Lawrenceburg, un<ler Colonel Ben. J. 
Spooner, was organized in September, 1S62, and soon left en route 
to the Missi»sip])i. Its subsequent history, the fact of its being 
under tire for a total term of 4,800 hours, and its wanderings over 
6,285 miles, leave nothing to be said in its defense. Master of a 
thousand honors, it was mustered out at Louisville, on the 15th 
July, 1865, and returned home to enjoy a well-merited repose. 

The SrtTii Regiment was mustered in at Richmond, Ind., on the 
8th September, 1862, under Colonel Nelson Trusler. Its first 
military duty was on the defenses of Covington, in Kentucky, and 
Cincinnati; but after a short time its labors became more con- 
genial, and tended to the great disadvantage of the slaveholding 
■enemy on many well -contested fields. This, like the other State 
regiments, won many distinctions, and retired from the service on 
the Uth of June, 1865, at Nashville. 

The 85th Regiment was mustered at Terre Haute, under Colonel 
John P. Bayard, on the 2d September, 1862. On the 4th March, 
1863, it shared in the unfortunate affair at Thompson's Station, 
when in common with the other regiments forming Coburn's Bri- 
gade, it surrendered to the overpowering forces of the rebel 
General, Forrest. In June, 1863, after an exchange, it again took 
the field, and won a large portion of that renown accorded to 
Indiana. It was mustered out on the 12th of June, 1865. 

Tlie 86th Regiment, of La Fayette, left for Kentucky on the 26th 
August, 1862, under Colonel OrvilleS. Hamilton, and shared in the 
duties assigned to the S4th. Its record is very creditable, particu- 
larly that portion dealing with the battles of Nashville on the 15th 
«nd 16th December, 1864. It was mustered out on the 6th of June, 
1865, and reported within a few daj's at Indiana{)olis for discharge. 

The 87th Regiment, organized at South Bend, under Colonels 
Kline G. Sherlock and N. Gleason, was accepted at Indianapolis 
on the 31st of August, 1862, and left on the same day en route to 



168 HISTOEY OF INDIANA. 

the front. From Springfield and Perryville on the 6th and 8th of 
October, 1862, to Mission Ridge, on the 25th of November, 1863, 
thence througii the Atlanta campaign to the surrender of the South- 
ern armies, it upheld a gallant name, and met with a true and en- 
thusiastic welcome- home on the 21st of June, 1865, with a list of 
absent comrades aggregating 451. 

The 88th Regiment, organized within the Fourth Congressional 
District, under Col. Geo. Humphrey, entered the service on th& 
29th of August, 1862, and presently was found among the front 
ranks in war. It passed through the campaign in brilliant form 
down to the time of Gen. Johnson's surrender to Gen. Grant, after 
which, on the 7th of June, 1865, it was mustered out at Washing, 
ton. 

The 89th Regiment, formed from the material of the 
Eleventh Congressional District, was mustered in at Indianapolis, 
on the 2Sth of August, 1862, under Col. Chas. D. Murray, and 
after an exceedingly brilliant campaign was discharged by Gov. 
Morton on the 4th of August, 1865. 

The 90th Regiment, ok Fifth Cavalry, was organized at 
Indianapolis under the Colonelcy of Felix W. Graham, between 
August and November, 1862. The different companies, joining 
headquarters at Louisville on the 11th of March, 1863, engaged in 
observing the movements of the enemy in the vicinity of Cumber- 
land river until the 19th of April, when a first and successful 
brush was had with the rebels. The regiment had been in 22 en- 
gagements during the term of service, captured 640 prisoners, and 
claimed a list of casualties mounting up to the number of 829. 
It was mustered out on the 16th of June, 1865, at Pulaski. 

The 91st Battalion, of seven companies, was mustered into 
service at Evansville, the 1st of October, 1862, under Lieut-Colonel 
John Mehringer, and in ten days later left for the front. In 
1863 the regiment was completed, and thenceforth took a very 
prominent position in the prosecution of the war. During its ser- 
vice it lost 81 men, and retired from the field on the 26th of June, 
1865. 

The 92d Regiment failed in organizing. 

The 93d Regiment was mustered in at Madison, Ind., on the 
20th of October, 1862, under Col. De Witt C. Thomas and Lieut.- 
Col. Geo. W. Carr. On the 9th of November it began a move- 
ment south, and ultimately allied itself to Buckland's Brigade of 



HISTORV OK INDIANA. 169 

Gen. Sheiiiiairs. On the litli of May it was among the first regi- 
ments to enter Jackson, the capital of Mississipj)!; was next pres- 
ent at the assault on A^ickshurg, and made a stirring campaign 
down to the storming of Fort Blakely on tlie 9th of April, 1S65. 
It was discharged on the 11th of August, that year, at Indianapo- 
lis, after receiving a public ovation. 

The 94th and 95th Regiments, authorized to be formed within 
the Fourth and Fifth Congressional Districts, respectively, were 
only partially organized, and so the few companies that could be 
mustered were incorporated with other regiments. 

The 96th Regiment could only bring together three companies, 
in the Sixth Congressional District, and these becoming incoroo- 
rated with the 99th then in process of formation at South Eend, the 
number was left blank. 

The 97th Regiment, raised in the Seventh Congressional Dis- 
trict, was mustered into service at Terre Haute, on the 20th of 
September, 1861, under Col. Robert F. Catterson. Reaching the 
front within a few days, it was assigned a position near Memphis, 
and subsequently joined in Gen. Grant's movement on Vicksburg, 
by overland route. After a succession of great exploits with the 
several armies to which it was attached, it completed its list of 
battles at Bentonville, on the 21st of March, 1S6.5, and was dis- 
embodied at Washington on the 9th of June following. During its 
term of service the regiment lost 341 men, including the three 
Ensigns killed during the assaults on rebel positions along the 
Augusta Railway, from the 15th to the 27th of June, 1864. 

The 98th Regiment, authorized to be raised within the Eighth 
Congressional District, failed in its organization, and the number 
was left blank in the army list. The two companies answering to 
the call of July, 1862, were consolidated with the 100th Regiment 
then being organized at Fort Wayne. 

The 99th Battalion, recruited within the Ninth Congressional 
District, completed its muster on the 21st of October, 1862, under 
Col. Alex. Fawler, and reported for service a few days later at 
Memphis, where it was assigned to the 16th Army Corps. The va- 
ried vicissitudes through which this regiment passed and its remark- 
able gallantry upon all occasions, have gained for it a fair fame. 
It was disembodied on the 5th of June, 1865, at Washington, and 
returned to Lidianapulis on the 11th of the same month. 

The 100th Regiment, recruited from the Eighth and Tenth 
Congressional Districts, under Col. Sandford J. Stoughton, mustered 



170 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 



into the service on tlie 10th of September, left for the front on the 
11th of November, and became attached to the Army of Tennessee 
on the 26th of that month, 1862. The regiment participated in 
twenty-live battles, together with skirmishing during fully one-third 
of its term of service, and claimed a list of casualties mounting up 
to four hundred and sixty-four. It was mustered out of the ser- 
vice at Washington on the 9th of June, aud reported at Indianapolis 
fur discharge on the 14th of June, 1865. 

The lOlsT Regiment was mustered into service at "Wabash on 
the 7th of September, 1862, under Col. William Garver, and pro- 
ceeded immediately to Covington, Kentucky. Its early experiences 
were gained in the pursuit ofBragg's army and John Morgan's 
cavalrj', and these experiences tendered to render the regiment one 
of the most valuable in the war for the Republic. From the defeat 
of John Morgan at Milton on the 18th of March, 1863, to the fall 
of Savannah on the 23rd of September, 1863, the regiment won 
manj' honors, and retired from the service on the 25th of June, 
1865, at Indianapolis. 

THE MORGAN RAID REGIMENTS — MINUTE MEN. 

The 102d Regiment, organized under Col. Benjamin M. Gregory 
from companies of the Indiana Legion, and numbering six hun- 
dred and twenty-three men and officers, left Indianapolis for the 
front early in July, and reported at North Vernon on the 12th of 
July, 1863, and having completed a round of duty, returned to In- 
dianapolis on the 17th to be discharged. 

The 103d, comprising seven companies from Hendricks county, 
two from Marion and one from Wa^'ne counties, numbering 681 
men and officers, under Col. Lawrence S. Shuler, was contemporary 
with the 102d Regiment, varying only in its service by being mus- 
tered out one day before, or on the 16th of July, 1863. 

The lOlrTe Regiment of Minute Men was recruited from mem- 
bers of the Legion of Decatur, La Fayette, Madison, Marion and Rush 
counties. It comprised 714r men and officers under the command 
of Col. James Gavin, and was organized within forty hours after the 
issue of Governor Morton's call for minute men to protect Indiana 
and Kentucky against the raids of Gen. John H Morgan's rebel 
forces. After Morgan's escape into Ohio the command returned 
and was mustered out on the ISth of July, 1863. 

The 105th Regiment consisted of seven companies of the Legion 
and three of Minute Men, furnished by Hancock, Union, Randolph, 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 171 

Putnam, Wayne, Clinton and Madison counties. The cunmiaiid 
numbered seven hundred and thirteen men and officers, under Cul. 
Sherlock, and took a leading part in the pursuit of Morgan. Ke- 
turningon the ISth of July to Indianapolis it was mustered out. 

The 106th Regiment, under Col. Isaac P. Gray, consisted of 
one company of the Legion and nine companies of Minute Men, 
aggregating seven hundi'ed and ninety-two men and officers. The 
counties of Wayne, Randolph, Hancock, Howard, and Marion were 
represented in its rank and file. Like the other regiments organized 
to repel Morgan, it was disembodied in July, 1863. 

The 107th Regiment, under Col. De Witt C. Rugg, was organ- 
ized in the city of Indianapolis from the companies' Legion, or 
Ward Guards. The successes of this promptly organized regiment 
were unquestioned. 

The 108th Regiment comprised five companies of Minute Men, 
from Tippecanoe county, two from Hancock, and one from each of 
the counties known as Carroll, Montgomery and Wayne, aggregat- 
ing 710 men and officers, and all under the command of Col. W. C. 
Wilson. After performing the only duties presented, it returned 
from Cincinnati on the 18th of July, and was mustered out. 

The 109th Regiment, composed of Minute Men from Coles 
county. 111., La Porte, Hamilton, Miami and Randolph counties, 
Ind., showed a roster of 709 officers and men, under Col. J. R. 
Mahon. Morgan having escaped from Ohio, its duties were at an 
end, and returning to Indianapolis was mustered out on the 17th 
of July, 1863, after seven days' service. 

The HOth Regiment of Minute Men comprised volunteers from 
Henry, Madison, Delaware, Cass, and Monroe counties. The men 
were ready and willing, if not really anxious to go to the front. But 
happily the swift-winged Morgan was driven away, and conse- 
quently the regiment was not called to the field. 

Tlie 111th Regiment, furnished by Montgomery, Lafayette, 
Rush, Miami, Monroe, Delaware and Hamilton counties, number- 
ing 733 men and officers, under Col. Robert Canover, was not 
requisitioned. 

The 112tu Regiment was formed from nine companies of Min- 
ute Men, and the Mitchell Light Infantry Company of the Legion. 
Its strength was 703 men and officers, under Col. Hiram F. Brax- 
ton. Lawrence, Washington, Monroe and Orange counties were 
represented on its roster, and the historic names of North Vernon 
and Suninan's Station on its banner. Returning from the South 



172 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

after seven days' service, it was mustered out ou the I7th of 
July, 1S63. 

The lloTii Rkgiment, furnished by Daviess, Martin, Wasliington, 
and Monroe counties, comprised 526 rank and tile under Col. Geo. 
W. Burge. Like the 112th, it was assigned to Gen. Huglies' 
Brigade, and defended North Vernon against the repeated attacks 
of John 11. Morgan's forces. 

The 114rTH Regiment was wholly organized in Johnson county, 
under Col. Lambertson, and participated in the afiair of North 
Vernon. Returning on the 21st of July, 1863, with its brief but 
faithful record, it was disembodied at Indianapolis, 11 days after 
its organization. 

All these regiments were brought into existence to meet an 
emergency, and it must be confessed, that had not a sense of 
duty, military instinct and love of country animated these regi- 
ments, the rebel General, John H. Morton, and his 6,000 cavalry^ 
would doubtless have carried destruction as far as the very capital 
of their State. 

SIX months' regiments. 

The 115th Regiment, organized at Indianapolis in answer to the 
call of the President in June, 1863, was mustered into service on 
the 17th of August, under Col. J. R. Mahon. Its service was short 
but brilliant, and received its discharge at Indianapolis the 10th. 
of February, 1864. 

The 116th Regiment, mustered in on the 17th of August, 1863,. 
moved to Detroit, Michigan, on the 30th, under Col. Charles Wise. 
During October it was ordered to Nicholasville, Kentucky, where it 
was assigned to Col. Mahon's Brigade, and with Gen. "Willcox's 
entire command, joined in the forward movement to Cumberland 
Gap. After a term on severe duty it returned to Lafayette and 
there was disembodied on the 24rth of February, 1864, whither Gov. 
Morton hastened, to share in the ceremonies of welcome. 

The 117th Regiment of Indianapolis was mustered into service 
on the 17th of September, 1863, under Col. Thomas J. Brady. 
After surmounting every obstacle opposed to it, it returned on the 
6th of February, 1864, and was treated to a public reception on 
the 9th. 

The 118th Regiment, whose organization was completed on the 
3d of September, 1863, under Col. Geo. W. Jackson, joined the 
116th at Nicholasville, and sharing in its fortunes, returned to the 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. J 73 

State capital on the 14th of February, isei. Its casualties were 
comprised in a list of 15 killed and wounded. 

The 119th, or Seventh Cavalry, was recruited under Col. John 
P. C. Shanks, and its organization completed on the 1st of Octo- 
ber, 1863. The rank and tile numbered 1,213, divided into twelve 
companies. On the 7th of December its arrival at Louisville was 
reported, and on the 14th it entered on active service. After the 
well-fought battle of Guntown, Mississippi, on the 10th of June, 
1864, although it only brought defeat to our arms. General Grier- 
son addressed the Seventh Cavalry, saying: " Your General con- 
gratulates you upon your noble conduct during the late expedition. 
Fighting against overwhelming numbers, under adverse circum- 
stances, your prompt obedience to orders and uiiflincliing courage 
commanding the admiration of all, made even defeat almost a vic- 
tory. For hours on foot you repulsed the charges of the enemies' in- 
fantry, and again in the saddle you met his cavalry and turned his 
assaults into confusion. Your heroic perseverance saved hundreds 
of your fellow-soldiers from capture. You have been faithful to 
your honorable reputation, and have fully justified the confidence, 
and merited the high esteem of your commander." 

Early in 1865, a number of these troops, returning from impris- 
onment in Southern bastiles, were lost on the steamer "Sultana." 
The survivors of the camjiaign continued in the service for a long 
period after the restoration of peace, and finally mustered out. 

The 120Tn Regiment. In September, 1863, Gov. Morton re- 
ceived authority from the War Department to organize eleven regi- 
ments within the State for three years' service. By April, 1864, 
this organization was complete, and being transferred to the com- 
mand of Brigadier General Alvin P. Ilovey, were formed by him 
into a division for service with the Army of Tennessee. Of tliose 
regiments, the 120th occupied a very prominent place, both on ac- 
count of its numbers, its perfect discipline and high reputation. 
It was mustered in at Columbus, and was in all the great battles 
of the latter years of the war. It won high praise from friend 
and foe, and retired with its bright roll of honor, after the success 
of Right and Justice was accomplished. 

The 121st, or Ninth Cavalry, was mustered in March 1, 1864, 
under Col. George W. Jackson, at Indianapolis, and though not 
numerically strong, was so well equipped and possessed such excel- 
lent material that on the 3rd of May it was ordered to the front. 
The record of the 12 1st, though extending over a brief period, is 



11 i HISTOBY OF INDIANA. 

pregnant with deeds of war of a high character. On the 26th of 
April, 1865, these troops, while returning from their labors in the 
South, lost 55 men, owing to the explosion of the engines of the 
steamer " Sultana." The return of the 386 survivors, on the 5th of 
September, 1865, was hailed with joy, and proved how well and 
dearly the citizens of Indiana loved their soldiers. 

The 122d Regiment ordered to be raised in the Third Congres- 
sional District, owing to very few men being then at home, failed 
in organization, and the regimental number became a blank. 

The 123d Reoiment was furnished by the Fourth and Seventh 
Congressional Districts during the winter of lS63-'64, and mus- 
tered, March 9, 1864, at Greensburg, under Col. John C. McQuis- 
ton. The command left for the front the same day, and after win- 
ning rare distinction during the last years of the campaign, par- 
ticularly in its gallantry at Atlanta, and its daring movement to 
escape Forrest's 15,000 rebel horsemen near Franklin, this regi- 
ment was discharged on the 30th of August, 1865, at Indianapolis, 
being mustered out on the 25th, at Raleigh, North Carolina. 

The 124th Regiment completed its organization by assuming 
three companies raised for the 125th Regiment (which was intended 
to be cavalry), and was mustered in at Richmond, on the 10th of 
March, 1864, under Colonel James Burgess, and reported at Louis- 
ville within nine days. From Buzzard's Roost, on the 8th of May, 
1864, under General Schofield, Lost Mountain in June, and the 
capture of Decatur, on the 15th July, to the 21st March, 1865, ia 
its grand advance under General Sherman from Atlanta to the 
coast, the regiment won many laurel wreaths, and after a brilliant 
campaign, was mustered out at Greensboro on the 31st August^ 
1865. 

The 125th, oe Tenth Cavalry, was partially organized during^ 
November and December, 1862, at Vincennes, and in February, 
1863, completed its numbers and equipment at Columbus, under 
Colonel T. M. Pace. Early in May its arrival in Nashville was. 
reported, and presently assigned active service. During September 
and October it engaged rebel contingents under Forrest and Hood, 
and later in the battles of Nashville, Reynold's Hill and Sugar 
Creek, and in 1865 Flint River, Courtland and Mount Hope. The 
explosion of the Sultana occasioned the loss of thirty-five men with 
Captain Gaffney and Lieutenants Twigg and Reeves, and in a 
collision on the Nashville & Louisville railroad. May, 1864, lost 
live men killed and several wounded. After a term of service un- 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 175- 

surpassed for its utility aud ciiaracter it was disembodied at Vicks- 
burg, Mississippi, ou tlie 31st August, 1S65, and returning to 
Indiaiiajwlis early in September, was welcomed by tlie Executive 
and people. 

Tlie 120tii, ok Eleventh Cavalry, was organized at Indian- 
apolis under Colonel Robert R. Stewart, ou the 1st of March, 186i, 
and left in May for Tennessee. It took a ver}' conspicuous part in 
the defeat of Hood near Nashville, joining in the pursuit as far as 
Gravelly Springs, Alabama, where it was dismounted and assigned 
infantry duty. In June, 1865, it was remounted at St. Louis, and 
moved to Fort Hiley, Kansas, and thence to Leavenworth, where it 
was mustered out on the 19tli September, 1865. 

The 127th, or Twelfth Cavalry, was partially organized at 
Kendallville, in December, 1863, and perfected at the same place, 
under Colonel Edward Anderson, in April, 1864. Reaching the 
front in May, it went into active service, took a prominent part in 
the march through Alabama and Georgia, and after a service bri.- 
liant in all its parts, retired from the field, after discharge, on the 
22d of November, 1865. 

The 128th Regiment was raised in the Tenth Congressional Dis- 
trict of the period, and mustered at Michigan City, under Colonel 
R. P. De Hart, on the 18th March, 186J-. On the 25tli it was 
reported at the front, and assigned at once to Schotield's Division. 
The battles of Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Lost Mountain, 
Kenesaw, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Daltoii, Brentwood Hills, Nashville, 
and the six days' skirmish of Columbia, were all participated in by 
the 128th, and it continued in service long after the termination 
of hostilities, holding the post of Raleigli, North Carolina. 

The 129th Regiment was, like the former, mustered in at 
Michigan City about the same time, under Colonel Charles Case, 
and moving to the front on the 7th April, 1864, shared in the for- 
tunes of the 128th until August 29, 1865, when it was disembodied 
at Charlotte, Notrh Carolina. 

The 130th Regiment, mustered at Kokomo on the 12th March, 
1864, under Colonel C. S. Parrish, left eti route to the seat of war 
on the 16th, and was assigned to the Second Brigade, First Division, 
Twenty-third Army Corps, at Nashville, on the 1.9th. During the 
war it made for itself a brilliant history, and returned to Indian- 
apolis with its well-won honors on the 13th DecemDer, 1865. 

The 131sT, OR Thirteenth Cavalry, under Colonel G. M L. 
Johnson, was the last mounted regiment recruited within the State. 



176 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

It left Indianapolis on tlie 30th of April, 1864, in infantry trim, 
and gained its first honors on the 1st of October in its magnificent 
defense of Huntsville, Alabama, against the rebel division of 
General Buford, following a line of first-rate military conduct to 
the end. In January, 1865, the regiment was remounted, won 
some distinction in its modern form, and was mustered out at 
Vicksburg on the ISth of JSTovember, 1865. The morale and 
eervices of the regiment were such that its Colonel was promoted 
Brevet Brigadier-General in consideration c)f its merited honors. 

THE ONE HUNDRED-DATS YOLUNTEEES. 

Governor Morton, in obedience to the offer made under his auspices 
to the general Government to raise volunteer regiments for one hun- 
dred days' service, issued his call on the 23rd of April, 1864. This 
movement suggested itself to the inventive genius of the war Gov- 
ernor as a most important step toward the subjection or annihila- 
tion of the military supporters of slavery within a year, and thus 
conclude a war, which, notwithstanding its holy claims to the name 
of Battles for Freedom, was becoming too protracted, and proving 
too detrimental to the best interests of the Union. In answer to 
the esteemed Governor's call eight regiments came forward, and 
formed Tlie Grand Division of the Volunteers. 

The 132d Eegiment, under Col. S. C. Vance, was furnished by 
Indianapolis, Shelbyville, Franklin and Danville, and leaving on 
the 18th of May, 1864, reached the front where it joined the forces 
actinfif in Tennessee. 

The 133d Regiment, raised at Richmond on the 17th of May, 
1864, under Col. R. N. Hudson, comprised nine companies, and 
followed the 132d. 

The 134Tn Regiment, comprising seven companies, was organ- 
ized at Indianapolis on the 25th of Maj, 1864, under Col. James 
Gavin, and proceeded immediately to the front. 

The 135th Regiment was raised from the volunteers of Bedford, 
Noblesville and Goshen, with seven companies from the First Con- 
gressional District, under Col. W. C. Wilson, on the 25th of May, 
1864, and left at once en route to the South. 

The 136th Regiment comprised ten companies, raised in the 
same districts as those contributing to the 135th, under Col. J. W. 
Foster, and left for Tennessee on the 24th of May, 1864. 

The 137th Regiment, under Col. E. J. Robinson, comprising 
volunteers from Kokomo, Zanesviile, Medora, Sullivan, Rockville, 



HI8T0KY OF INDIANA. 177 

and Owen and Lawrence counties, left en route to Tennessee on the 
28th of May, 1864, having completed organization the day previous. 

The 138th Reqiment was formed of seven companies from the 
Ninth, with three from the Eleventh Congressional District (un- 
reformed), and mustered in at Indianapolis on the 27th of May, 
186i, under Col. J. H. Shannon. This fine regiment was re- 
ported at the front within a few days. 

The 139th Regiment, under Col. Geo. Humphrey, was raised from 
volunteers furnished by Kendallville, Lawrenceburg, EHzaville, 
Kuightstown, Connersville, Newcastle, Portland, Vevay, New 
Albany, Metamora, Colnmbia City, New Haven and New Phila- 
delphia. It was constituted a regiment on the 8th of June, 1864, 
and appeared among the defenders in Tennessee during that month. 

All these regiments gained distinction, and won an enviable po- 
sition in the glorious history of the war and the no less glorious 
one of their own State in its relation thereto. 

THE president's CALL OF JULY, 1864. 

The 140th Regiment was organized with many others, in response 
to the call of the nation. Under its Colonel, Thomas J. Brady, it pro- 
ceeded to the South on the 15th of November, 1864. Having taken 
a most prominent part in all the desperate struggles, round Nash- 
ville and Murfreesboro in 1864, to Town Creek Bridge on the 20th 
of February, 1S65, and completed a continuous round of severe duty 
to the end, arrived at Indianapolis for discharge on the21st of July, 
where Governor Morton received it with marked honors. 

The 14 1st Regiment was only partially raised, audits few com- 
panies were incorporated with Col Brady's command. 

The 142d Regiment was recruited at Fort Wayne, under Col. I. 
M. Comparct, and was mustered into service at Indianapolis on the 
d of November, 1864. After a steady and exceedingly effective 
service, it returned to Indianapolis on the t6th of July, 1865. 

THE president's CALL OF DECEMBER, 1864, 

Was answered by Indiana in the most material terms. No less 
than fourteen serviceable regiments were placed at the disposal of 
the General Government. 

The 143d Regiment was mustered in, under Col J. T. Grill, on 
the 21st February, 1865, reported at Nashville on the 24th, and af- 
ter a brief but brilliant service returned to the State on the 21st 
October, 1865. 



178 UISTORY UK INDIANA. 

Tlie 144tu Regiment, under Col. G. W. Kiddle, was mustered in 
on tlie 6th March, 1S65, left on the 9th for Harper's Ferry, took au 
effective part in the close of the campaign and reported at Indian- 
apolis for discharge on the 9th August. 1S65. 

The 145th Rkuiment, under Col. W. A. Adams, left Indianapolis 
on the 18th of February', 1865, and joiningGeii.Steadiuairs division 
at Chattanooga on the 23d was sent on active service. Its duties 
were discharged with rare lidelity until mustered out in Januar}*, 
1866. 

The IItGth Regiment, unJer Col. M. C. Welsh, left Indianapolis 
on the 11th of March en route to Harper's Ferry, where it was as- 
signed to the army of the Shenandoah. The duties ot this regiment 
were severe and continuous, to the period of its muster out at Bal- 
timore on the 31st of August, 1S65. 

The l-i7TH Regiment, comprised among other volunteers from 
Benton, Lafayette and Henry counties, organized under Col. Milton 
Pedeu on the 13th of March, 1S65, at Indianapolis. It shared a 
fortune similar to that of the 146th, and returned for discharge on 
the 9th of August, 1865. 

The 14Sth Regiment, under Col. N. R. Ruckle, left the State 
capital on the 28th of February, 1865, and reporting at Nashville, 
was sent on "guard and garrison duty into the heart of Tennessee. 
Returning to Indianapolis on the 8th of September, it received a 
final discharge. 

The 149th Regijient was organized at Indianapolis by Col. W. 
H. Fairbanks, and left on the 3d of March, 18G5, for Tennessee, 
where it had the honor of receiving the surrender of the rebel 
forces, and inilitar}' stores of Generals Roddy and Polk. The reg- 
iment was welcomed home by Morton on the 29th of September. 

The 150th Regiment, nnder Col. M. B. Taylor, mustered in on the 
9th of March, 1865, left for the Suuth on the 13th and reported at 
Harper's Ferry on the 17th. This regiment did guard duty at 
Charleston, Winchester, Stevenson Station, Gordon's Springs, and 
after a service characterized by utility, returned on tiie 9th of 
August to Indianapolis for discharge. 

The 151sT Regiment, under Col. J. Healy, arrived at Nashvilleon 
the 9th of March, 1865. On the 14th a movement on Tullahoma 
was undertaken, and three months later returned to Nashville for 
garrison dut}' to the close of the war. It was mustered out on the 
22d of September, 1865. 

The 152d Regiment was organized at Indianapolis, under Col. 






2 
o 

Si 

» 







HISTORY OF INDIANA. 18i 

W. W Griswold, and left for Harper's Ferry on the 18th of March, 
1865. It was attached to the provisional divisions of Shenandoah 
Army, and engaged until the 1st of September, when it was dis 
charged at Indianapolis. 

The 153d Regiment was organized at Indianapolis on the 1st of 
March, 1865, under Col. O. H. P. Carey. It reported at Louis- 
ville, and by order of Gen. Palmer, was held on service in Ken- 
tucky, where it was occupied in the exciting but very dangerous 
pastime of fighting Southern guerrillas. Later it was posted at 
Louisville, until mustered out on the 4th of September, 1865. 

The 154rTH Regiment, organized under Col. Frank Wilcox, left 
Indianapolis under Major Simpson, for Parkersburg, W. Virginia, 
on the 2Sth of April, 1865. It was assigned to guard and garrison 
duty until its discharge on the 4th of August, 1865. 

The 155th Regiment, recruited throughout the State, left on tlie 
26th of Ajiril for Washington, and was afterward assigned to a 
provisional Brigade of the Ninth Army Corps at Alexandria. The 
companies of this regiment were scattered over the country, — at 
Dover, Centreville, Wilmington, and Salisbury, but becoming re- 
united on the 4th of August, 1865, it was mustered out at Dover, . 
Delaware. 

Tlie 156th Battalion, under Lieut.-Colonel Cliarles M. Smith, 
left en route to the Shenandoah Valley on the 27th of April, 1S65, 
where it continued doing guard duty to the period of its muster 
out the 4th of August, 1865, at Winchester, Virginia. 

On the return of these regiments to Indianapolis, Gov. Morton 
and the people received them with all that characteristic cordiality 
and enthusiasm peculiarly their own. 

INDKl'F.NDENT CAVALRY COMPANY OF INDIANA VOLUNTEERS. 

The people of Crawford county, animated with that inspiriting 
patriotism which the war drew forth, organized this mounted com- 
panv on the 25tli of July, 1863, and placed it at the disposal of 
the Government, and it was mustered into service by order of the 
War Secretary, on the 13th of August, 1863, under Captain L. 
Lamb. To the close of tlie year it engaged in the laudable pursuit 
of arresting deserters and enforcing the draft; however, on the 
18th of January, 1864, it was reconstituted and incorporated with 
the Thirteentli Cavalry, with which it continued to serve until the 
treason of Americans against America was conquered. 



182 • HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

OCR COLORED TROOPS. 

The 2Sth Regiment of Colored Troops was recruited through- 
out the State of Indiana, and under Lieut. -Colonel Charles S. 
Eussell, left Indianapolis for the front on the 24th of April, 1864. 
The regiment acted very well in its first engagement with the 
rebels at White House, Virginia, and again with Gen. Sheridan's 
Cavalry, in the swamps of the Chiekahominy. In the battle of 
the "Crater," it lost half its roster; but their place was soon filled 
by other colored recruits from the State, and Russell promoted to 
the Colonelcy, and afterward to Brevet Brigadier-General, when he 
was succeeded in the command b}' Major Thomas H. Logan. 
During the few months of its active service it accumulated quite a 
history, and was ultimately discharged, on the Sth of January, 
1866, at Indianapolis. 

batteries of light artillery. 

First Battery, organized at Evansville, under Captain Martin 
Klauss, and mustered in on the 16th of August, 1861, joined Gen. 
Fremont's army immediately, and entering readily upon its salu- 
tary course, aided in the capture of 950 rebels and their position 
at Blackwater creek. On March the 6th, 1S62 at Elkhorn Tavern, 
and on the Sth at Pea Ridge, the battery ])crformed good service. 
Port Gibson, Champion Hill, Jacksou, the Techo country, Sabine 
Cross Roads, Grand Encore, all tell of its efficacy. In 1864 it was 
subjected to reorganization, when Lawrence Jacoby was raised to 
the Captiancy, vice Klauss resigned. After a long term of useful 
service, it was mustered out at Indianapolis on the 18th of August, 
1865. 

Second Battery was organized, under Captain D. G. Rabb, at 
Indianapolis on the 9th of August, 1861, and one month later pro- 
ceeded to the front. It participated in the campaign against Col. 
Cofiee's irregular troops and the rebellious Indians of the Cherokee 
nation. From Lone Jack, Missouri, to Jenkin's Ferry and Fort 
Smith it won signal honors until its reorganization in 1864, and 
even after, to June, 1S65, it maintained a very fair reputation. 

The Third Battery, under Capt. W. W. Frybarger, was organ- 
ized and mustered in at Connersville on the 24th of August, 1861, 
and proceeded immediately to join Fremont's Army of the Mis- 
souri. Moon's Mill, Kirksville, Meridian, Fort de Russy, Alex- 
andria, Round Lake, Tupelo, Clinton and Tallahatchie are naniea 



HISTORY OF INDIANA 1*^3 

which may be engraven on its guns. It participated in the affairs 
before Nashville on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864, when 
General Hood's Army was put to route, and at Fort Blakely, out- 
side Mobile, after which it returned home to report for discharge, 
August 21, 1865. 

The FocRTH Battery, recruited in La Porte, Porter and Lake 
counties, reported at the front early in October, 18i>l, and at once 
assumed a prominent place in the army of Gen. Buell. Again 
under Roseucrans and McCook and under General Sheridan at 
Stone River, the services of this battery were much praised, and it 
retained its well-earned reputation to the very day of its muster out 
— the 1st of August, 1866. Its first organization was completed 
under Capt. A. K. Bush, and reorganized in Oct., 1864, under Capt 
B. F. Johnson. 

Tiie Fifth Battery was furnished by La Porte, Allen, Whitley 
and Noble counties, organized under Capt. Peter Simonson, and mus- 
tered into service on the 22d of November, 1861. It comprised 
four six pounders, two being rifled cannon, and two twelve-pounder 
Howitzers with a force of 158 men. Reporting at Camp Gil- 
bert, Louisville, on the 29th, it was shortly after assigned to the 
division of Gen. Mitchell, at Bacon Creek. During its term, it 
served in twenty battles and numerous petty actions, losing its Cap- 
tain at Pine Mountain. The total loss accruing to the battery was 
84 men and officers and four guns It was mustered out on the 
20th of July, 1864. 

The Sixth Battery was recruited at Evansville, under Captain 
Frederick Behr, and left, on the 2d of Oct., 1861, for the front, 
reporting at Henderson, Kentucky, a few days after. Early in 
1862 it joined Gen. Sherman's army at Paducah, and participated 
in the battle of Shiloh, on the 6th of April. Its history grew in 
brilliancy until the era of peace insured a cessation of its great 
labors. 

The Seventh Battery comprised volunteers from Terre Haute, 
Arcadia, Evansville, Salem, Lawrenceburg, Columbus, Vin- 
ceniies and Indianapolis, under Samuel J. Harris as its first 
Captain, who was succeeded by G. R. Shallow and O. H. Mor- 
iran after its reorganization. From the siege of Corinth to the 
capture of Atlanta it performed vast services, and returned to 
Indianapolis on the 11th of July, 1865, to be received by the peo- 
ple and hear its history from the lips of the veteran patriot and 
Governor of the State. 



1S4 IIISTOKV UK INDIANA. 

The Eighth Batteey, under Captain G. T. Coclirau, arrived at 
the front on the 26th of February, 1862, and subsequently entered 
upon its real duties at the siege of Corinth. It served with dis- 
tinction throughout, and concluded a well-made campaign under 
Will Stokes, who was appointed Captain of the companies with 
which it was consolidated in March, 1865. 

The Ninth Batteey. The organization of this battery was 
perfected at Indianapolis, on the Ist of January, 1862, under Capt. 
N. S. Thompson. Moving to the front it participated in the aftairs 
of Shiloh, Corinth, Queen's Hill, Meridian, Fort Dick Taylor, Fort 
de Russy, Henderson's Hill, Pleasant Hill, Cotile Landing, Bayou 
Rapids, Mansura, Chicot, and many others, winning a name in 
each engagement. The explosion of the steamer Eclipse at Johnson- 
^alle, above Paducah, on Jan. 27, 1865, resulted in the destruction of 
58 men, leaving only ten to represent the battery. The survivors 
reached Indianapolis on the 6th of March, and were mustered out. 

The Tenth Battery was recruited at Lafayette, and mustered in 
under Capt. Jerome B. Cox, in January, 1861. Having passed 
through the Kentucky campaign against Gen. Bragg, it partici- 
pated in many of the great engagements, and finally returned to 
report for discharge on the 6th of July, 1864, having, in the mean- 
time, won a very fair fame. 

The Eleventh Batteey was organized at Lafayette, and mus- 
tered in at Indianapolis under Capt. Arnold Sutermeister, on the 
I7th of December, 1861. On most of the principal battle-fields. 
from Shiloh, in 1862, to thecapture of Atlanta, it maintained a high 
reputation for military excellence, and after consolidation with the 
Eighteenth, mustered out on tlie 7th of June, 1865. 

Tiie Twelfth Batteey was recruited at Jeffersonville and sub- 
sequently mustered in at Indianapolis. On the 6th of March, 1862, 
it reached Nashville, having been previously assigned to Buell's 
Army. In April its Captain, G. W. Sterling, resigned, and tiie 
position devolved on Capt. James E. White, who, in turn, was suc- 
ceeded by James A. Dunwoody. The record of the battery holds 
a first place in the historj' of the period, and enabled both men and 
officers to look back with pride upon the battle-fields of the land. 
It was ordered home in June, 1865, and on reaching Indianapolis, 
on the Ist of July, was mustered out on the 7th of that month. 

The Thieteenth Batteey was organized under Captain Sewell 
Coulson, during the winter of 1861, at Indianapolis, and proceeded 
to the front in February, 1862. During the subsequent months it 



IlISTOKr Oh INDIANA. 



185 



was occupied in the pursuit of John H. Morgan's raiders, and 
aided effectively in driving them from Kentucky. This artillery 
company returned from the South on the 4th of July, 1865, and 
were discharged the day following. 

Tlie Fourteenth Battery, recruited in Wabash, Miami, Lafay- 
ette, and Huntington counties, under Captain M. 11. Kidd, and 
Lieutenant J. W. H. McGuire, left Indianapolis on the 11th of 
April, 1862, and within a few months one portion of it was cap- 
tured at Lexington by Gen. Forrest's great cavalry command. The 
main battery lost two guns and two men at Guntown, on the Mis- 
sissippi, but proved more successful at Nashville and Mobile. It 
arrived home on the 29th of August, 1865, received a public wel- 
come, and its final discharge. 

The Fifteenth Battery, under Captain I. C. H. Von Sehlin, 
was retained on duty from the date of its organization, at Indian- 
apolis, until the 5th of July, 1862, when it was moved to Harper's 
Ferry. Two months later the gallant defense of Maryland Heights 
was set at naught by the rebel Stonewall Jackson, and the entire 
garrison surrendered. Being paroled, it was reorganized at Indian- 
apolis, and appeared again in the field in March, 1863, where it 
won a splendid renown on every well-fought field to the close of 
the war. It was mustered out on the 24rtli of June, 1865. 

The Sixteenth Battery was organized at Lafayette, under 
Capt. Charles A. Nay lor, and on the 1st of June, 1862, left for 
Washington. Moving to the front with Gen. Pope's command, it 
participated m the battle of Slaughter Mountain, on the 9th of 
August, and South Mountain, and Antietam, under Gen. McClel- 
Ian. This battery was engaged in a large number of general en- 
gagements and flying column affairs, won a very favorable record, 
and returned on the 5tb of July, 1865. 

The Seventeenth Battery, under Capt. Milton L. Miner, was 
mustered in at Indianapolis, on the 20th of May, 1862, left for the 
front on the 5th of July, and subsequently engaged in the Gettys- 
burg expedition, was present at Harper's Ferry, July 6, 1863, and 
at Opequan on the 19th of September. Fisher's Hill, New Mar- 
ket, and Cedar Creek brought it additional honors, and won from 
Gen. Sheridan a tribute of praise for its service on tiiese battle 
grounds. Ordered from Winchester to Indianapolis it was mus- 
tered out there on the 3d of July, 1S65. 

The Eighteenth Battery, under Capt. Eli Lilly, left for the 



186 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

front in August, 1862, but did not take a leading part in tlie cam- 
paign until 1S63, when, under Gen. Rosencrans, it appeared jirom- 
inent at Hoover's Gap. From this period to the affairs of West 
Point and Macon, it performed first-class service, and returned to 
its State on the 25th of June, 1865. 

The Nineteenth Battery was mustered into service at Indian- 
apolis, on the 5th of August, 1862, under Capt. S. J. Harris, and 
proceeded immediately afterward to the front, where it participated 
in the campaign against Gen. Bragg. It was present at every post 
of danger to the end of the war, when, after the surrender of John- 
son's army, it returned to Indianapolis. Reaching that city on 
the 6th of June, 1865. it was treated to a public reception and 
received the congratulations of Gov. Morton. Four days later it 

was discharged, 
p 

The Twentieth Battery, organized under Capt. Frank A. Rose, 
left the State capital on the 17th of December, 1862, for the front, 
and reported immediately at Henderson, Kentuck}'. Subsequently 
Captain Rose resigned, and, in 1863, under Capt. Osborn, turned 
over its guns to the 11th Indiana Batter}', and was assigned to the 
charge of siege guns at Nashville. Gov. Morton had the battery 
supplied with new field pieces, and by the 5th of October, 1863, it 
was again in the field, where it won many honors under Sherman, 
and continued to exercise a great influence until its return on the 
23d of June, 1865. 

The Twenty first Battery recruited at Indianapolis, under the 
direction of Captain W. W. Andrew, left on the 9th of September, 
1862, for Covington, Kentucky, to aid in its defense against the 
advancing forces of Gen. Kirby Smith. It was engaged in numerous 
military affairs and may be said to acquire many honors, although 
its record is stained with the names of seven deserters. The battery 
was discharged on the 21st of June, 1865. 

The Twenty-second Battery was mustered in at Indianapolis 
on the 15th of December, 1862, under Capt. B. F. Denning, and 
moved at once to the front. It took a very conspicuous part in the 
pursuit of Morgan's Cavalry, and in many other affairs. It threw 
the first shot into Atlanta, and lost its Captain, who was killed in 
the skirmish line, on the 1st of July. While the list of casualties 
numbers only 35, that of desertions numbers 37. This battery was 
received with public honors on its return, the 25th of June, 1865, 
and mustered out on the 7th of the same month. 



niSTOKY OF INDIANA. 1S7 

Tlie Twenty-third Battery, recruited in Octolier 1S62, and 
mustered in on the 8th of November, under Capt. I. II. Myers, pro- 
ceeded south, after having rendered very ef&eieiit services at honn' 
in guarding the camps of rebel prisoners. In July, 1865, the battery 
took an active part, under General Boyle's command, in routing 
and capturini^ the raiders at Brandenburgh, and subsequently to 
the close of the war performed very brilliant exploits, reaching 
Indianapolis in June, 1865. It was discharged ou tlie 27th of that 
month. 

The Twenty-fourth Battery, under Capt. I. A. Simms, was ' 
enrolled for service on the 29tli of November, 1862; remained 
at Indianapolis on duty until the 13thof March, 1863, when 
it left for the field. From its participation iu the Cumberland 
River campaign, to its last engagement at Columbia, Tennessee, it 
aided materially in bringing victory to the Union ranks and made 
for itself a widespread fame. Arriving at Indianapolis on the 2Sth 
of July, it was publicly received, and in five days later disembodied. 

The Twenty -FIFTH Battery was recruited in September and Oc- 
tober, 1864, and mustered into service for one year, under Capt. 
Frederick C. Sturm. December 13th, it reported at Nashville, and 
took a prominent part in the defeat of Gen. Hood's army. Its 
duties until July, 1865, were continuous, when it returned to 
report for final discharge. 

The Twenty-sixth Battery, or "Wilder's Battery," was re- 
cruited under Capt. I. T. Wilder, of Greensburg, in May, 1861; but 
was not mustered in as an artillery company. Incorporating itself 
with a regiment then forming at Indianapolis it was mustered as 
company "A," of the 17th Infantry, with Wilder as Lieutenant- 
Colonel of the regiment. Subsequently, at Elk Water, Virginia, 
it was converted into the "First Independent Battery," and became 
known as " Rigby's Battery." The record of this battery is as 
brilliant as any won during the war. On every field it has won a 
distinct reputation; it was well worthy the enthusiastic reception 
given to it on its return to Indianapolis on the 11th and 12th of 
July, 18G5. During its term of service it was subject to many 
transmutations; but in every pliase of its brief history, areputation 
fir gallantry and patriotism was maintained which now forms a 
living testimonial to its services to the ])ul)lic. 

The total number of battles in the " War of the Rebellion " in 
whicli the patriotic citizens of the great and noble State of Indiana 
were more or less engaged, was as follows: 



188 



HISTOKT OF INDIANA. 



Locality. No. of Battles. Locality. No of Battles. 

Virginia 90 Maryland 7 

Tennessee 51 Texas 3 

Georgia 41 South Carolina 2 

Mississippi 24 Indian Territory 2 

Arkansas 19 Pennsylvania 1 

Kentucky 16 Ohio , 1 

Louisana ig Indiana 1 

Missouri 9 

North Carolina 8 Total 308 

The regiments sent forth to the defense of the Republic in the 
hour of its greatest peril, when a host of her own sons, blinded by 
some unholy infatuation, leaped to arms that they might trample 
upon the liberty-giving principles of the nation, have been passed 
in ver}' brief review. The authorities chosen for the dates, names, 
and figures are the records of tlie State, and the main subject is 
based upon the actions of those 267,000 gallant men of Indiana 
who rushed to arms in defense of all for which their lathers bled, 
leaving their wives and children and homes in the guardianship of 
a truly paternal Government. 

The relation of Indiana to the Republic was then established; 
for when the population of the State, at the time her sons went 
forth to participate in war for the maintenance of the Union, is 
brought into comparison with all other States and countries, it will 
be apparent that the sacrifices made by Indiana from lS61-'65 
equal, if not actually exceed, the noblest of those recorded in the 
history of ancient or modern times. 

Unprepared for the terrible inundation of modern wickedness, 
which threatened to deluge the country in a sea of blood and rob, 
a people of their richest, their most prized inheritance, the State 
rose above all precedent, and under the benign influence of patriot- 
ism, guided by the well-directed zeal of a wise Governor and 
Government, sent into the field an army that in numbers was 
gigantic, and in moral and physical excellence never equaled 

It is laid down in the official reports, fnrnisiied to the War De- 
partment, that over 200,000 troops were specially organized to aid 
in crushing the legionsof the slave-holder; that no less than 50,000 
militia were armed to defend the State, and that the large. l)nt abso- 
lutely necessary number of commissions issued was IT, 114. All 
this proves the scientific skill and military economy exercised by 
the Governor, and brought to the aid of tlie people in a most terri- 
ble emergency; for he, with some prophetic sense of the gravity of 
the situation, saw that unless the greatest powers of the Union 
were put forth to crush the least justifiable and most pernicious 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 189 

of all rebellions holding a place in the record of nations, the best 
blood of the country would flow in a vain attempt to avert a catas- 
trophe which, if prolonged for many years, would result in at least 
the moral and commercial ruin of the country. 

The part which Indiana took in the war against the Rebellion is 
one of which the citizens of the State may well be proud. In the 
number of troops furnished, and in the amount of voluntary con- 
tributions rendered, Indiana, in proportion and wealth, stands 
equal to any of her sister States. " It is also a subject of gratitude 
and thankfulness," said Gov. Morton, in his message to the Legis- 
lature, " that, while the number of troops furnished by Indiana 
alone in this great contest would have done credit to a first-class 
nation, measured by the standard of previous wars, not a single 
battery or battalion from this State has brought reproach upon the 
national flag, and no disaster of the war can be traced to any want 
of fidelit}', courage or eSiciency on the part of any Indiana officer. 
The endurance, heroism, intelligence and skill of the officers and 
soldiers sent forth by Indiana to do battle for the Union, have shed 
a luster on our beloved State, of which any people might justly be 
proud. Without claiming superiority over our loyal sister States, 
it is but justice to the brave men who have represented us on 
almost every battle-field of the war, to say that their deeds have 
placed Indiana in the front rank of those heroic States which 
rushed to the rescue of the imperiled Grovernraent of the nation. 
The total number of troops furnished by the State for all terms of 
service exceeds 200,000 men, much the greater portion of them 
being for three years; and in addition thereto not less than 50,000 
State militia have from time to time been called into active service 
to repel rebel raids and defend our southern border from inva- 
sion." 

AFTER THE WAR. 

In 1867 the Legislature comprised 91 Republicans and 59 Dem- 
ocrats. Soon after the commencement of the session. Gov. Morton 
resigned his office in consequence of having been elected to the tf 
S. Senate, and Lieut.-Gov. Conrad Baker assumed the Executive 
chair during the remainder of Morton's term. This Legislature, 
by a very decisive vote, ratified the 14th amendment to the Federal 
Constitution, constituting all persons born in the country or sub- 
ject to its jurisdiction, citizens of the United States and of the 
State wherein they reside, without regard to race or color; reduc- 



190 HISTOKY OK INDIANA 

ing the Congressional representation in any State iu which thera 
should be a restriction of the exercise of the elective franchise on 
account of race or color; disfranchising persons therein named 
wiio shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the 
United States; and declaring that the validity of the public debt 
of the United States authorized by law, shall not be questioned. 

This Legislature also passed an act providing for the registry of 
votes, the punishment of fraudulent practices at elections, and for 
the apportionment and compensation of a Board of Registration ; 
this Board to consist, in each township, of two freeholders appointed 
by the County Commissioners, together with the trustee of sncli 
township; in cities the freeholders are to be appointed in each 
ward by the city council. The measures of this law are very strict, 
and are faithfully executed. No cries of fraud m elections are 
heard in connection with Indiana. 

This Legislature also divided the State into eleven Congressional 
Districts and apportioned their representation; enacted a law for 
the protection and indemnity of all officers and soldiers- of the 
United States and soldiers of the Indiana Legion, for acts done in 
the military service of the United States, and in the military ser- 
vice of the State, and in enforcing the laws and preserving the 
peace of the country; made definite appropriations to the several 
benevolent institutions of the State, and adopted several measures 
for the encouragement of education, etc. 

In 1S68, Indiana was the first in the field of national politics, 
both the principal parties holding State conventions early in the 
year. The Democrats nominated T. A. Hendricks for Governor, 
and denounced in their platform the reconstruction policy of the 
Republicans; recommended that United States treasury notes be 
substituted for national bank currency; denied that the General 
Government had a right to interfere with the question of sutfrage 
in any of the States, and opposed negro suffrage, etc. ; while the 
Republicans nominated Conrad Baker for Governor, defended its 
reconstruction policy, opposed a further contraction of the currency, 
etc. The campaign was an exciting one, and Mr. Baker was 
elected Governor by a majority of only 96L In the Presidential 
election that soon followed the State gave Grant 9,572 more than 
Se}'mour. , 

During 1868 Indiana presented claims to the Government for 
about three and a half millions dollars for expenses incurred in the 
war, and .Si. 058. 917. 94: was allowed. Also, this year, a legislative 



o 




niSTOEY OF INDIANA. 193 

coiTimission reported that $413,599.48 were allowed to parties suf- 
fering loss by the Morgan raid. 

This year Governor Baker obtained a site for the House of 
Refuge. (See a subsequent page.) The Soldiers' and Seamen's 
Home, near Knightstown, originally established by private enter- 
prise and benevolence, and adopted by the Legislature of the 
previous year, was in a good condition. Up to that date the insti- 
tution had afforded relief and temporary subsistence to 400 men 
who had been disabled in the war. A substantial brick building 
had been built for the home, while the old buildings were used for 
an orphans' department, in which were gathered 86 children of 
deceased soldiers. 

DIVORCE LAWS. 

By some mistake or liberal design, the early statute laws of 
Indiana on the subject of divorce were rather more loose than those 
of most other States in this Union; and this subject had been a 
matter of so much jest among the public, that in 1870 the Governor 
recommended to the Legislature a reform in this direction, which 
was pretty effectually carried out. Since that time divorces can 
be granted only for the following causes: 1. Adultery. 2. Impo- 
tency existing at the time of marriage. 3. Abandonment for two 
years. 4. Cruel and inhuman treatment of one party by the other. 
5. Habitual drunkenness of either party, or the failure of the hus- 
band to make reasonable provision for the family. 6 The failure 
of the husband to make reasonable provision for the family for a 
period of two years. 7. The conviction of either party of an infamous 
crime. 



FINANCIAL. 

Were it not for political government the pioneers would have got 
along without money much longer than they did. The pressure of 
governmental needs was somewhat in advance of the monetary 
income of the first settlers, and the little taxation required to carry 
on the government seemed great and even oppressive, especially at 
certain periods. 

In November, 1821, Gov. Jennings convened the Legislature in 
extra session to provide for the payment of interest on the State 
debt and a part of the principal, amounting to $20,000. It was 
thought that a sufficient amount would be realized in the notes of 
the State bank and its branches, although they were considerably 
depreciated Said the Governor: " It will be oppressive if the 
State, after the paper of this institution (State bank) was author- 
ized to be circulated in revenue, should be prevented by any assign- 
ment of the evidences ot existing debt, from discharging at least 
so much of that debt with the paper of the bank as will absorb the 
collections of the present year; especially when their notes, after 
being made receivable by the agents of the State, became greatly 
depreciated by great mismanagement on the part of the bank 
itself. It ought not to be expected that a public loss to the State 
should be avoided by resorting to any measures which would not 
comport with correct views of public justice; nor should it be 
anticipated that the treasury of the United States would ultimately 
adopt measures to secure an uncertain debt which would inter- 
fere with arrangements calculated to adjust the demand against the 
State without producing any additional embarrassment." 

The state of the public debt was indeed embarrassing, as the 
bonds which had been executed in its behalf had been assigned. 
The exciting cause of this proceeding consisted in the machinations 
of unprincipled speculators. Whatever disposition the principal 
bank may have made of the funds deposited by the United States, 
the connection of interest between the steam-mill company and the 
bank, and the extraordinary accommodations, as well as their amount, 
effected by arrangements of the steam-mill agency and some ^■^f 
the oificers of the bank, were among the principal causes which 



HISTOEY OF INDIANA. 19*,,. 

liad prostrated the paper circulating raediura of the State, so far as if 
was dependent on the State bank and its branches. An abnormal; 
state of affairs like this very naturall}' produced a blind di&busBe»- 
nient of the fund to some extent, and this disbursement wouldi fee:' 
called by almost every one an " unwise administration." 

During the first 16 years of this century, the belligerent condi- 
tion of Europe called for agricultural supplies from America^ andi 
the consequent high price of grain justified even the remote pio- 
neers of Indiana in undertaking the tedious transportation of the 
products of the soil which the times forced upon them. The large- 
disbursements made by the general Government among the peo- 
ple naturally engendered a rage for speculation; numerons banks 
with fictitious capital were established; immense issues of paper 
were made; and the circulating medium of the country was in- 
creased fourfold in the course of two or three years. This infla- 
tion produced the consequences which always follow such a scheme,, 
namely, unfounded visions of wealtii and splendor and the wild 
investments which result in ruin to the many and wealth to the 
few. The year 1821 was consequently one of great financial panic, 
and was the first experienced by the early settlers of the West. 

In 1822 the new Governor, William Hendricks, took a hoi>eful 
view of the situation, referring particularly to the "agricultural' 
and social happiness of the State." The crops were abundant this- 
year, immigration was setting in heavily and everything seemed to-' 
iiave an upward look. But tlie customs of the white race still com- 
pelling them to patronize European industries, combined with the- 
remoteness of the surplus produce of Indiana from European mar- 
kets, constituted a serious drawback to the accumulation of wealth. 
Such a state of things naturally changed the habits of the people 
to some extent, at least for a short time, assimilating them to those 
of more primitive tribes. Tiiis change of custom, however, was 
not severe and protracted enough to change the intelligent and 
social nature of the people, and they arose to tlieir normal height 
on the very first opportunit}'. 

In 1822-'3, before speculation started up again, the surplus 
money was invested mainly in domestic manufactories instead of 
other and wilder commercial enterprises. Ilome manufactories 
were what the people needed to make them more independent. 
They not only gave employment to thousands whose services were 
before tliat valueless, but also created a market for a great portiore-- 



196 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

iif the surplus produce of the farmers. A part of the surphis cap- 
ital, however, was also sunk in internal improvements, some of 
which were unsuccessful for a time, but eventually proved remu- 
nerative. 

Noah Noble occupied the Executive chair of the State from 1831 
to 1837, commencing his duties amid peculiar embarrassments. 
The crops of 1832 were short, Asiatic cholera came sweeping along 
the Ohio and into the interior of the State, and the Black Hawk war 
raged in the Northwest, — all these at once, and 3'et the work of 
internal improvements was actually begun . 

STATE BANK. 

The State bank of Indiana was established by law January 28, 
1834. The act of the Legislature, by its own terms, ceased to be a 
law, January 1, 1857. At the time of its organization in 1834, its 
outstanding circulation was $4,208,725, with a debt d ue to the insti- 
tution, principally from citizens of the State, of $6,095,368. During 
the years 1857-'58 the bank redeemed nearly its entire circulation, 
providing for the redemption of all outs:anding obligations; at this 
time it had collected from most of its debtors the money which they 
owed. Tlie amounts of the State's interest in the stock of tiie bank 
was $1,390,000, and the money thus invested was procured by the 
issue of five per cent bonds, the last of which was payable July 1,1866. 
The nominal profits of the bank were $2.7s0,604.36. By the law 
creating the sinking fund, that fund was appropriated, first, to pay 
the principal and interest on the bonds; secondly, the expenses of 
the Commissioners; and lastly the cause of common-school educa- 
tion. 

The stock in all the branches authorized was subscribed by indi- 
viduals, and the installment paid as required by the charter. The 
loan authorized for the payment on the stock allotted to the State, 
amounting to $500,000, was obtained at a premium of 1.05 per 
per cent, on five per cent, stock, making the sum of over $5,000 on 
the amount borrowed. In 1836 we find tliat the State bank was 
doinjrgood service; agricultural products were abundant, and the 
market was good; consequently the people were in the full enjoy- 
ment of all the blessings of a free government. 

By the year 1843 the State was experiencing the disasters and 
cmbarassment consequent upon a system of over-banking, and its 
natural progeny, over-trading and deceptive speculation. Such a 
ttateof things tends to relax the hand of industry by creating false 



HISTORY OF INinANA. 197 

notions of wealth, and tempt to sudden acquisitions by means as delu- 
sive in their results as they are contrary to a primary law of nature. 
The people began more than ever to see the necessity of falling 
back upon that branch of industry for which Indiana, especially 
at that time, was particularly fitted, namely, agriculture, as the 
true and lasting source of substantial wealth. 

Gov. Whitcomb, lS43-'49, succeeded well in maintaining the 
credit of the State. Measures of compromise between the State 
and its creditors were adopted by which, ultimately, the public 
works, although incomplete, were given in payment for the claims 
against the Government. 

At the close of his term, Gov. Whitcomb was elected to the 
Senate of the United States, and from December, 1848, to Decem- 
ber, 1849, Lieut-Gov. Paris C. Dunning was acting Governor. 

In ISol a general banking law was adopted whicli gave a new 
impetus to the commerce of the State, and opened the way for a 
broader volume of general trade; but this law was the source of 
many abuses; currency was expanded, a delusive idea of wealth 
again prevailed, and as a consequence, a great deal of damaging 
speculation was indulged in. 

In 1857 the charter of the State bank expired, and the largo 
gains to the State in that institution were directed to the promotion 
of common-school education. 

WEALTH AND PROGRESS. 

During the war of the Rebellion the financial condition of the 
people was of course like that of the other Northern States generally. 
1870 found the State in a very prosperous condition. October 31 
of this year, the date of the fiscal report, there was a surplus of 
$373,249 in the treasury. The receipts of the year amounted to 
$3,605,639, and the disbursements to $2,943,600, leaving a balance 
of $1,035,288. The total debt of the State in November, 1871, was 
$3,937,821. 

At the present time the principal articles of export from the State 
are flour and pork. Nearly all the wheat raised within the State 
is manufactured into flour within its limits, especially in the north- 
ern part. The pork business is the leading one in the southern 
part of the State. 

When we take into consideration the vast extent of railroad lines 
in this State, in connection with the agricultural and mineral 
resources, both developed and undeveloped, as already noted, we can 



198 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

see what a substantial foundation exists for the future welfare of 
this great commonwealth. Almost every portion of the State is 
coming up equally. Tiie disposition to monopolize does not exist 
to a greater degree than is desirable or necessary for healthy compe- 
tition. Speculators in flour, pork and other commodities appeared 
during the war, but generally came to ruin at their own game. 
The agricultural community here is an independent one, under- 
standing its rights, and " knowing them will maintain them." 

Indiana is more a manufacturing State, also, than many imagine. 

^t probably has the greatest wagon and carriage manufactory in the 

-^world. In 1875 the total number of manufacturing establishments 

•in this State was 16,812; number of steam engines, 3,68-1, with a 

iota! horse-power of 114,961 ; the total horse-power of water wheels, 

38.611; number of hands employed in the manufactories, 86,102; 

i;apital employed, is $117,462,161 ; wages paid, $35,461,987; cost of 

auaterial, $104,321,632; value of products, $301,304,271. These 

figures are on an average about twice what they were only live years 

previously, at which time they were about double what they were 

tea years before that. In manufacturing enterprise, it is said that 

Indiana, in proportion to her population, is considerably in advance 

-of Illinois and Michigan. 

In 1870 the assessed valuation of the real estate in Indiana was 
$460,120,974; of personal estate, $203,334,070; true valuation of 
.lx>th, $1,268,180,543. According to the evidences of increase at 
that time, the value of taxable property in this State must be double 
•the foregoing figures. This is utterly astonishing, especially when 
-ws consider what a large matter it is to double the elements of a 
ilarge and wealthy State, compared with its increase in infancy. 

The taxation for State purposes in 1870 amounted to $2,943,078; 
sfor county purposes, $4,054,476; and for municipal purposes, 
'.$3,193,577. Tiie total county debt of Indiana in 1870 was $1,127,- 
-^69, and the total debt of towns, cities, etc., was $2,523,934. 

In the compilation of this statistical matter we have before us the 
■statistics of every element of progress in Indiana, in the U. S. 
Oensus Reports; but as it would be really improper for us further 
■to burden these pages with tables or columns of large numbers, we 
■will conclude by remarking that if any one wishes further details in 
these matters, he can readily find them in the Census Reports of 
'the Government in any city or village in the country. Besides, 
-almost any one can obtain, free of charge, from his representative in 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 199 

Congress, all tliese and other public documents in which he may be 
interested. 

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 

This subject began to be agitated as early as 1818, during the 
administration of Governor Jennings, who, as well as all the 
Governors succeeding hitn to 1843, made it a special j)oint in their 
messages to the Legislature to urge the adoption of measures for 
the construction of highways and canals and the improvement of 
the navigation of rivers. Guv. Hendricks in 1822 specified as the 
most important improvement the navigation of the Falls of the 
Ohio, the Wabash and White rivers, and other streams, and the 
construction of the National and other roads through the State. 

In 1S26 Governor Ray considered the construction of roads and 
canals as a necessity to place the State on an equal financial footing 
with the older States East, and in 1829 he added: "This subject 
can never grow irksome, since it must be the source of the bless- 
ings of civilized life. To secure its benefits is a duty enjoined upon 
the Legislature by the obligations of the social compact." 

In 1830 the people became much excited over the project of con- 
necting the streams of the country by "The National New York 
& Mississippi railroad." The National road and the Michigan 
and Oliio turnpike were enterprises in whicii the people and Legis- 
lature of Indiana were interested. The latter had already been the 
cause of much bitter controversy, and its location was then the 
subject of contention. 

In 1832 the work of internal improvements fairly commenced, 
despite the partial failure of the crops, the Black Hawk war and 
the Asiatic cholera. Several war parties invaded the Western 
settlements, exciting great alarm and some suffering. This year 
the canal commissioners completed the task assigned them and had 
negotiated the canal bonds in New York city, to the amount of 
$100,000, at a premium of 13J- per cent., on terms honorable to the 
State and advantageous to the work. Before the close of tnis year 
§54.000 were spent for the improvement of the Michigan road, and 
$52,000 were realized from the sale of lands appropriated for its 
construction. In 1832, 32 miles of the Wabash and Erie canal was 
placed under contract and work commenced. A communication 
was addressed to the Governor of Ohio, requesting him to call the 
attention of the Legislature of that State to the subject of the 
extension of the canal from the Indiana line through Ohio to tjje 



^00 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

Lake. In compliance with this request, Governor Lucas promptly 
laid the subject before the Legislature of the State, and, in a spirit 
of courtesy, resolutions were adopted by that body, stipulating that 
if Ohio should ultimately decline to undertake the completion of 
that portion of the work within her limits before the time fixed by 
the act of Congress for the completion of the canal, she would, on 
just and equitable terms, enable Indiana to avail herself of the bene- 
fit of the lands granted, by authorizing her to sell them and invest 
the proceeds in the stock of a company to be incorporated by Ohio; 
and that she would give Indiana notice of her final determination 
on or before January 1, 1838. The Legislature of Ohio also 
authorized and invited the agent of the State of Indiana to select, 
survey and set apart the lands lying within that State. In keeping 
with this policy Governor Noble, in 1834, said:. "With a view of 
engaging in works of internal improvement, the propriety of 
adopting a general plan or system, having reference to the several 
portions of the State, and the connection of one with the other^ 
naturally suggests itself. No work should be commenced but such 
as would be of acknowledged public utility, and when completed 
would form a branch of some general system. In view of this 
object, the policy of organizing a Board of Public "Works is again 
respectfully suggested." The Governor also called favorable atten- 
tion to the Lawrenceburg & Indianapolis railway, for which a 
charter had been granted. 

In 1835 the Wabash & Erie canal was pushed rapidly forward. 
The middle division, extending from the St. Joseph dam to the 
forks of the Wabash, about 32 miles, was completed, for about 
$232,000, including all repairs. Upon this portion of the line nav- 
igation was opened on July 4, which day the citizens assembled 
"to witness the mingling of the waters of the St. Joseph with 
those of the Wabash, uniting the waters of the northern chain of 
lakes with those of the Gulf of Mexico in the South." On other 
parts of the line the work progressed with speed, and the sale of 
canal lands was unusually active 

In 1836 the first meeting of the State Board of Internal Im- 
provement was convened and entered upon the discharge of its 
numerous and responsible duties. Having assigned to each mem- 
ber the direction and superintendence of a portion of the work, 
the next duty to be performed preparatory to the various spheres of 
active service, was that of procuring the requisite number of 
engineers. A delegation was sent to the Eastern cities, but returned 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 201 

without engaging an Engineer-in-Chicf for the roads and railways, 
and without the desired number for the subordinate station; but 
after considerable delay the Board was fully organized and put in 
operation. Under their management work on public improve- 
ments was successful; the canal progressed steadily; the naviga- 
tion of the middle division, from Fort Wayne to Huntington, was 
uninterrupted; 10 miles of the line between Huntington and La 
Fontaine creek were filled with water this year and made ready for 
navigation; and the remaining 20 miles were completed, except a 
portion of the locks; from La Fontaine creek to Logansport prog- 
ress was made; the line from Georgetown to Lafayette was placed 
under contract; about 30 miles of the Whitewater canal, extending 
from Lawrenceburg through the beautiful valley of the White- 
water to BrookviUe, were also placed under contract, as also 23 
miles of the Central canal, passing through Indianapolis, on which 
work was commenced; also about 20 miles of the southern divis- 
ion of this work, extending from Evansville into the interior, 
were also contracted for; and on the line of the Cross-Cut canal, 
from Terre Haute to the intersection of the Central canal, near 
the mouth of Eel river, a commencement was also made on all the 
heavy sections. All this in 1836. 

Early in this year a party of engineers was organized, and 
directed to examine into the practicability of the Michigan & 
Erie canal line, then proposed. The report of their operations 
favored its expediency. A party of engineers was also fitted out, 
who entered upon the field of service of the Madison & Lafayette 
railroad, and contracts were let for its construction from Madison 
to Vernon, on which work was vigorously commenced. Also, con- 
tracts were let for grading and bridging the New Albany & Vin- 
cennes road from the former point to Paoli, about 40 miles. 
Other roads were also undertaken and surveyed, so that indeed a 
stupendous system of internal improvement was undertaken, and 
as Gov. Noble truly remarked, upon the issue of that vast enter- 
prise the State of Indiana staked her fortune. She had gone too 
far to retreat. 

In 1837, when Gov. Wallace took the Executive chair, the 
reaction consequent upon '• over work " by the State in the internal 
improvement scheme began to be felt by the people. They feared 
a State debt was being incurred from which they could never lie 
extricated; but the Governor did all he could throughout the term 
of his administration to keep up the courage of the citizens. He 



202 UISTOKY OF INDIANA. 

told them that the astonishing success so far, surpassed even the 
hopes of the most sanguine, and that the flattering auspices of the 
future were sufhcient to dispel every doubt and quiet every fear. 
Notwithstanding all his efforts, however, the construction of pub- 
lic works continued to decline, and in his last message he exclaimed: 
" Never before — I speak it advisedly — never before have you wit- 
nessed a period in our local history that more urgently called for 
tlie exercise of all the soundest and best attributes of grave and 
patriotic legislators than the present. * . * * The 

truth is — and it would be folly to conceal it — we have our hands 
full — full to overflowing; and therefore, to sustain ourselves, to 
preserve the credit and character of the State unimpaired, and to 
continue her hitherto unexampled march to wealth and distinction, 
we have not an hour of time, nor a dollar of money, nor a hand 
employed in labor, to squander and dissipate upon mere objects of 
idleness, or taste, or amusement." 

The State had borrowed $3,827,000 for internal improvement pur- 
poses, of which $1,327,000 was for the Wabash & Erie canal and 
the remainder for other works. The five per cent, interest on 
debts — about $200,000 — which the State had to pay, had become 
burdensome, as her resources for this purpose were only two, 
besides direct taxation, and they were small, namely, the interest 
on the balances due for canal lands, and the proceeds of the third 
installment of the surplus revenue, both amounting, in 183S, 
to about $45,000. 

In August, 1839, all work ceased on these improvements, with 
one or two exceptions, and most of the contracts were surrendered 
to the State. This was done according to an act of the Legislature 
providing for the compensation of contractors by the issue of 
treasury notes. In addition to this state of aflairs, the Legisla- 
ture of 1839 had made no provision for the payment of interest on 
the State debt incurred for internal improvements. Concerning 
this situation Gov. Bigger, in 1840, said that either to go ahead 
with the works or to abandon them altogether would be equally 
ruinous to the State, the implication being that the people should 
wait a little while for a breathing spell and then take hold again. 

Of course much individual indebtedness was created during the 
progress of tlie work on internal improvement. When operations 
ceased in 1839, and prices fell at the same time, the people were 
left in a great measure without the means of commanding money 
to pay their debts. This condition of private enterprise more than 



HISTORY OK INDIANA. 2U3 

ever rendered direct taxation inexpedient. Hence it became the 
policy of Gov. Bigger to provide tlic means of paying tlie interest 
on tlie State debt vvitliout increasing tlie rate of taxation, and to 
continue that portion of the public works that could be immedi- 
atelj- completed, and from which the earliest returns could be 
expected. 

In ISJrO the system embraced ten difterent works, the most im- 
])ortantof which was the Wabash & Erie canal. The aggregate 
length of the lines embraced in the system was 1,1G0 miles, and 
of this only 140 miles had been completed. The amount expended 
had reached the sura of $5,600,000, and it required at least $14,000,- 
000 to complete them. Although the crops of 1841 were very 
remunerative, this perquisite alone was not sufficient to raise the 
State again up to the level of going ahead with her gigantic 
works. 

We should here state in detail the amount of work completed and 
of money expended on the various works up to this time, 1841, 
which were as follows: 

1. The Wabash & Erie canal, from the State line to Tippe- 
canoe, 129 miles in length, completed and navigable for the whole 
length, at a cost of $2,041,012. This sum includes the cost of the 
steamboat lock afterward completed at Delphi. 

2. The extension of the Wabash & Erie canal from the mouth 
of the Tippecanoe to Terre Haute, over 104 miles. The estimated 
cost of this work was $1,500,000; and the amount expended for the 
same $408,855. The navigation was at this period o])ened as far 
down as Lafayette, and a part of the work done in the neighbor- 
hood of Covington. 

3. The cross-cut canal from Terre Haute to Central canal, 
49 miles in length; estimated cost, $718,672; amount expended, 
$420,679; and at this titneno part of the course was navigable. 

4. The White Water canal, from Lawrenceburg to the mouth 
of Nettle creek, 76i miles; estimated cost, $1,675,738; amount 
expended to that date, $I,099,'^67; and 31 miles of the work 
was navigable, extending from the Ohio river to Brookville. 

5. The Central canal, from the Wabash & Erie canal, to 
Indianapolis, including the feeder bend at Muncietown, 124 miles 
in length; total estimated cost, $2,299,853; amount expended, 
$568,046; eight miles completed at that date, and other portions 
nearly done. 



2U4 UISTOKT OF INDIANA. 

6. Central canal, from Indianapolis to Evansville on the Ohio 
river, 194 miles in length; total estimated cost, $3,532,394; amount 
expended, $831,302, 19 miles of which was completed at tiiat date, 
at the southern end, and 16 miles, extending south from Indianao- 
olis, were nearly completed. 

7. Erie & Michigan canal, 182 miles in length; estimated cost, 
$2,624,823; amount expended, $156,394. No part of this work 
finished. 

8. The Madison & Indianapolis railroad, over 85 miles in 
length; total estimated cost, $2,046,600; amount expended, $1,493,- 
013. Koad finished and in operation for about 28 miles; grad- 
ing nearly finished for 27 miles in addition, extending to Eden- 
burg. 

9. Indianapolis & Lafayette turnpike road, 73 miles in length; 
total estimated cost, S593, 737; amount expended, $72,118. The 
bridging and most of the grading was done on 27 miles, from 
Crawfordsville to Lafayette. 

10. New Albany & Vincennes turnpike road, 105 miles in 
length; estimated cost, $1,127,295; amount expended, $654,411. 
Forty-one miles graded and macadamized, extending from New 
Albany to Paoli, and 27 miles in addition partly graded. 

11. Jefferson ville & Crawfordsville road, over 164 miles long; 
total estimated cost, $1,651,800; amount expended, $372,737. 
Forty -five miles were partly graded and bridged, extending from 
JeS'ersonville to Salem, and from Greencastle north. 

12. Improvement of the Wabasii rapids, undertaken jointly by 
Indiana and Illinois; estimated cost to Indiana, $102,500; amount 
expended by Indiana, $9,539. 

Grand totals: Length of roads and canals, 1,289 miles, only 
281 of which have been finished; estimated cost of all the works, 
$19,914,424; amount expended, $8,164,528. The State debt at 
this time amounted to $18,469,146. Tiie two principal causes 
which aggravated the embarrassment of the State at this juncture 
were, first, paying most of the interest out of the money borrowed, 
and, secondly, selling bonds on credit. The first error subjected 
the State to the payment of compound interest, and the people, 
not feeling the pressure of taxes to discharge the interest, natu- 
rally became inattentive to the public policy pursued. Postpone- 
ment of the payment of interest is demoralizing in every way. 
During this period the State was held up in an unpleasant manner 
before the gaze of the world; but be it to the credit of this great 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 205 

aud glorious State, she would not repudiate, as many other States 
and municipalities have done. 

By tlie year 1850, the so-called "internal improvement" system 
having been abandoned, private capital and ambition pushed for- 
ward various "public works." During this year about 400 miles 
of plank road were completed, at a cost of $1,200 to $1,500 per 
mile, and about 1,200 miles more were surveyed and in progress. 
There were in the State at this time 212 miles of railroad in suc- 
cessful operation, of wliich 12'4 were completed this year. More 
than 1,000 miles of railroad were survej'ed and in progress. 

An attempt was made during the session of the Legislature in 
1869 to re-burden the State with the old canal del)t, and the matter 
was considerably agitated in the canvass of 1S70. The subject of the 
Wabash & Erie canal was lightly touched in the Republican plat- 
form, occasioning considerable discussion, which probably had 
some effect on the election in the fall. That election resulted in 
an average majority in the State of about 2,864 for the Democi'acy. 
It being claimed that the Legislature had no authority under the 
constitution to tax tlie people for the purpose of aiding in the con- 
struction of railroads, the Supreme Court, in Aoril, 1871, decided 
adversely to such a claim. 

GEOLOGY. 

In 1869 the development of mineral resources in the State 
attracted considerable attention. Rich mines of iron and coal were 
■discovered, as also tine quarries of building stone. The Vincennes 
railroad passed through some of the richest portions of the mineral 
region, the engineers of which had accurately determined the 
quality of richness of the ores. Near Brooklyn, abi)ut 20 miles 
from Indianapolis, is a fine formation of sandstone, yielding good 
material for buildings in the city; indeed, it is considered the best 
building stone in tiie State. Tlie limestone formation at Gosport, 
continuing 12 miles from that point, is of great variety, and 
includes the finest and most durable building stone in the world. 
Portions of it are susceptible only to the chisel; other portions are 
soft and can be worked with the ordinary tools. At the end of this 
limestone formation there commences a sandstone series of strata 
which extends seven miles farther, to a point about 60 miles from 
Indianapolis. Here an extensive coal bed is reached consisting of 
seven distinct veins. The first is about two feet thick, the next 
three feet, another four feet, and the others of various thicknesses. 



206 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

These beds are all easily worked, having a natural drain, and they 
yield heavy profits. In the whole of the southwestern part of the 
State and for 300 miles up the Wabash, coal exists in good quality 
and abundance. 

The scholars, statesmen and philanthropists of Indiana work- 
ed hard and long for the appointment of a State Geologist, with 
sufficient support to enable him to make a thorough geological 
survey of the State. A partial survey was made as early as 1837-'S, 
by David Dale Owen, State Geologist, but nothing more was done 
until 1869, when Prof. Edward T. Cox was appointed State Geolo- 
gist. For 20 years previous to this date the Governors urged and 
insisted in all their messages that a thorough survey should be 
made, but almost, if not quite, in vain. In 1852, Dr. Ryland T. 
Brown delivered an able address on this subject before the Legis- 
lature, showing how much coal, iron, building stone, etc., there 
were probably; in the State, but the exact localities and qualities 
not ascertained, and how millions of money could be saved to the 
State by the expenditure of a few thousand dollars; but "they 
answered the Doctor in the negative. It must have been because 
they hadn't time to pass the bill. They were very busy. They had 
to pass all sorts of regulations concerning the negro. They had to 
protect a good many white people from marrying negroes. And as 
they didn't need any labor in the State, if it was ' colored,' they 
had to make regulations to shut out all of that kind of labor, and 
to take steps to put out all that unfortunately got in, and they didn't 
have time to consider the scheme proposed by the white people " — 
W. W. Clayton. 

In 1853, the State Board of Agriculture employed Dr. Brown to 
make a partial examination of the geology of the State, at a salary 
of $500 a year, and to this Board the credit is due for the final 
success of the philanthropists, who in 1869 had the pleasure of 
witnessing the passage of a Legislative act '' to provide for a Depart- 
ment of Geology and Natural Science, in connection with the State 
Board of Agriculture." Under this act Governor Baker immedi- 
ately appointed Prof. Edward T. Cox the State Geologist, who has 
made an able and exhaustive report of the agricultural, mineral 
and manufacturing resources of this State, world-wide in its celeb- 
rity, and a work of which the people of Indiana may be very 
proud. We can scarcely give even the substance of his report in a 
work like this, because it is of necessity deeply scientific and made 
up eiitiruly of local detail. 



niSTOKY OK I>DIANA. 207 

COAL. 

The coal measures, says Prof. E. T. Cox, cover an area of about 
6,500 square miles, in the southwestern part of the State, and 
extend from Warren county on the north to the Ohio river on the 
south, a distance of about 150 miles. This area comprises the fol- 
lowing counties: Warren, Fountain, Parke, Vermillion, Vigo, Clay, 
Sullivan, Greene, Knox, Daviess, Martin, Gibson, Pike, Dubois, 
Vanderburg, Warrick, Spencer, Perry and a small part of Crav?ford, 
Monroe, Putnam and Montgomery. 

This coal is all bituminous, but is divisible into three well-marked 
varieties: caking-coal, non-caking-coal or block coal and cannel 
coal. The total depth of the seams or measures is from 600 to 800 
feet, with 12 to 14 distinct seams of coal; but these are not all to 
be found throughout the area; the seams range from one foot to 
eleven feet in thickness. The caking coal prevails in the western 
portion of the area described, and has from three to four workable 
seams, ranging from three and a half to eleven feet in thickness. 
At most of the places where these are worked the coal is mined by 
adits driven in on the face of the ridges, and the deepest shafts in 
the State are less than 300 feet, the average depth for successful 
mining not being over 75 feet. This is a bright, black, sometimes 
glossy, coal, makes good coke and contams a very large percentage 
of pure illuminating gas. One pound will yield about 4J cubic feet 
of gas, with a power equal to 15 standard sperm candles. The 
average calculated calorific power of the caking coals is 7.745 heat 
units, pure carbon being 8,080. Both in the northern and southern 
portions of the field, the caking coals present similar good qualities, 
and are a great source of private and public wealth. 

The block coal prevails in the eastern part of the field and has an 
area of about 450 square miles. This is excellent, in its raw state, 
for making pig iron. It is indeed peculiarly fitted for metal- 
lurgical purposes. It has a laminated structure with carbonaceous 
matter, like charcoal, between the lamina, with slaty cleavage, and 
it rings under the stroke of the hammer. It is " free-burning," 
makes an open fire, and without caking, swelling, scaflTolding in the 
furnace or changing form, burns like hickory wood until it is con- 
sumed to a white ash and leaves no clinkers. It is likewise valuable 
for generati ng steam and for household uses. Many of the principal 
railway lines in the State are using it in preference to any other 
coal, as it does not burn out the fire-boxes, and gives as little trouble 
as wood. 



208 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

There are eight distinct seams of block coal in this zone, three of 
which are workable, having an average thickness of four feet. In 
some places this coal is mined by adits, but generally from sliafts, 
40 to 80 feet deep. The seams are crossed by cleavage lines, and 
the coal is usually mined without powder, and may be taken out in 
blocks weighing a ton or more. When entries or rooms are driven 
angling across the cleavage lines, the walls of the mine present a 
zigzag, notched appearance resembling a Virginia worm fence. 

In 1871 there were about 24 block coal mines in operation, and 
about 1,500 tons were mined daily. Since that time this industry 
has vastly increased. This coal consists of SI^ to 83^ percent, of 
carbon, and not quite three fourths of one per cent, of sulphur. 
Calculated calorific power equal to 8,283 heat units. This coal also 
is equally good both in the northern and southern parts of the field. 

The great Indiana coal field is within 150 miles of Chicago or 
Michigan City, by railroad, from which ports the Lake Superior 
specular and red hematite ores are landed from vessels that are able 
to run in a direct course from the ore banks. Considering the 
proximity of the vast quantities of iron in Michigan and Missouri^ 
one can readily see what a glorious future awaits Indiana in respect 
to manufactories. 

Of the cannel coal, one of the finest seams to be found in the 
country is in Daviess county, this State. Here it is three and a 
half feet thick, underlaid by one and a half feet of a beautiful, jet- 
black caking coal. There is no clay, shale or other foreign matter 
intervening, and fragments of the caking coal are often found 
adhering to the cannel. There is no gradual change from one to 
the other, and the character of each is homogeneous throughout. 

The cannel coal makes a delightful fire in open grates, and does 
not pop and throw off scales into the room, as is usual with this 
kind of coal. This coal is well adapted to the manufacture of 
illuminating gas, in respect to both quantity and high illuminating 
power. One ton of 2,000 pounds of this coal yields 10,400 feet of 
gas, while the best Pennsylvania coal yields but 8,680 cubic feet. 
This gas has an illuminating power of 25 candles, while the best 
Pennsylvania coal gas has that of only 17 candles. 

Cannel coal is also found in great abundance in Perry, Greene, 
Parke and Fountain counties, where its commercial value has already 
been demonstrated. 

Numerous deposits of bog iron ore are found in the northern part 
of the State, and clay iron-stones and impure carbonates and brown 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. .>0^ 

oxides are found scattered in the vicinity of the coal field. In some 
places the beds are quite thick and of considerable commercial 
value. 

An abundance of excellent lime is also found in Indiana, espe- 
cially in Huntington county, where many large kilns are kept in 
profitable operation. 

AGRICULTURAL. 

In 1852 the Legislature passed an act authorizing the organization 
of county and district agricultural societies, and also establishing a 
State Board, the provisions of which act are substantially as follows: 

1. Thirty or more persons in any one or two counties organizing 
into a society for the improvement of agriculture, adopting a consti- 
tution and by-laws agreeable to the regulations prescribed by the 
State Board, and appointing the proper officers and raising a sum 
of $50 for its own treasury, shall be entitled to the same amount 
from the fund arising from show licenses in their respective 
counties. 

2. These societies shall oS"er annual premiums for improvement 
of soils, tillage, crops, manures, productions, stock, articles of 

, domestic industry, and such other articles, productions and improve- 
ments as they may deem proper; they shall encourage, by grant 
of rewards, agricultural andhousehold manufacturing interests, and 
so regulate the premiums that small farmers will have equal 
opportunity with the large; and they shall pay special attention to 
cost and profit of the inventions and improvements, requiring an 
exact, detailed statement of the processes competing for rewards. 

3. They shall publish in a newspaper annually their list of 
awards and an abstract of their treasurers' accounts, and they shall 
report in full to the State Board their proceedings. Failing to do 
the latter they shall receive no payment from their county funds. 

STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 

The act of Feb. 17, 1852, also established a State Board of Agri- 
culture, with perpetual succession; its annual meetings to be held 
at Indianapolis on the first Thursday after the first Monday in 
January, when the reports of the county societies are to be received 
and agricultural interests discussed and determined upon; it shall 
make an annual report to the Legislature of receipts, expenses, 
proceedings, etc., of its own meeting as well as of those of the local 



210 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

societies; it shall hold State fairs, at such times and places as they 
may deem proper; may hold two meetings a year, certifying to the 
State Auditor their expenses, who shall draw his warrant upon the 
Treasurer for the same. 

In 1861 the State Board adopted certain rules, embracing ten 
sections, for the government of local societies, but in 1868 they 
were found inexpedient and abandoned. It adopted a resolution 
admitting delegates from the local societies. 

THE EXPOSITION. 

As the Board found great difficulty in doing justice to exhibitors 
without an adequate building, the members went earnestly to work 
in the fall of 1872 to get up an interest in the matter. They 
appointed a committee of five to confer with the Councilor citizens 
of Indianapolis as to the best mode to be devised for a more 
thorough and complete exhibition of the industries ot the State. 
The result of the conference was that the time had arrived for a 
regular " exposition," like that of the older States. At the Janu- 
ary meeting in 1873, Hon. Thomas Dowling, of Terre Haute> 
reported for the committee that they found a general interest in 
this enterprise, not only at the capital, but also throughout the 
State. A sub-committee was appointed who devised plans and 
specifications for the necessary structure, taking lessons mainly 
from the Kentucky E.xposition building at Louisville. All the 
members of the State Board were in favor of proceeding with the 
building except Mr. Poole, who feared that, as the interest of the 
two enterprises were somewhat conflicting, and the Exposition being 
the more exciting show, it would swallow up the State and county 
fairs. 

The Exposition was opened Sept. 10, 1873, when Hon. John 
Sutherland, President of the Board, the Mayor of Indianajiolis, 
Senator Morton and Gov. Hendricks delivered addresses. Senator 
Morton took the high ground that the money spent for an exposi- 
tion is spent as strictly for educational purposes as that which goes 
directly into the common school. The exposition is not a mere 
show, to be idly gazed upon, but an industrial school where one 
should study and learn. He thought that Indiana had less untill- 
able land than any other State in the Union; 'twas as rich as any 
and yielded a greater variety of products; and that Indiana was 
the most prosperous agricultural community in the United States. 



niSTOKY OF INDIANA. 21) 

The State had nearly 3,700 miles of railroad, not connting side- 
track, with 400 miles more under contract for building. In 15 
or 18 months one cau go from Indianapolis to every county ia 
tlie State by railroad. Indiana has 6,500 square miles of coal field, 
450 of which contain block coal, the best iu the United States for 
manufacturing purposes. 

On the subject of cheap transportation, he said: " By the census 
of 1870, Pennsylvania had, of domestic animals of all kinds, 4,006,- 
589, and Indiana, 4,511,094. Pennsylvania had grain to the amount 
of 60,460.000 bushels, while Indiana had 79,350,454. The value of 
the farm products of Pennsylvania was estimated to be $183,946,- 
000; those of Indiana, $122,914,000. Thus you see that while 
Indiana had 505,000 head of live stock more, and 19,000,000 
bushels of grain more than Pennsylvania, yet the products of Penn- 
sylvania are estimated at $183,946,000, on account of her greater 
proximity to market, while those of Indiana are estimated at only 
$122,914,000. Thus you can understand the importance of cheap 
transportation to Indiana. 

" Let us see how the question of transportation affects us on the 
other hand, with reference to the manufacturer of Bessemer steel 
Of the 174,000 tons of iron ore used iu the blast furnaces of Pitts- 
burg last year, 84,000 tons came from Lake Superior, 64,000 tons 
from Iron Mountain, Missouri, 20,000 tons from Lake Champlain, 
and less than 5,000 tons from the home mines of Pennsylvania., 
They cannot manufacture their iron with the coal they have in 
Pennsylvania without coking it. We have coal in Indiana with 
which we can, in its raw state, make the best of iron; while we are 
250 miles nearer Lake Superior than Pittsburg, and 430 miles 
nearer to Iron Mountain. So that the question of transportation 
determines the fact that Indiana must become the great center for 
the manufacture of Bessemer steel." 

"What we want in this countr\' is diversified labor." 

The grand hall of the Exposition buildings is on elevated ground 
at the head of Alabama street, and commands a tine view of the 
city. The structure is of brick, 308 feet long by 150 in width, and 
two stories high. Its elevated galleries extend quite around the 
building, under the roof, thus affording visitors an opportunity to 
secure the most commanding view to be had in the city. The 
lower floor of the grand hall is occupied by the mechanical, geologi- 
cal and miscellaneous departments, and by the offices of the Board, 
which extend along the entire front. The second floor, which is 



212 HISTORY IIF INDIANA. 

approached by three wide stairways, accommodates the fine art, 
musical and other departments of light mechanics, and is brilliantly 
lighted by windows and skylights. But as we are here entering 
the description of a subject magnificent to behold, we enter a 
description too vast to complete, and we may as well stop here as 
anywhere. 

The Presidents of the State Fairs have been: Gov, J. A. "Wright, 
lS52-'4; Gen. Jos. Orr, 1855; Dr. A. C. Stevenson, lS56-'8; G. D. 
"Wagner; 1859-60; D. P, Holloway, 1861; Jas, D.Williams, 1862, 
1870-'l; A. D. Hamrick, 1863, lS67-'9; Stearns Fisher, lS64-'6; 
John Sutherland, 1872-'4; "Wm. Crim, 1875. Secretaries: John B, 
Dillon, 1852-'3, 1855, 1858-'9; Ignatius Brown. 1856-'7; "W.T. Den- 
nis, 1854, 1860-'l; "W. H. Loomis, 1862-"6; A. J. Holmes, 1867-'9; 
Joseph Poole, 1870-'l; Alex. Heron, lS72-'5. Place of fair, Indian- 
apolis every year except: Lafayette, 1S53; Madison, 1854; New 
Albany, 1859,- Fort Wayne, 1S65; and Terre Haute, 1867. In 
1861 there was no fair. The gate and entry receipts increased from 
$4,651 in 1852 to $45,330 in 1874. 

On the opening of the Exposition, Oct. 7, 1874, addresses were 
delivered by the President of the Board, Hon. John Sutherland, 
and by Govs. Hendricks, Bigler and Pollock. Yvon's celebrated 
painting, the " Great Republic," was unveiled with great ceremony, 
and many distinguished guests were present to witness it. 

The exhibition of 1875 showed that the plate glass from the 
southern part of the State was equal to the finest French plate; that 
the force-blowers made in the eastern part of the State was of a 
world-wide reputation; that the State has within its bounds the 
largest wagon manufactory in the world; that in other parts of the 
State there were all sorts and sizes of manufactories, including roll- 
ing mills and blast furnaces, and in the western part coal was mined 
and shipped at the rate of 2,500 tons a day from one vicinity; and 
many other facts, which " would astonish the citizens of Indiana 
themselves even more than the rest of the world." 

INDIANA HOKTICULTCEAL SOCIETY. 

This society was organized in 1842, thus taking the lead in the 
West. At this time Henry Ward Beecher was a resident of Indian- 
apolis, engaged not only as a minister but also as editor of the 
Indiana Fanner and Gardener, and his influence was very exten- 
sive in the interests of horticulture, floriculture and farming. 
Prominent among his pioneer co-laborers were Judge Coburn, 



IIISTOKV l)F INDIANA. 213 

Aaron Aldridge, Capt. James Sigarson, D. Y. CuUej, Reuben 
Raijaii, Stephen Hampton, Cornelius Ratliff, Joshua Lijidley, 
Abner Pope and many others. In the autumn of this year tlie 
society held an exhibition, probably the first in the State, if not 
in the West, in the hall of the new State house. The only pre- 
mium offered was a set of silver teaspoons for the best seedling 
ajjjile, which was won by Reuben Ragan, of Putnam county, for 
an apple christened on this occasion the " Osceola." 

The society gave great encouragement to the introduction of 
new varieties of fruit, especially of the pear, as the soil and cli- 
mate of Indiana were well adapted to this fruit. But the bright 
horizon which seemed to be at this time looming up all around the 
field of the young society's operations was suddenly and thoroughly 
darkened by the swarm of noxious insects, diseases, blasts of win- 
ter and the great distance to market. The prospects of the cause 
scarcely justified a continuation of the expense of assembling from 
remote parts of the State, and the meetings of the society therefore 
soon dwindled away until the organization itself became quite 
extinct. 

But when, in 1852 and afterward, railroads began to traverse the 
State in all directions, the Legislature provided for the organization 
of a State Board of Agriculture, whose scope was not only agri- 
culture but also horticulture and the mechanic and household arts. 
The rapid growth of the State soon necessitated a differentiation of 
this body, and in the autumn of 1860, at Indianapolis, there was 
organized the 

INDIANA POMOLOGICAL SOCIETr. 

October 18, Reuben Ragan was elected President and "Wm H. 
Loomis, of Marion county. Secretary. The constitution adopted 
provided for biennial meetings in January, at Indianapolis. At 
the first regular meeting, Jan. 9, 1861, a committee-man for each 
congressional district was appointed, all of them together to be 
known as the "State Fruit Committee," and twenty-five members 
were enrolled during this session. At the regular meeting in 1863 
the constitution was so amended as to provide for annual sessions, 
and the address of the newly elected President, Hon. I. G. D. Nel- 
son, of Allen county, urged the establishment of an agricultural 
college. He continued in the good cause until his work was 
crowned with success. 



214 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

In 1864 there was but little done on account of the exhaust- 
ive demands of the great war; and the descent of mercury 60° in 
eighteen hours did so much mischief as to increase the discourage- 
ment to the verge of despair. The title of the society was at this 
meeting, Jan., 1864 changed to that of the Indiana Horticultural 
Society. 

The first several meetings of the society were mostly devoted to 
revision of fruit lists; and although the good work, from its vast- 
ness and complication, became somewhat monotonous, it has been 
no exception in this respect to the law that all the greatest and 
most productive labors of mankind require perseverance and toil. 

In 1866, George M. Beeler, who had so iudefatigably served as 
secretary for several years, saw himself hastening to his grave, and 
showed his love for the cause of fruit culture by bequeathing to 
the society the sum of §1,000. This year also the State Superin- 
tendent of Public Instruction was induced to take a copy of the 
Society's transactions for each of the township libraries in the State, 
and this enabled the Society to bind its volume of proceedings in 
s substantial manner. 

At the meeting in 1867 many valuable and interesting papers 
■were presented, the office of corresponding secretary was created, 
and the subject of Legislative aid was discussed. The State Board 
of Agriculture placed the management of the horticultural depart- 
ment of the State fair in the care of the Society. 

The report for 1868 shows for the first time a balance on hand, 
after paying expenses, the balance being $61.55. Up to tliis time 
the Society had to take care of itself, — meeting current expenses, do- 
ing its own printing and binding, "boarding and clothing itself," 
and dift'using annually an amount of knowledge utterly incalcu- 
lable. During the year called meetings were held at Salem, in the 
peach and grape season, and evenings during the State fair, which 
was held in Terre Haute the previous fall. The State now assumed 
the cost of printing and binding, but the volnme of transactions 
was not quite so valuable as that of the former year. 

In 1870 $160 was given to this Society by the State Board of 
Agriculture, to be distributed as prizes for essays, which object 
was faithfully carried out. The practice has since then been con- 
tinued. 

In 1871 the Horticultural Society brought out the best volume 
of papers and proceedings it ever has had published. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 215 

In 1872 the office of corresponding secretary was discontinued; 
the appropriation by the State Board of Agriculture diverted to 
the payment of premiums on small fruits given at a show held the 
previous summer; results of the exhibition not entirely satisfac- 
tory. 

In 1873 the State officials refused to publish the discussions of 
the members of the Horticultural Society, and the Legislature 
appropriated $500 for tlie purpose for each of the ensuing two 
years. 

In 1875 the Legislature enacted a law requiring that one of the 
trustees of Purdue University shall be selected by the Horticultu- 
ral Society. 

The aggregate annual membership of this society from its organ- 
ization in 1860 to 1875 was 1,225. 

EDUCATION. 

The subject of education has been referred to in almost every 
gubernatorial message from the organization of the Territory to 
the present time. It is indeed the most favorite enterprise of the 
Hoosier State. In the first survey of Western lands, Congress set 
apart a section of land in every township, generally the 16th, for 
school purposes, the disposition of the land to be in hands of the 
residents of the respective townships. Besides this, to this State 
were given two entire townships for the use of a State Seminary, 
to be under the control of the Legislature. Also, the State con- 
stitution provides that all fines for the breach of law and all com- 
mutations for militia service be appropriated to the use of county 
seminaries. In 1825 the common-school lands amounted to 
€80,207 acres, estimated at $2 an acre, and valued therefore at 
$1,216,044. At this time the seminary at Bloomington. supported 
in part by one of these township grants, was very flourishing. The 
common schools, however, were in rather a poor condition. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

In 1852 the free-school system was fully established, which has 
resulted in placing Indiana in the lead of this great nation. Al- 
though this is a pleasant subject, it is a very large one to treat in 
a condensed notice, as this has to be. 

The free-scliool system of Indiana first became practically oper- 
ative the first Monday of April, 1853, when the township trustees 



216 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

for school purposes were elected through the State. The law com- 
mitted to them the charge of all the educational affairs in their 
respective townships. As it was feared bj the opponents of the 
law that it would not be possible to select men in all the town- 
ships capable of executing the school laws satisfactorily, the 
people were thereby awakened to the necessity of electing their 
very best men ; and although, of course, many blunders have been 
made by trustees, the operation of the law has tended to elevate the 
adult population as well as the j'outh; and Indiana still adheres to 
the policy of appointing its best men to educational positions. 
The result is a grand surprise to all old fogies, who indeed scarcely 
dare to appear such any longer. 

To instruct the people in the new law and set tlie educational 
machinery going, a pamphlet of over 60 pages, embracing the law, 
with notes and explanations, was issued from the office of a super- 
intendent of public instruction, and distributed freely throughout 
the State. The first duty of the Board of Trustees was to establish 
and conveniently locate a sufficient number of schools for the edu- 
cation of all the children of their township. But where were the 
school-houses, and what were they? Previously they had been 
erected by single districts, but under this law districts were abol- 
ished, their lines obliterated, and houses previously built by dis- 
tricts became the property of the township, and all the houses were 
to be built at the expense of the township by an appropriation of 
township funds by the trustees. In some townships there was not 
a single school-house of any kind, and in others there were a few 
old, leaky, dilapidated log cabins, wholly unfit for use even in sum- 
mer, and in " winter worse than nothing." Before the people could 
be tolerably accommodated with schools at least 3,500 school-houses 
had to be erected in the State. 

By a general law, enacted in conformity to the constitution of 
1852, each township was made a municipal corporation, and every 
voter in the township a member of the corporation; the Board of 
Trustees constituted the township legislature as well as the execu- 
tive body, the whole body of voters, however, exercising direct con- 
trol through frequent meetings called by the trustees. Special 
taxes and every other matter of importance were directly voted 
upon. 

Some tax-payers, who were opposed to special townships' taxes, 
retarded the progress of schools by refusing to pay their assess- 
ment. Contracts for building school-houses were given up, houses 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 217 

half finished were abandoned, and in many townships all school 
operations were suspended. In some of them, indeed, a rumor was 
circulated by the enemies of the law tliat the entire school law from 
beginning to end had been declared by the Supreme Court uncon- 
stitutional and void; and the Trustees, believing this, actually dis- 
missed their schools and considered themselves out of office. Hon. 
W. C. Larrabee, the (first) Superintendent of Public Instruction, 
corrected this error as soon as possible. 

But while the voting of special taxes was doubted on a constitu- 
tional point, it became evident that it was weak in a practical point; 
for in many townships the opponents of the system voted down every 
proposition for the erection of school-houses. 

Another serious obstacle was the great deficiency in the number 
of qualified teachers. To meet the newly created want, the law 
authorized the appointment of deputies in each county to examine 
and license persons to teach, leaving it in their judgment to lower 
the standard of qualification sufiiciently to enable them to license 
as many as were needed to supply all the schools. It was therefore 
found necessary to employ many " unqualified " teachers, especially 
in the remote rural districts. But the progress of the times 
enabled the Legislature of 1853 to erect a standard of qualifica- 
tion and give to the county commissioners the authority to license 
teachers; and in order to supply every school with a teacher, while 
there might not be a sufficient number of properly qualified teach- 
ers, the commissioners were authorized to grant temporary licenses 
to take charge of particular schools not needing a high grade of 
teachers. 

In 1854 the available common-school fund consisted of the con- 
gressional township fund, the surplus revenue fund, the saline 
fund, the bank tax fund and miscellaneous fund, amounting in all 
to $2,460,000. This amount, from many sources, was subsequently 
increased to a very great extent. The common-school fund was 
intrusted to the several counties of the State, which were held 
responsible for the preservation thereof and for the payment of the 
annual interest thereon. The fund was managed by the auditors 
and treasurers of the several counties, for which these officers were 
allowed one-tentii of the income. It was loaned out to the citizens 
of the county in sums not exceeding $300, on real estate security. 
The common-school fund was thus consolidated and the proceeds 
equally distributed eacli year to all the townships, cities and towna 



218 niSTOKY OF INDIANA. 

of the State, in proportion to the number of children. This phase 
of the law met with considerable opposition in 1854. 

The provisions of the law for the establishment of township 
libraries was promptly carried into effect, and much time, labor 
and thought were devoted to the selection of books, special atten- 
tion being paid to historical works. 

The greatest need in 1854 was for qualified teachers; but never- 
theless the progress of public education during this and following 
years was very great. School-houses were erected, many of them 
being fine structures, well furnished, and the libraries were consid- 
erably enlarged. 

The city school system of Indiana received a heavy set-back in 
1858, by a decision of the Supreme Court of the State, that the 
law authorizing cities and townships to levy a tax additional to the 
State tax was not in conformity with that clause in the Constitu- 
tion which required uniformity in taxation. The schools were 
stopped for want of adequate funds. For a few weeks in each year 
thereafter the feeble " uniform " supply from the State fund en- 
abled the people to open the schools, but considering the returns 
the public realizes for so small an outlay in educational matters, 
this proved more expensive than ever. Private schools increased, 
but the attendance was small. Thus the interests of popular edu- 
cation languished for years. But since the revival of the free 
schools, the State fund has grown to vast proportions, and the 
schools of this intelligent and enterprising commonwealth compare 
favorably with those of any other portion of the United States. 

There is no occasion to present all the statistics of school prog- 
ress in this State from the first to the present time, but some 
interest will be taken in the latest statistics, which we take from the 
9th Biennial Eeport (for 1877-'8) by the State Superintendent of 
Public Instruction, Hon. James H. Smart. This report, by the 
way, is a volume of 480 octavo pages, and is free to all who desire 
a copy. 

The rapid, substantia) and permanent increase which Indiana 
enjoys in her school interests is thus set forth in the above report. 





Length 








Total 




of School 


No of 


AtteDdance 


School 


Am't Paid 


Tear. 


In Diiys. 


Teachers. 


at School. 


Enameration. 


Teachers. 


1855 


61 


4,016 


206,994 


44o,791 


1 23i),924 


1860 


65 


7,649 


303,744 


495,019 


481.020 


1865 


66 


9,493 


402,812 


557,092 


1,020,440 


1870 


97 


11,826 


462,527 


619,627 


1,810,866 


1875 


130 


13,133 


502,362 


667,736 


2,830,747 


1878 


139 


13,676 


512,535 


699,153 


3,065,968 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 310 

The increase of school population during the past ten years has 
been as follows: 

Total in 1868, 592,865. 

Increase for year ending Increase for year ending 

Sept. 1,1869 17,699 May 1, 1874 13,923 

" 1,1870 9,063 " 1,1875 13,373 

" 1,1871 3,101 " 1,1876 11,494 

" 1,1873 8,811 " 1,1877 15,476 

May 1, 1873 (8 months) 8,903 " 1,1878 4,447 



Total, 1878 .699,153 

No. of white males 354,271 ; females 333,033 687,304 

" "colored" 5,937; " 5,913 11,849 



699,153 

Twenty-nine per cent, of the above are in the 49 cities and 212 
incorporated towns, and 71 per cent, in the 1,011 townships. 

The number of white males enrolled in the schools in 1878 was 
267,315, and of white females, 237,739; total, 505,054; of colored 
males, 3,794; females, 3,687; total, 7,481; grand total, 512,535. 

The average number enrolled in eacli district varies from 51 to 56, 
and the average daily attendance from 32 to 35; but many children 
reported as absent attend parochial or private schools. Seventy- 
three per cent, of the white children and 63 per cent, of the colored, 
in the State, are enrolled in the schools. 

The number of days taught vary materially in the different town- 
ships, and on this point State Superintendent Smart iterates: "As 
long as the schools of some of our townships are kept open but 60 
days and others 220 days, we do not have a uniform s)'stera, — such 
as was contemplated by the constitution. The school law requires 
the trustee of a township to maintain each of the schools in his 
corporation an equal length of time. This provision cannot be so 
easil}' applied to the various counties of the State, for the reason 
that there is a variation in the density of the population, in the 
wealth of the people, and the amount of the township funds. I 
think, however, there is scarcely a township trustee in the State 
who cannot, under the present law, if he chooses to do so, bring his 
schools up to an average of six months. I think it would be wise 
to require each township trustee to levy a sufficient local tax to 
maintain the schools at least six months of the year, provided this 
can be done without increasing the local tax beyond the amount 
now permitted by law. This would tend to bring the poorer schools 
up to the standard of the best, and would thus unify the system, 
and make it indeed a common-school system." 



220 HISTORT OF INDIANA. 

The State, however, averages six and a half months school per 
year to each district. 

The number of school districts in the State in 1878 was 9,380, in 
all but 34 of which school was taught during that year. There are 
396 district and 151 township graded schools. Number of white 
male teachers, 7,977, and of female, 5,699; colored, male, 62, and 
female, 43; grand total, 13,781. For the tea years ending with 
1878 there was an increase of 409 male teachers and 811 female 
teachers. All these teachers, except about 200, attend normal 
institutes, — a showing which probably surpasses that of any other 
State in this respect. 

The average daily compensation of teachers throughout the 
State in 1878 was as follows: In townships, males, $1.90; females, 
$1.70; in towns, males, $3.09; females, $1.81; in cities, males, 
$4.06; females, $2.29. 

In 1878 there were 89 stone school-houses, 1.724 brick, 7,608 
frame, and 124 log; total, 9,545, valued at $11,536,647.39. 

And lastly, and best of all, we are happy to state that Indiana has 
a larger school fund than any other State in the Union. In 1872, 
according to the statistics before us, it was larger than that of any 
other State by $2,000,000! the figures being as follows: 

Indiana 18,437,593.47 Michigan $2,500,214.91 

Ohio 6,614.816.50 Missouri 2,525,252.52 

Illinois 6,348,538.32 Minnesota 2,471,199.31 

New York ... 2,880,017.01 Wisconsin 2,237,414.37 

Connecticut 2,809,770.70 Massachusetts 2,310,864.09 

Iowa 4,274,581.93 Arkansas 2,000,000.00 

Nearly all the rest of the States have less than a million dollars 
in their school fund. 

In 1872 the common-school fund of Indiana consisted of the 
following: 

Non-negotiable bonds $3,591,316.15 Escheated estates 17.866.35 

Common-srhool fund,.... 1,666,^24.50 Sinking fund, last distrib- 

Sinking fund, at 8 percent 509,139.94 ution 67,068.72 

Congressional township Sinking fund undistrib- 

fund 2,281,076.69 uted 100,165.93 

Value of unsold Congres- Swamp land fund 43,418.40 



sional township lands.. 94,245.00 

Saline fund 5,727.66 18,437,593 47 

Bank tax fund 1,744.94 

In 1878 the grand total was $8,974,455.55. 

The origin of the respective school funds of Indiana is as follows: 

1. The "Congressional township" fund is derived from the 

proceeds of the 16th sections of the townships. Almost all of these 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 221 

have been sold and the money put out at interest. The amount of 
this fund in 1877 was $2,452,936.82. 

2. The "saline" fund consists of the proceeds of the sale of 
salt springs, and the land adjoining necessary for working them to 
the amount of 36 entire sections, authorized by the original act of 
Congress. By authority of the same act the Legislature has made 
these proceeds a part of the permanent school fund. 

3. The " surplus revenue " fund. Under the administration of 
President Jackson, the national debt, contracted by the Revolutionary 
war and the purchase of Louisiana, was entirely discharged, and a 
large surplus remained in the treasury. In June, 1836, Congress 
distributed this money amcng the States in the ratio of their repre- 
sentation in Congress, subject to recall, and Indiana's share was 
S860,254. The Legislature subsequently set apart $573,502.96 of 
this amount to be a part of the school fund. It is not probable that 
the general Government will ever recall this money. 

4. " Bank tax " fund. The Legislature of 1834 chartered a State 
Bank, of which a part of the stock was owned by the State and a 
part by individuals. Section 15 of the charter required an annual 
deduction from the dividends, eqiial to 12^ cents on each share not 
held by the State, to be set apart for common-school education. 
This tax finally amounted to $80,000, which now bears interest in 
favor of education. 

5. " Sinking " fund. In order to set the State bank under 
good headway, the State at first borrowed $1,300,000, and out of 
the unapplied balances a fund was created, increased by unapplied 
balances also of the principal, interest and dividends of the amount 
lent to the individual holders of stock, for the purpose of sinking 
the debt of the bank; hence the name sinking fund. The 114th 
section of the charter provided that after the full payment of the 
bank's indebtedness, principal, interest and incidental expenses, the 
residue of said fund should be a permanent fund, appropriated to 
the cause of education. As the charter extended through a period 
of 25 years, this fund ultimately reached the handsome amount of 
$5,000,000. 

The foregoing are all interest-bearing funds; the following are 
additional school funds, but not productive: 

6. " Seminary " fund. By order of the Legislature in 1852, all 
county seminaries were sold, and the net proceeds placed in the 
common-school fund. 



21'1 IIlSroKY OF INDIANA. 

7. AH lines for the violation of the penal laws of the State are 
placed to the credit of the common-school fund 

8. All recognizances of witnesses and parties indicted for crime, 
when forfeited, are collectible by law and made a part of the 
scliool fund. These are reported to the office of the State Superin- 
tendent of Public Instruction annually. For the five years ending 
with 1872, they averaged about $34,000 a year. 

9. Escheats. These amount to $17,865.55, which was still in 
the State treasury in 1872 and unapplied. 

10. The "swamp-land" fund arises from the sale of certain 
Congressional land grants, not devoted to any particular purpose 
by the terras of the grant. In 1872 there was $42,418.40 of this 
money, subject to call by the school interests. 

11. Taxes on corporations are to some extent devoted by the 
Constitution to school purposes, but the clause on this subject is 
somewhat obscure, and no funds as yet have been realized from tiiis 
source. It is supposed that several large sums of money are due 
the common-school fund from the corporations. 

Constitutionally, any of the above funds may be increased, but 
never diminished. 

INDIANA STATE UNIVKRSITT. 

So early as 1802 the U. S. Congress granted lands and a charter 
to the people of that portion of the Northwestern Territory resid- 
ing at Vincennes, for the erection and maintenance of a seminary 
of learning in that early settled district; and five years afterward 
an act incorporating the Vincennes University asked the Legisla- 
ture to appoint a Board of Trustees for the institution and order the 
sale of a single township in Gibson county, granted by Congress in 
1802, so that the proceeds miglit be at once devoted to the objects 
of education. On this Board the following gentlemen were ap- 
pointed to act in the interests of the institution: William H. Ilar- 
rison, John Gibson, Thomas H. Davis, Henry Vanderburgh, Wal- 
ler Taylor, Benjamin Parke, Peter Jones, James Johnson, John 
Rice Jones, George Wallace, William Bullitt, Ehas McNamee, 
John Badolett, Henry Hurst, Gen. W. Johnston, Francis Vigo, 
Jacob Kuykendall, Samuel McKee. Nathaniel Ewing, George 
Leech, Luke Decker, Samuel Gwathmey and John Johnson. 

Tiie sale of this land was slow and the proceeds small. The 
members of the Board, too, were apathetic, and failing to meet, the 
institution fell out of existence and out of memnry. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 223 

In 1816 Congress granted another township in Monroe county, 
located within its present limits, and the foundation of a university 
was laid. Four years later, and after Indiana was erected into a 
State, an act of the local Legislature appointing another Board of 
Trustees and authorizing them to select a location for a university 
and to enter into contracts for its construction, was passed. The 
new Board met at Bloomington and selected a site at that place for 
the location of the present building, entered into a contract for the 
erection of the same in 1822, and in 1825 had the satisfaction of being 
present at the inauguration of the university. The first session was 
commenced under the Rev. Baynard R. Hall, with 20 students, and 
when the learned professor could only boast of a salary of $150 a 
year; yet, on this very limited sum the gentleman worked with 
energy and soon brought the enterprise through all its elementary 
stages to the position of an academic institution. Dividing the 
year into two sessions of five months each, the Board acting under 
his advice, changed the name to the " Indiana Academy," under 
which title it was duly chartered. In 1827 Prof. John H. Harney 
was raised to the chairs of mathematics, natural philosophy and 
astronomy, at a salary of $300 a year; and the salary of Mr. Hall 
raised to $400 a year. In 1S28 the name was again changed by the 
Legislature to the " Indiana College," and the following professors 
appointed over the different departments; Rev. Andrew Wylie, 
D. D., Prof, of mental and moral philosophy and belles lettres; 
John H. Harney, Prof, of mathematics and natural philosophy ; and 
Rev. Bayard R. Hall, Prof, of ancient languages. This year, also, 
dispositions were made for the sale of Gibson county lands and for 
the erection of a new college building. This action was opposed 
by some legal difficulties, which after a time were overco>ne, and 
the new college building was put under construction, and continued 
to prosper until 1854, when it was destroyed by fire, a-nd 9,000 
volumes, with all the apparatus, were consumed The curriculum 
was then carried out in a temporary building, while a new struct- 
ure was going up. 

In 1873 the new college, with its additions, was completed, and 
the routine of studies continued. A museum of natural history, 
a laboratory and the Owen cabinet added, and the standard of the 
studies and morale generally increased in excellence and in strict- 
ness. 

Bloomington is a fine, healthful locality, on the Louisville, New 
Albany & Chicago railway. The University buildings are in the 



ii24 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

collegiate Gothic style, simply and truly carried out. The buildiDg, 
fronting College avenue is l-iS feet in front. It consists of a 
central building 60 feet by 53, with wings each 38 feet by 26, and 
the whole, three stories high. The new building, fronting the 
west, is 130 feet by 50. Buildings lighted by gas. 

The faculty numbers thirteen. Number of students in the col- 
legiate department in 1879-'80, ]S3; in preparatory, 169; total, 
349, allowing for three counted twice. 

The university may now be considered on a fixed founaation, car- 
rying out the intention of the President, who aimed at scholarship 
rather than numbers, and demands the attention of eleven pro- 
fessors, together with the State Geologist, who is ex-officio member 
of the faculty, and required to lecture at intervals and look after 
the geological and mineralogical interests of the institution. The 
faculty of medicine is represented by eleven leading physicians 
of the neighborhood. The faculty of law requires two resident 
professors, and the other chairs remarkably well represented. 

The university received from the State annually about $15,000, 
and promises with the aid of other public grants and private dona- 
tions to vie with any otlier State university within the Republic. 

PUKDUE UNIVEESITT. 

This is a " college for the benefit of agricultural and the mechanic 
arts," as provided for by act of Congress, July 2, 1862, donating 
lands for this purpose to the extent of 30,000 acres of the public 
domain to each Senator and Representative in the Federal assem- 
bly. Indiana having in Congress at that time thirteen members, 
became entitled to 390,000 acres; but as there was no Congress 
land in the State at this time, scrip had to be taken, and it was 
upon the following condition (we quote the act): 

" Section 4. That all moneys derived from the sale of land 
scrip shall be invested in the stocks of the United States, or of 
some other safe stocks, yielding no less than five per centum upon 
the par value of said stocks; and that the moneys so invested shall 
constitute a perpetual fund, the capital of which shall remain undi- 
minished, except so far as may be provided in section 5 of this act, 
and the interest of which shall be inviolably appropriated by each 
State, which may take and claim the benefit of this act, to the 
endowment, support and maintenance of at least one college, where 
the leading object shall be, without excluding other scientific and 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 226 

classical studies, and including military tactics, to teach such 
branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic 
arts, in such a manner as the Legislatures of the States may re- 
spectively prescribe, in order to promote the liberal and practical 
education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and pro- 
fessions of life. 

" Sec. 5. That the grant of land and land scrip hereby author- 
ized shall be made on the following conditions, to which, as well as 
the provision hereinbefore contained, the previous assent of the 
several States shall be signified by Legislative act: 

" First. If any portion of the funds invested as provided by the 
foregoing section, or any portion of the interest thereon, shall by 
any action or contingency be diminished or lost, it shall be replaced 
by the State to which it belongs, so that the capital of the fund 
shall remain forever undiminished, and the annual interest shall be 
regularly applied, without diminution, to the purposes mentioned 
in the fourth section of this act, except that a sum not exceeding ten 
per centum upon the amount received by any State under the pro- 
visions of this act may be expended for the purchase of lands for 
sites or experimental farms, whenever authorized by the respective 
Legislatures of said States. 

" Second. No portion of said fund, nor interest thereon, shall 
be applied, directly or indirectly, under any pretence whatever, to 
the purchase, erection, preservation or repair of any building or 
buildings. 

" Third. Any State which may take and claim the benefit of 
the provisions of this act, shall provide, within five years at least, 
not less than one college, as provided in the fourth section of this 
act, or the grant to such State shall cease and said State be bound 
to pay the United States the amount received of any lands pre- 
viously sok^., and that the title to purchase under the States shall 
be valid. 

" Fourth. An annual report shall be made regarding the prog- 
ress of each college, recording any improvements and experiments 
made, with their cost and result, and such other matter, including 
State industrial and economical statistics, as may be supposed use- 
ful, one copy of which shall be transmitted by mail free, by each, 
to all other colleges which may be endowed under the provisions 
of this act, and also one copy to the Secretary of the Interior. 

''Fifth. When lands snail be selected from those which have 
been raised to double the minimum price in consequence of railroad 



226 HI8T0BT OF INDIANA. 

grants, that they shall be computed to the States at the maximum 
price, and the number of acres proportionately diminished. 

"Sixth. No State, while in a condition of rebellion or insur- 
rection against the Government of the United States, shall be 
entitled to the benefits of this act. 

"Seventh. No State shall be entitled to tlie benefits of this act 
unless it shall express its acceptance thereof by its Legislature 
within two years from the date of its approval by the President." 

The foregoing act was approved by the President, July 2, 1862. 
It seemed that this law, amid the din of arms with the great Rebel- 
lion, was about to pass altogether unnoticed by the next General 
Assembly, January, 1863, had not Gov. Morton's attention been 
called to it by a delegation of citizens from Tippecanoe county, who 
visited him in the interest of Battle Ground. He thereupon sent 
a special message to the Legislature, upon the subject, and then 
public attention was excited to it everywhere, and several localities 
competed for the institution ; indeed, the rivalry was so great that 
this session failed to act in the matter at all, and would have failed 
to accept of the grant within the two years prescribed in the last 
clause quoted above, had not Congress, by a supplementary act, 
extended the time two years longer. 

March 6, 1865, the Legislature accepted the conditions ot the 
national gift, and organized the Board of " Trustees of the Indiana 
Agricultural College." This Board, by authority, sold the scrip 
April 9, 1867, for $212,238.50, which sum, by compounding, has 
increased to nearly $400,000, and is invested in U. S. bonds. Not 
until the special session of May, 1869, was the locality for this col- 
lege selected, when John Purdue, of Lafayette, offered $150,000 
and Tippecanoe county $50,000 more, and the title of the institution 
changed to " Purdue University." Donations were also made by 
the Battle Ground Institute and the Battle Ground Institute of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The building was located on a 100-acre tract near Chauncey, 
which Purdue gave in addition to his magnificent donation, and to 
which 86^ acres more have since been added on the north. The 
boarding-house, dormitory, the laboratory, boiler and gas house, 
a frame armory and gymnasium, stable with shed and work-shop 
are all to the north of the gravel road, and form a group of build- 
ings within a circle of 600 feet. The boiler and gas house occupy 
a rather central position, and supply steam and gas to the boarding- 
house, dormitory and laboratory. A description of these buildings 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 227 

may be apropos. The boarding-hou^e is a brick structure, in the 
modern Italian style, planked by a turret at each of the front angles 
and measuring 120 feet front by 68 feet deep. The dormitory is a 
quadrangular edifice, in the plain Elizabethan style, four stories 
high, arranged to accommodate 125 students. Like the other build- 
ings, it is heated by steam and lighted by gas. Bathing accommo- 
dations are in each end of all the stories. The laboratory is almost 
a duplicate of a similar department in Brown University, R. I. It 
is a much smaller building than the boarding-house, but yet suffi- 
ciently large to tneet the requirements. A collection of minerals, 
fossils and antiquities, purchased from Mr. Richard Owen, former 
President of the institution, occupies the temporary cabinet or 
museum, pending the construction of a new building. The military 
hall and gymnasium is 100 feet frontage by 50 feet deep, and only 
one story high. The uses to which tiiis hall is devoted are exer- 
cises in phj'sical and military drill. The boiler and gas house is an 
establishment replete in itself, possessing every facility for supply- 
ing the buildings of the university with adequate heat and light. 
It is further provided with pumping works. Convenient to this 
department is the retort and great meters of the gas house, capable 
of holding 9,000 cubic feet of gas, and arranged upon the principles 
of modern science. The barn and shed form a single building, 
both useful, convenient and ornamental. 

In connection with the agricultural department of the universit}', 
a brick residence and barn were erected and placed at the disposa' 
of the farm superintendent, Maj. L. A. Burke. 

The buildings enumerated above have been erected at a cost 
appro.xi mating the following: boarding-house, $37,807.07; labora- 
tory, $15,000; dormitory, $32,000; military hall and gymnasium, 
$6,410.47; boiler and gas house, $4,814; barn and shed, $1,500; 
work-shop, ^1,000; dwelling and barn, $2,500. 

Besides the original donations. Legislative appropriations, vary- 
ing in amount, have been made from time to time, and Mr. Pierce, 
the treasurer, has donated his official salary, $600 a A-ear, for the time 
he served, for decorating the grounds, — if necessary. 

The opening of the university was, owing to varied circumstan- 
ces, postponed from time to time, and not until March, 1S74, was a 
class formed, and this only to comply with the act of Congress in 
that connection in its relation to the university. However, in 
September following a curriculum was adopted, and the first regu- 
lar term of the Purdue University entered upon. This curriculum 



228 HISTOKT OF INDIANA. 

comprises the varied subjects generally ]>ert:iining to :i first-class 
university course, namely: in the school of natural science^ 
physics and industrial mechanics, chemistr}' and natural history; 
in the school of engineering — civil and mining, together with the 
principles of architecture; in the school of agriculture — theoret- 
ical and practical agriculture, horticulture and veterinary science; 
in the military school — the mathematical sciences, German and 
French literature, free-hand and mechanical drawing, with all the 
studies pertaining to the natural and military sciences. Modera 
languages and natural history embrace their respective courses to 
the fullest extent. 

There are this year (1880) eleven members of the faculty, 86- 
students in the regular courses, and 117 other students. In respect 
to attendance there has been a constant increase from the first. 
The first year, 1874:-'5, there were but 64 students. 

INDIANA STATE NORMAL SCHOOL. 

This institution was founded at Terre Haute in 1870, in accord- 
ance with the act of the Legislature of that year. The building is 
a large brick edifice situated upon a commanding location and 
possessing some architectural beauties. From its inauguration 
many obstacles opposed its advance toward efficiency and success; 
but the Board of Trustees, composed of men experienced in edu- 
cational matters, exercised their strength of mind and body to 
overcome every difficulty, and secure for the State Normal School 
every distinction and emolument that lay within their power, 
their efforts to this end being very successful; and it is a fact that 
the institution has arrived at, if not eclipsed, the standard of their 
expectations. Not alone does the course of study embrace the 
legal subjects known as reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic, 
geography, United States history, English grammar, physiology, 
manners and ethics, but it includes also universal liistory, the 
mathematical sciences and many other subjects foreign to older 
institutions. The first studies are prescribed by law and must be 
inculcated; the second are optional with the professors, and in the 
case of Indiana generally hold place in the curriculum of the nor- 
mal school. 

The model, or training school, specially designed for the training^ 
of teachers, forms a most iinpDrtant factor in State educational 
matters, and prepares teachers of both sexes for one of the most 
important positions in life; viz., that of educating the youth of the 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 22!» 

State. The advanced course of studies, together witli tlie higlicr 
studies of the normal school, embraces Latin and German, and pre- 
pares young men and women for entrance to tlie State University. 

The efficiency of this school may be elicited from the following 
facts, taken from the official reports: out of 41 persons who liad 
graduated from the elementary course, nine, after teaching success- 
fully in the public schools of this State from two terms to two 
years, returned' to the institution and sought admission to the 
advanced classes. They were admitted; three of them were gentle- 
men and six ladies. After spending two years and two terms in the 
elementary course, and then teaching in the schools during the 
time already mentioned they returned to spend two and a half or 
three years more, and for the avowed purpose of qualifying them- 
selves for teaching in the most responsible positions of the public 
school service. In fact, no student is admitted to the school who 
does not in good faith declare his intention to qualify himself for 
teaching in the schools of the State. This the law requires, and 
the rule is adhered to literally. 

The report further says, in speaking of the government of the 
school, that the fundamental idea is rational freedom, or that free 
dom which gives exemption from the power of control of one ov^i' 
another, or, in other words, the self-limiting of themselves, in their 
acts, by a recognition of the rights of others who are equally free. 
The idea and origin of the school being laid down, and also the 
means by which scholarship can be realized in the individual, the 
student is left to form his own conduct, both during session hours 
and while away from school. The teacher merely stands between 
this scholastic idea and the student's own partial conception of it, 
as expositor or interpreter. The teacher is not legislator, executor 
or police officer; he is expounder of the true idea of school law, so 
that the only test of the student's conduct is obedience to, or 
nonconformity with, that law as interpreted by the teacher. This 
idea once inculcated in the minds of the students, insures industry, 
punctuality and order, 

NORTHERN INDIANA NORMAL SCHOOL AND BUSINESS INSTITUTE, 

VALPARAISO. , 

This institution was organized Sept. 16, 1S73, with 35 studentsr 
in attendance. The school occupied the building known as the 
Valparaiso Male and Female College building. Four teachers. 



230 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

were employed. The attendance, so small at first, increased rap- 
idly and steadil}', until at the present writing, the seventh year 
in the history of the school, the yearly enrollment is more than 
three thousand. The number of instructors now employed is 23. 

From time to time, additions have been made to the school 
buildings, and numerous boarding halls have been erected, so that 
now the value of the buildings and grounds ojvned by the school 
is one hundred thousand dollars. 

A large library has been collected, and a complete equipment of 
philosophical and chemical apparatus has been purchased. The 
department of physiology is supplied with skeletons, manikins, 
and everything necessary to the demonstration of each branch of 
the subject. A large cabinet is provided for the study of geology. 
In feet, each department of the school is completely furnished 
with the apparatus needed for the most approved presentation of 
every subject. 

There are 15 chartered departments in the institution. These 
are in charge of thorou^^h, energetic, and scholarly instructors, and 
send forth each year as graduates, a large numberof finely cultured 
young ladies and gentlemen, living testimonials of the efficiency 
of the course of study and the methods used. 

The Commercial College in connection with the school is in itself 
a great institution. It is finely fitted up and furnished, and ranks 
foremost among the business colleges of the United States. 

The expenses for tuition, room and board, have been made so 
low that an opportunity for obtaining a thorough education is 
presented to the poor and the rich alike. 

All of this work has been accomplished in the short space of 
seven years. The school now holds a high place among educational 
institutions, and is the largest normal school in the United States. 

This wonderful growth and development is wholly due to the 
energy and faithfulness of its teachers, and the unparalleled exec- 
ntive ability of its proprietor and principal. The school is not 
endowed. 

DENOMINATIONAL AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS. 

Nor is Indiana behind in literary institutions under denomina- 
tional auspices. It is not to be understood, however, at the present 
day, that sectarian doctrines are insisted upon at the so-called 
" denominational" colleges, universities and seminaries; the youth at 
these places are influenced only by Christian e.xample. 



iriSTOKY OF INDIANA. 



231 



Notre Dame Unioertiiti/, near South Bend, is a Catholic institu- 
tion, and is cue of tlie most noted in the United States. It was 
founded in 1842 by Father Sorin. The first building was erected 
in 1843, and the university has continued to grow and prosper until 
tlie present time, now having 35 professors, 26 instructor.-*, 9 tutors, 
213 students and 12,000 volumes in library. At present the main 
building has a frontage of 224 feet and a depth of 155. Thousands 
of young people have received their education here, and a large 
number have been graduated for the priesthood. A chapter was 
held here in 1872, attended by delegates from all parts of the world. 
It is worthy of mention that this institution has a bell weighing 
13,000 pounds, the largest in the United States and one of the finest 
in the world. 

The Indiana Anbury University, at Greencastle, is an old and 
well-established institution under the auspices of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, named after its first bishop, Asbury. It was 
founded in 1S35, and in 1872 it had nine professors and 172 
students. 

Howard College, not denominational, is located at Kokomo, and 
was founded in 1S69. In 1872 it had five professors, four instrnctora, 
and 0!) students. 

Union Christian College, Christian, at Merom, was organized in 
1858, and in 1872 had four resident professors, seven instructors 
and 156 students. 

Moore's Hill College, Methodist Episcopal, is situated at Moore's 
Hill, was founded in 1854, and in 1872 had five resident professors, 
five instructors, and 142 students. 

Earlhain's College, at Richmond, is under the management of 
the Orthodox Friends, and was founded in 1859. In 1872 they 
had si.\ resident professors and 167 students, and 3,300 volumes in 
library. 

Wabash College, at Crawfordsville, was organized in 1834, and 
had in 1872, eight professors and teachers, and 231 students, with 
about 12.000 volumes in the library. It is under Presbyterian 
management. 

Concordia College, Lutheran, at Fort Wayne, was founded in 
1850; in 1872 it had four professors and 148 students: 3,000 volumes 
in library. 

Hanover College, Presbyterian, was organized in 1833, at Han- 
over, and in 1872 had seven professors and 118 students, and 7,000 
volumes in library. 



2J2 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

Hartsville University, United Brethren, at Hartsville, was 
founded in 1854, and in 1872 liad seven professors and 117 students. 

Northwestern Christian University, Disciples, is located at 
Trvington, near Indianapolis. It was founded in 1854, and by 
1872 it had 15 resident professors, 181 students, and 5,000 volumes 
in library. 

BENEVOLENT AND PENAL INSTITUTIONS. 

By the year 1830, the influx of paupers and invalid persons was 
so great that the Governor called upo!i the Legislature to take 
steps toward regulating the matter, and also to provide an asylum 
for the poor, but that body was very slow to act on the matter. 
At the present time, however, there is no State in the Union which 
can boast a better system of benevolent institutions. The Benevo- 
lent Society of Indianapolis was organized in 1843. It was a 
pioneer institution; its field of work was small at tirst, but it has 
grown into great usefulness. 

INSTITUTE FOR THE EDUCATION OF THE BLIND. 

Inbehalf of the blind, the tirst effort was made by James 'SL. Ray, 
about 1846. Througii his etibrts William II. Churciimaii came 
from Kentucky with blind pupils and gave exhibitions in Mr. 
Beeclier's church, in Indianapolis. These entertainments were 
attended by members of the Legislature, for whom indeed they 
were especially intended; and the effect upon them was so good, 
that before they adjourned the session they adopted measures to es- 
tablish an asylum for tiie blind. The commission appointed to carry 
out these measures, consisting of James M. Ray, Geo. W. Mears, 
and the Secretary, Treasurer and Auditor of State, engaged Mr. 
Churchman to make a lecturing tour through the State and collect 
statistics of the blind population. 

The " Institute for the Education of the Blind " was founded by 
the Legislature of 1847, and first opened in a rented building Oct. 
1, of that year. The permanent buildings were opened and occu- 
pied in February, 1853. The original cost of the buildings and 
ground was $110,000, and the present valuation of buildings and 
grounds approximates $300,000. The main building is 90 feet 
long by 61 deep, and with its right and left wings, each 30 feet in 
front and S3 in depth, give an entire frontage of 150 feet. The 
main building is five stories in height, surmounted by a cupola of 



BISTORT OF INDIANA. 235 

the Corinthian style, while each wing is similarly overcapped 
The porticoes, cornices and verandahs are gotten up with exquisite 
taste, and the former are molded after the principle of Ionic archi- 
tecture. The building is very favorably situated, and occupies a 
space of eight acres. 

The nucleus of a fund for supplying indigent graduates of the 
institution with an outfit suitable to their trades, or with money in 
lieu thereof, promises to meet with many additions. The fund is 
the ont-come of the benevolence of Mrs. Fitzpatrick, a resident of 
Delaware, in this State, and appears to be suggested by the fact 
that her daughter, wiio was smitten with blindness, studied as a 
pupil in the institute, and became singularly attached to many of 
its inmates. The following passage from the lady's will bears 
testimony not only to her own sympathetic nature but also to the 
efficiency of the establishment which so won her esteem. " I give 
to each of the following persons, friends and associates of my blind 
daughter, Margaret Louisa, the sura of $100 to each, to wit, viz; 
Melissa and Phoebe Garrettson, Frances Cunditi', Dallas Newland, 
Naomi Unthunk, and a girl whose name before marriage was 
Rachel Martin, her husband's name not recollected. The balance 
of my estate, after paying the expenses of administering, I give to 
the superintendent of the blind asylum and his successor, in trust, 
for the use and benefit of the indigent blind of Indiana who may 
attend the Indiana blind asylum, to be given to them on leaving 
in such sums as the superintendent may deem proper, but not more 
than $.50 to any one person. I direct that the amount above direct- 
ed be loaned at interest, and the interest and principal be distributed 
as above, agreeably to the best judgment of the superintendent, 
80 as to do the greatest good to the greatest number of blind 
persons." 

The following rules, regulating the institution, after laying down 
in preamble that the institute is strictly an educational estab. 
lishment, having its main object the moral, intellectual and phys- 
ical training of the young blind of the State, and is not an asylum 
for the aged and helpless, nor an hospital wherein the diseases of 
the eye may be treated, proceed as follows: 

1. The school year commences the first Wednesday after the 
15th day of September, and closes on the last Wednesday in June, 
showing a session of 40 weeks, and a vacation terra of 84 days. 

2. Applicants for admission must be from 9 to 21 years of age; 
but the trustees have power to admit blind students under 9 or 



230 HISTOEY OF INDIANA. 

over 21 years of age; but this power is extended only in very 
extreme cases. 

3. Imbecile or unsound persons, or confirmed immoralists, 
cannot be admitted knowingly; neither can admitted pupils who 
prove disobedient or incompetent to receive instruction be retained 
on the roll. 

i. JMo charge is made for the instruction and board given to 
pupils from the State of Indiana; and even those without the State 
have only to pay $200 for board and education during the 40 weeks' 
session. 

5. An abundant and good supply of comfortable clothing for 
both summer and winter wear, is an indispensable adjunct of the 
pupil. 

6. The owner's name must be distinctly marked on each article 
of clothing. 

7. In cases of extreme indigence the institution may provide 
clothing and defray the traveling expenses of sucli pupil and levy the 
amount so expended on the county wherein his or her home is 
situated. 

8. The pupil, or friends of the pupil, must remove him or her 
from the institute during the annual vacation, and in case of their 
failure to do so, a legal provision enables the superintendent to 
forward such pupil to the trustee of the township wliere lie or she 
resides, and the expense of such transit and board to be charged to 
the county. 

9. Friends of the pupils accompanying them to the institution, 
or visiting them thereat, cannot enter as boarders or lodgers. 

10. Letters to the pupils should be addressed to the care of the 
Superintendent of the Institute for the Education of the Blind, so as 
the Ijetter to insure delivery. 

11. Persons desirous of admission of pupils should apply to the 
superintendent for a printed copy of instructions, and no pupil 
should be sent thereto until the instructions have been complied 
with. 

INSTITUTE FOR THE DEAF AND DUMB. 

In 1843 the Governor was also instructed to obtain plans and 
information respecting the care of mutes, and the Legislature also 
levied a tax to provide for them. The first one to agitate tlie subject 
was William Willard, himself a mute, who visited Indiana in 1843, 
and opened a school for mutes on his own account, with 16 pupils. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 'Sdl 

The next year the Legislature adopted this school as a State insti- 
tution, appointing a Board of Trustees for its management, consist- 
ing of the Governor and Secretary of State, ex-officio,aiid Revs. Henry 
Ward Beecher, Phineas D. Gurley, L. II. Jameson, Dr. Dunlap, 
lion. James Morrison and Rev. Matthew Simpson. They rented the 
large building on the southeast corner of Illinois and Maryland 
streets, and opened the first State asylum there in 1844; but in 1846, 
a site for a permanent building just eastof Indianapolis was selected, 
consisting first of 30 acres, to which 100 more have been added. 
■On this site the two first structures were commenced in 1849, and 
■completed in the fall of 1S50, at a cost of $30,000. The school 
was immediately transferred to the new building, where it is still 
flourishing, with enlarged buildings and ample facilities for instruc- 
tion in agriculture. In 186!)-'70, another building was erected, 
and the three together now constitute one of the most benefi- 
cent and beautiful institutions to be found on this continent, at 
an aggregate cost of $220,000. The main building has a fagade of 
260 feet. Here are the oflices, study rooms, the quarters of officers 
and teachers, the pupils' dormitories and the librar}'. The center 
of this building has a frontage of eighty feet, and is five stories high, 
with wings on either side 60 feet in frontage. In this Central 
structure are the store rooms, dining-hall, servants' rooms, hospital, 
laundry, kitchen, bakery and several school-rooms. Another struct- 
ure known as the " rear building " contains the cha])el and another 
set of school-rooms. It is two stories high, tiie center being 50 feet 
square and the wings 40 by 20 feet. In addition to these there are 
many detached buildings, containing the shops of the industrial 
department, the engine-house and wash-house. 

The grounds comprise 105 acres, which in the immediate vicinity 
of the buildings partake of the character of ornamental or pleasure 
gardens, comprising a space devoted to fruits, flowers and veget- 
ables, while the greater part is devoted to pasture and agriculture. 

Tiie first instructor in the institution was Win. Willard, a deaf 
mute, who had up to 1844 conducted a small school for the instruc- 
tion of the deaf at Indianapolis, and now is employed by the State, 
at a salary of $800 per annum, to follow a similar vocation in its 
service. In 1853 he was succeeded bj' J. S. Brown, and subse- 
■quently by Thomas Mclntire, who continues principal of the 
institution. 



238 HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 



HOSPITAL FOE THE INSANE. 



The Legislature of 1832-'3 adopted measures providing for a 
State hospital for the insane. This good work would liave been 
done much earlier had it not been for the hard times of 1837, 
intensified by the results of the gigantic scheme of internal improve- 
ment. In order to survey the situation and awaken public sympa- 
thy, the county assessors were ordered to make a return of the 
insane in their respective counties. During the year lSi2 the 
Governor, acting under the direction of the Legislature, procured 
considerable information in regard to hospitals for the insane in 
other States; and Dr. John Evans lectured before the Legislature 
on the subject of insanity and its treatment. As a result of these 
eflForts the authorities determined to take active steps for the estab- 
lishment of such a hospital. Plans and suggestions from the 
superintendents and linspitals of other States were submitted to the 
Legislature in lS-i4, which body ordered the levy of a tax of one 
cent on the $100 for the purpose of establishing the hospital. In 
1845 a commission was appointed to obtain a site not exceeding 
200 acres. Mount Jackson, then the residence of Nathaniel Bolton, 
was selected, and the Legislature in 1846 ordered the commissionera 
to proceed with the erection of the building. Accordingly, in 
1847, the central building was completed, at a cost of §75,000. It 
has since been enlarged by the addition of wings, some of which 
are larger than the old central building, until it has become an 
immense structure, having cost over half a million dollars. 

The wings of the main building are four stories high, and entirely 
devoted to wards for patients, being capable of accommodating 
500. 

The grounds of the institution comprise 160 acres, and, like 
those of the institute for the deaf and dumb, are beautifully laid 
out. 

This hospital was opened for the reception of patients in 1848. 
The principal structure comprises what is known as tiie central 
building and the right and left wings, and like the institute for the 
deaf and dumb, erected at various times and proba'jly under various 
adverse circumstances, it certainly does not hold the appearance of 
any one design, but seems to be a combination of many. Not- 
withstanding these little defects in arrangement, it presents a very 
imposing appearance, and shows what may be termed a frontage 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 239 

of 624 feet. The central building is iive stories in height and con- 
tains the store-rooms, oflSces, reception parlors, medical dispensing 
rooms, mess-rooms and the apartments of the superintendent and 
other officers, with those of the female employes. Immediately 
in the rear of the central building, and connected with it by a 
corridor, is the chapel, a building 50 by 60 feet. This chapel 
occupies the third floor, while the under stories hold the kitchen, 
baker}', employes' dining-room, steward's office, employes' apart- 
ments and sewing rooms. In rear of this again is the engine- 
house, 60 by 50 feet, containing all the paraphernalia for such an 
establishment, such as boilers, pumping works, fire plugs, hose, 
and above, on the second floor, the laundry and apartments of male 
employes. 

THE STATE PRISON SOUTH. 

The first penal institution of importance is known as the "State 
Prison South," located at Jeffersonville, and was the only prison 
until 1859. It was established in 1821. Before that time it was 
customary to resort to the old-time punishment of the whipping- 
post. Later the manual labor system was inaugurated, and the 
convicts were hired out to. employers, among whom were Capt. 
Westover, afterward killed at Alamo, Texas, with Crockett, James 
Keigwin, who in an aflVay was fired at and severely wounded by a 
convict named Williams, Messrs. Patterson Hensley, and Jos. 
R. Pratt. During the rule of the latter of these lessees, the atten- 
tion of the authorities was turned to a more practical method of 
utilizing convict labor; and instead of the prisoners being per- 
mitted to serve private entries, their work was turned in the direc- 
tion of their own prison, where for the next few years they were 
emploj'ed in erecting the new buildings now known as the " State 
Prison South." This structure, the result of prison labor, stands 
on 16 acres of ground, and comprises the cell houses and work- 
shops, together with the prisoners' garden, or pleasure-ground. 

It seems that in the erection of these buildings the aim of the 
overseers was to create so many petty dungeons and unventilated 
laboratories, into which disease in every form would be apt to 
creep. This fact was evident from the high mortality character- 
izing life within the prison; and in the eflbrts made by the 
Government to remedy a state of things which had been permitted 
to exist far too long, the advance in prison reform has become a 
reality. From 1857 to 1871 the labor of the prisoners was devoted 



240 HISTOET OF INDIANA. 

to the manufacture of wagons and farm implements; and again the 
old policy of hiring the convicts was resorted to; for in the latter 
year, 1871, the Southwestern Car Company was organized, and 
every prisoner capable of taking a part in the work of car-building; 
was leased out. This did very well until the panic of 1873, when 
the company suffered irretrievable losses; and previous to its final 
down-fall in 1876 the warden withdrew convict labor a second time,, 
leaving the prisoners to enjoy a luxurious idleness around the 
prison which themselves helped to raise. 

In later years the State Prison South has gained some notoriety 
from the desperate character of some of its inmates. During the- 
civil war a convict named Harding luutilated in a most horrible 
manner and ultimatel}' killed one of the jailors named Tesley. In 
1874, two prisoners named Kennedy and Applegate, possessing^ 
themselves of some arms, and joined by two other convicts named 
Port and Stanley, made a break for freedom, swept past the guard. 
Chamberlain, and gained the fields. Chamberlain went in pursuit 
but had not gone very far when Kennedy turned on his pursuer, 
fired and killed him instantly. Subsequently three of the prisoners, 
were captured alive and one of theni paid the penalty of death, 
while Kennedy, the murderer of Chamberlain, failing committal for 
murder, was sent back to liis old cell to spend the remainder of his 
life. Bill Rodifer, better known as "The Hoosier Jack Sheppard,'* 
effected his escape in 1875, in the very presence of a large guard,, 
but was recaptured and has since been kept in irons. 

This establishment, owing to former mismanagement, has fallen 
very much behind, financially, and has asked for and received an 
appropriation of $20,000 to meet its expenses, while the contrary- 
is the case at the Michigan City prison. 

THE STATE TEISON NORTH. 

In 1859 the first steps toward the erection of a prison in the 
northern part of the State were taken, and by an act of the Legis- 
lature approved March 5, this year, authority was given to construct 
prison buildings at some point north of the National road. For this- 
purpose §50,000 were appropriated, and a large number of convicts 
from the JeSersonville prison were transported northward to 
Michigan City, which was just selected as the location for the new 
penitentiary. The work was soon entered upon, and continued to 
meet with additions and improvements down to a very recent 
period. So late as 1875 the Legislature appropriated $20,000 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 241 

toward the construction of new cells, and in other directions also 
the work of improvement has been going on. The system of 
government and discipline is similar to that enforced at the Jeffer- 
sonville prison; and, strange to say, by its economical working has 
not only met the expenses of the administration, but very recently 
had amassed over $11,000 in excess of current expenses, from its 
annual savings. This is due almost entirely to the continual 
employment of the convicts in the manufacture of cigars and 
chairs, and in their great prison industry, cooperage. It differs 
widely from the Southern, insomuch as its sanitary condition has 
been above the average of similar institutions. The strictness of its 
silent system is better enforced. The petty revolutions of its 
inmates have been very few and insignificant, and the number of 
punishments inflicted comparatively small. From whatever point 
this northern prison may be looked at, it will bear a very favorable 
comparison with the largest and best administered of like establish- 
ments throughout the world, and caimot fail to bring high credit to 
its Board of Directors and its able warden. 

FEMALE PRISON AND REFORMATORY. 

The prison reform agitation which in this State attained telling 
proportions in 1S69, caused a Legislative measure to be brought 
forward, which would have a tendency to ameliorate the condition 
of female convicts. Gov. Baker recommended it to the General 
Assembly, and the members of that body showed their appreciation 
of the Governor's philanthropic desire by conferring upon the bill 
the authority of a statute; and further, appropriated $50,000 to aid 
in carrying out the objects of the act. The main provisions con- 
tained in the bill ma}' be set forth in the following extracts from 
the proclamation of the Governor: 

" Whenever said institution shall have been proclaimed to be 
open for the reception of girls in the reformatory department 
thereof, it shall be lawful for said Board of Managers to receive 
them into their care and management, and the said reformatory 
department, girls under the age of 15 years who may be committed 
to their custody, in either of the following modes, to-wit: 

" 1. When committed by any judge of a Circuit or Common 
Pleas Court, either in term time or in vacation, on complaint and 
due proof by the j)arent or guardian that by reason of her incorrig- 
ible or vicious conduct she has rendered her control beyond the 
power of such parent or guardian, and made it manifestly requisite 



242 HISTOKY OF INDIAXA. 

that from regard to the future welfare of such infant, and for the 
protection of society, she should be placed under such guardianship. 

" 2. When such infant has been committed by such judge, as 
aforesaid, upon complaint by any citizen, and due proof of such 
complaint that such infant is a proper subject of the guardianship 
of such institution in consequence of her vagrancy or incorrigible 
or vicious conduct, and tliat from the moral depravity or other- 
wise of her parent or guardian in whose custody she may be, 
such parent or guardian is incapable or unwilling to exercise the 
proper care or discipline over such incorrigible or vicious infant. 

"3. When such infant has been committed by such judge as 
aforesaid, on complaint and due proof thereof by the township 
trustee of the township where such infant resides, that such infant 
is destitute of a suitable home and of adequate means of obtaining 
an honest living, or that she is in danger of being brought up to 
lead an idle and immoral life." 

In addition to these articles of the bill, a formal section of 
instruction to the wardens of State prisons was embodied in the 
act, causing such wardens to report the number of all the female 
convicts under their charge and prepare to have them transferred 
to the female reformatory immediately after it was declared to be 
ready for their reception. After the passage of the act the 
Governor appointed a Board of Managers, and these gentlemen, 
securing the services of Isaac Hodgson, caused him to draft a plan 
of the proposed institution, and further, on his recommendation, 
asked the people for an appropriation of another $50,000, which 
the Legislature granted in February, 1873. The work of construc- 
tion was then entered upon and carried out so steadilj', that on the 
6th of September, 1873, the building was declared ready for the 
reception of its future inmates. Gov. Baker lost no time in 
proclaiming this fact, and October 4 he caused the wardens of the 
State p>-i8on8 to be instructed to transfer all the female convicts in 
their custody to the new institution which may be said to rest on 
the o>dvanced intelligence of the age. It is now called the 
" Indiana Reformatory Institution for Women and Girls." 

This building is located immediatelv north of the deaf and 
dumb asylum, near the arsenal, at Indianapolis. It i? a three- 
Btorj' brick structure in the French style, and shows a frontage of 
174 feet, comprising a main building, with lateral and transverse 
wings. In front of the central portion is the residence of the 
superintendent and his associate reformatory officers, while in the 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 243 

rear is the engine house, witli all the ways and means for heating 
the buildings. Enlargements, additions and improvements are 
still in progress. There is also a school and library in the main 
building, which are sources of vast good. 

October 31, 1879, there were 66 convicts in the " penal" depart- 
ment and 147 in the " girls' reformatory " department. The 
" ticket-of-leave " system has been adopted, with entire satisfaction, 
and the conduct of the institution appears to be up with the 
times. 

INDIANA HOUSE OF REFUGE. 

In 1867 the Legislature appropriated $50,000 to aid in the 
formation of an institution to be entitled a house for the correction 
and reformation of juvenile defenders, and vested with full powers 
in a Board of Control, the members of which were to be appointed 
by the Governor, and with the advice and consent of the Senate. 
This Board assembled at the Governor's house at Indianapolis, 
April 3, 1867, and elected Charles F. Coffin, as president, and 
visited Chicago, so that a visit to the reform school there might 
lead to a fuller knowledge and guide their future proceedings. 
The House of Refuge at Cincinnati, and the Ohio State Reform 
school were also visited with this design ; and after full consider- 
ation of the varied governments of these institutions, the Board 
resolved to adopt the method known as the " family " system, 
■which divides the inmates into fraternal bodies, or small classes, 
each class having a separate house, house father and family offices, 
— all under the control of a general superintendent. The system 
being adopted, the question of a suitable location next presented 
itself, and proximity to a large city being considered rather 
detrimental to the welfare of such an institution. Gov. Baker 
selected the site three-fourths of a mile south of Plaintield, and 
about fourteen miles from Indianapolis, which, in view of its 
eligibility and convenience, was fully concurred in by the Board 
of Control. Therefore, a farm of 225 acres, claiming a fertile soil 
and a most picturesque situation, and possessing streams of running 
water, was purchased, and on a plateau in its center a site for the 
proposed house of refuge was fixed. 

The next movement was to decide upon a plan, which ultimately 
met the approval of the Governor. It favored the erection of one 
principal building, one house for a reading-room and hospital, two 
large mechanical shops and eight family houses. January 1, 1868, 



244 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

three family houses and work-shop were completed; in 1869 the 
main building, and one additional familj' house were added; but 
previous to this, in August, 1867, a Mr. Frank P. Ainsworth and 
liis wife were appointed by the Board, superintendent and matron 
respectively, and temporary quarters placed at their disposal. In 
1869 they of course removed to the new building. This is 64 by 
128 feet, and three stories high. In its basement are kitchen, 
laundry and vegetable cellar. The first floor is devoted to offices, 
visitors' room, house father and family dining-room and store- 
rooms. The general superintendent's private apartments, private 
oflices and five dormitories for officers occupy the second floor; 
while the third floor is given up to the assistant superintendent's 
apartment, library, chapel and hospital. 

The family houses are similar in style, forming rectangular build- 
ings 36 by 58 feet. The basement of each contains a furnace 
room, a store-room and a large wash-room, which is converted into 
a play-room during inclement weather. On the first floor of each 
of these buildings are two rooms for tiie house father and his 
family, and a school-room, which is also convertible into a sitting- 
room for the boys. On the third floor is a family dormitory, a 
clothes-room and a room for the " elder brother," who ranks next 
to the house father. And since the reception of the first boy, from 
Hendricks county, January 23, 1868, the house plan has proved 
equally convenient, even as the management has proved efficient. 

Other buildings have since been erected. 



PART II. 



HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY 



History of Miami County, 



CHAPTER I.« 



Geology — General Features — Soil and Boundary — Lime — • 
The Pillared Rocks. 

MIAMI COUNTY is situated in the Upper Silurian forma- 
tion. The weatherings of silico-calcareous rock (or mag- 
nesian Hmestone, as it may also be termed), have mingled with the 
Drift, which has reached this latitude, to form the soils of the 
county. The}' are also often charged with iron which has filtered, 
while held in solution b}' water, into many of the rock cavities, and 
been deposited there until again mingled with the soil. This union 
has given rise to a soil of varied character, but usually of sufHcient 
fertility to produce good crops. 

This county is traversed from east to west by the Wabash and 
Eel Rivers, and the Mississinewa passes across the south-eastern 
part. As a consequence a considerable part of the county is allu- 
vial, fertile and productive as such soils usually are. 

The highest seam exposed is a limestone equivalent to the rocky 
band at Delphi, in Carroll county. A light brown colored magnesian 
limestone, which, from false bedding, is often seen with strata dip- 
ping at every angle almost to a perpendicular. In fact this appar- 
ently disturbed condition is often referred to oscillations in the 
earth's crust instead of the true solution. This bed was formerly 
burned for lime at Duke's quarr\', adjoining Peru, but the kiln is 
not now in use. It is crowded with skeletonized fossils, \-et still 
retaining a sufficient modicum of animal matter to prevent the lime 
from so fuUv slackening in the short time usually allowed for that 
purpose h\ workmen. Hence, this lime is not suited for plasterers' 
use, unless the mortar is permitted to remain in damp vats several 
months before being spread upon the walls of houses. This is too 
slow a process for our fast age. Yet the Roman architect who 
built for ages, would onl\- use mortar which had been prepared a 
year or more before it would be needed by the artificer. The fo.s- 
sils contained were Crinoid stems, plates and heads, Pcii/aiucrus 



Recoim 



■^'.Vdapti'cl for thin volume from tho State Gcolot^ical Keport for 1872, and from the "Geological 
onnoiuunce of Indiana," by Kicliard Owen, IHtiO. 



248 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Kiiiohtii and Occidciilalis ( .''), Platyccras^ B 11 mast is, Barriciisis, 
Calymcuc Bliimcnbacltii var. A /a_<^arc/is/s and corals. 

Beds of this stone are generally local and of no great extent, 
but an outcrop, somewhat purer and ten or more feet in thickness, 
was formerly worked a mile to the north on the farm of E. H. 
Shirk, and appearances indicated that this stone could be found in 
all the intervening area. Similar beds of stone are well developed 
at John Trippier's, two miles east of Peru and south of the Wabash 
river; and at Wallick's mill, on the Peru & Indianapolis Railroad, con- 
taining the fossills mentioned as occurring at Dukes' quarry, 
\\'ith F'azvsites and Cyathophylloid corals, Ilalysltcs catcitulata and 
Brvozoa. At both of these localities lime is burned for exportation 
as well as local use. It is similar, if not equal, to Delphi lime, 
slakes perfectly, works "cool" bears transportation well, makes a 
stroncr and almost hydraulic cement, and deserves a more extended 
market. 

Below these beds of lime rock is found stone which I have 
called "silico magnesia limestone," adopting the name applied to it 
by R. Owen. A surface opening has been made at Dukes' quarry, 
in the northern part of Peru, and it is believed that although a tirst 
rate stone has not been produced yet because exposed to the action 
of drought and winters for man}' thousand years, but when mining 
operations shall have been extended to parts not exposed to atmo- 
spheric influences, the product will prove much more satisfactor}-. 

Lower beds of stone are found along the river. This is 
worked at Lyde's quarry, two and a half miles west of Peru, in 
the low bank and bottom of the river. It is distinctly laminated, or 
divided by partings containing pyrites and argiUaceous matter. 
Protected from the weather, this will serve for foundations; but on 
exposure the argo-pvrite decomposes, and breaks the rock into 
small shelly fragments. The stone quarried at Tracy's for founda- 
tions, although less argillaceous, ought not to be exposed to 
extreme changes of temperature and moisture. Near the mouth 
of the Mississinewa are extensive beds of rock suitable for build- 
ing, showing an outcrop of more than one mile. On the right bank 
is the brick residence and well-appointed farm of Godfroy, chief 
(and son of the distinguished leader) of the Miami Nation of 
Indians. Across the valley is the Osage village, once the residence 
of Chief Pecan, who was distinguished as statesman and warrior, 
and lived to the extreme age of one hundred years, universally 
respected. Many Miami Indians still live in this county, descend- 
ants from the princely line of chieftains who bravely led this once 
powerful Nation in its ineffectual struggle for supremacy. 

Ascending the Mississinewa to a point three miles east of Peru 
we tind the "Pillared Rocks," full of geological as well as roman- 
tic interest. Here the river flows directly to the north and 



GEOLOGY AND GENERAL FEATURES. 2^9 

infrin<res aoainst a solid wall of chert v silico magnesia limestone, 
and diverted from its course flows thence to the westward. The 
action of the rushing river and the unequal disintegration of the 
rocks has carved the precipitous wall, which diverts the river's 
course, into a system of pillars, rounded buttresses, alcoves, cham- 
bers and overhanging sides, ever beautiful and interesting. The 
whole is covered with evergreen cedars. It is a picnic ground 
widely known and justly celebrated. In the overlaying gray limestone 
an Orthoccras, two feet long, and an obscure Crinoid head, not less 
than six inches in diameter, were seen. The main wall of stone is 
straw color, the natural tints of which contrasted well with the 
autumnal foliage, at the time of my visit, of scarlet, gold and crimson. 
Still ascending this stream we find a wall-like precipice bound- 
ing this ri\er on the north side. On the farm of H. H. Hahn, the 
following section was taken : 

SECTION ON MISSISSINEWA, .AT HAHN's FAR^L 

Soil, sandy 4 ft. in. 

Whito ;,'l;iss and irrit stone 1 (I ft. U in. 

Porous lime rock 3 to 18 ft. in. 

Cherty laminated ngillaceous limestone to river. . 35 ft. in. 

67 ft. in. 

The porous limestone of this section is not easily broken. 
Blocks of a large size may be obtained, and the unexplored beds, if 
found sufficiently compact, u ill prove valuable for quarry purposes, 
as well as for "burning." This deposit shows much false bedding, 
and dips to the south at an angle of twenty degrees. 

At Thomas' quarry, in the pool of Peoria mill dam, fine square 
blocks of stone are quarried at the water's edge, below the cherty 
division of the silico magnesia division. This is the best stone seen 
in tiie count\', but being at or below the ordinarv water line, it will 
be difficult, if not impracticable to prove its value. 

Still higher on the Mississinewa, near Brouillette's, a quarry 
was opened, and stone obtained for pilaster coping for the Catholic 
Church at Peru. The modest, neutral tint of this stone contrasts 
well with the ruddv brick wall, and promises to weather well. 
This bed will justify its development, as it is very similar to the 
Delphos stone brought from Ohio. 



250 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 



CHAPTER II.* 

Indian History — Early Tribes — The Miamis — Treaties — 
The Pottaw atomies — Indian Villages — Miami Chiefs — 
Killing of Shoc-cot-wah — Fr.\nces Slocu.m — B.vttle of 

THE MiSSISSINEWA. 

OF the tribes that inhabited the countrj- East of the Mississippi, 
the Miami was the most powerful. And as early as the 
latter part of the seventeenth century, exercised general control over 
the greater part of the territory embraced in the present State of 
Indiana. Subsequenth' encroachments upon the lands claimed b}- the 
Miamis began to be made by other tribes of same family (_ Algonquin) 
among whom were the Pottawatomie, Shawanee, Delaware and 
Kickapoo tribes. But the History of Miami County has to do prin- 
cipally with the Miami and Pottawatomie tribes, the former occu- 
pants of the territorj- South of the Wabash and the latter of the 
territory North of that river. 

The first general treaty, perhaps, in which the several tribes 
of the Algonquin familv in the original Northwestern Territory — 
embracing those named above — were participants, was that at 
Greenville, in the Territory' of the United States Northwest of the 
Ohio River, on the 3d day of August, 1795. It was there that the 
various tribal interests were fully discussed, and the separate rights 
of each considered with reference to their past and future relations 
with the white people. Fifteen tribes and branches were represen- 
ted in that council, the deliberations of which commenced on the 
i6th day of June and terminated on the 3d day of August, 1795, 
with the unanimous acceptance, bj- the several representatives pres- 
ent, of the several provisions of that important treaty in which they 
were respectivelv interested. It was during the continuance of this 
council that Little Turtle, a representative chief of the Miamis, de- 
fined the traditionary boundaries of their territory. Addressing 
Gen. Wayne, he said: 

■ "I hope vou will pay attention to what I now say to you. I 
wish to inform \ou where your younger brothers, the Miamis, live, 
and also the Pottawatomies of St. Joseph, together with the Wa- 
bash Indians. You have pointed out to us the boundary line 
between the Indians and the United States, but I now take the lib- 
ertv to inform \ou that the line cuts off from the Indians a large 
portion of country which has been enjoyed by my fore-fathers, time 

•A Considerable portion of this Chapter is taken fri)m a sketch of the Miami Tribe as prepared 
by Hon. John A. Graliam. 



EARLY TRIBES OF INDIANS. 25 1 

immemorial, without molestation or dispute. The prints of mv 
ancestor's houses are everywhere to be seen in this portion. ... It 
is well known bv all mv brothers present, that mv forefathers 
kindled the tirst tire at Detroit; from thence he extended his lines 
to the head waters of the Scioto; from thence, to its mouth; from 
thence down the Ohio to the mouth of the Wabash; and from 
thence, to Chicago, on Lake Michigan." 

One of the pro\isions of this treatv, which materiallv affected 
the interests of this locality, was that which allowed "to the people 
of the United States a free passage by land and water, as one and 
the other shall be found convenient, through their country . . . from 
Fort Wayne, along the portage aforesaid, which leads to the 
Wabash, and thence down the Wabash to the Ohio." Allowing, 
also, to the people of the United States the free use of the harbors 
and mouths of rivers along the lakes adjoining Indian lands, for 
sheltering vessels and boats, and liberty to land their cargoes when 
necessarv for their safetv. 

The Miamis were a branch of the Algonquin familj- — which 
primitivelv occupied the region surrounding the great lakes. The 
Miamis, according to Schoolcraft, occupied a high position among 
the tribes of North America. Thev were leading and influential, 
and were superior to manv in point of intelligence and moral char- 
acteristics. The}- were strict observers of treaty stipulations, and 
were not easily influenced bv neighboring tribes to commit deeds 
of desperation or take up arms without what they believed to be a 
just cause. When once aroused the\' fought with the skill of 
trained warriors, and under Little Turtle, in some respects the great- 
est warrior of his race, won on many a battle-field. 

The great treatv entered into bv the Miamis and the commis- 
sioners on the part of the United States, under the provisions of 
which the first important cession of territory in this part of Indiana 
was made, was concluded on the 6th of October, iSiS, at St. Mary's, 
Ohio. The boundaries of the territory embraced in this cession 
were substantiallv the following: "Commencing near the town of 
LaGro, on the Wabash, where the Salamonie unites with the 
Wabash River: running thence through Wabash and Grant Count- 
ies into Madison Countv, its southeast corner was about foiu" miles 
southeast of Independence, at the center of section 1 7 : thence run- 
ning south of west, with the general course of the Wabash River 
across Tipton Countv, close to the town of Tipton, just north 
thereof, to where it intersects a line running north and south from 
Logansport, which is the western boundary of Howard County, 
one mile west of Range line No. i, east; thence north to Logan- 
sport; thence up the Wabash to the mouth of the Salomonie, the 
place of beginning. There was contained within these boundaries 
930,000 acres. The greater part of this reservation remained in 



252 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

the hands of the Indians until November, 1840, when it was relin- 
quished, being the last of their claims in Indiana. 

By the treaty of October 23, 1826, held at Paradise Springs, 
known as the old "Treaty Grounds," the chiefs and warriors of the 
Miamis, in council with Lewis Cass, James B. Ray and John Tip- 
ton, Commissioners representing the United States, ceded to the 
latter power "aU their claim to lands in the state of Indiana, north 
and west of the Wabash and Miami Rivers, and of the cession made 
by the said tribe to the United States, by the treaty concluded at 
St. Mary's, October 6, 1818." By further provision of the same 
treaty, the state of Indiana was authorized to lay out a canal or road 
through any of the reservations, and for the use of a Canal, six 
chains along the same were appropriated. 

In payment for this, they received $31,040.53 in goods, $31, - 
040.53 in cash. The following year, 1827, they received $61, 259.- 
47 in addition; of which $35,000 was annuities, and in 182S, $30,000. 
After that date, they were to receive a permanent annuity of $25- 
000, 

Again, in 1834, the Government purchased of them 177,000 
acres, including the strip seven miles wide, off the west side of the 
reserve, in what is now Cass, Howard and Clinton Counties, which 
was transferred to the state of Indiana, to be used for the comple- 
tion of the Wabash and Erie Canal from the mouth of the Tippeca- 
noe River. A strip five miles wide, along the Wabash, had been 
previously appropriated to the construction of the canal to the 
mouth of the Tippecanoe. The consideration paid for this was 
$335,680. 

Bv treatv of No\ember 6, 1838, they made a further cession 
to the United States of certain lands reserved by former treaties. 
Finallv, on the 28th of November, 1840, they relinquished their 
right to all the remaining lands in Indiana, except certain specific 
reservations, for which they received the sum of $550,000 and 
agreed to vacate these lands within five years. They did not move, 
however, until 1847. 

Pottawatomies — This tribe is also of the Algonquin family, 
being a branch of the great Chippewa, or, as some write, Ojibway, 
nation, which, at the time of our first account of them, about the 
middle of the seventeenth century, occupied and held the country 
from the mouth of Green Bay, to the head waters of Lake Superior. 
This nation was visited at an early date by the French at Sault St. 
Mary and Chegoimegon. 

At a later dav, they appear to have migrated southward: formi- 
dable bands of them having gained a footing on the territory of 
the Miamis near the southern extremity of Lake Michigan, partl)^ 
bj' permission and partly by force. Since that time, they have 
been recognized as occupving the territory to the southward of 



EARLY TKIIiKS OF INDIANS. 253 

Lake Michigan, on ihc Tippecanoe River, thence to the borders of 
the Wabash on the north. 

On the iSth of July, T815, the Pottawatomies, desiring to enter 
into. relations of friendship vvitii the United States and place them- 
selves in a proper position before the world, concluded a treaty, the 
first separate one made by them, the chief element of which is set 
forth in Section 2, in the following words: 

"There shall be perpetual peace and friendship between all 
the people of the United States of America and all the individuals 
composing the said Pottawatomie Tribe or Nation." 

By the provisions of a treat}', made and concluded at St. 
Mary's, on the 2d day of October, 1818, they ceded to the United 
States all the countrv comprehended within the following limits: 
" Beginning at the mouth of the Tippecanoe River, and running up 
the same to a point twenty-five miles in a direct line from the 
Wabash River: thence, on a line as nearh" parallel to the general 
course of the Wabash Ri\'er as practicable, to a point on the Ver- 
million River, twentv-five miles from the Wabash River: thence 
down the Vermillion River to its mouth, and thence up the Wabash 
River to the place of beginning. The Pottawatomies also cede to 
the United States all their claim to the countr\- south of the Wabash 
River." 

The treatv of most iuTjiortance to the people of this locality, 
made by this tribe with the United States, was at Paradise Springs, 
near the mouth of the Mississinewa, upon the Wabash, on the i6th 
da\' of October, 1S26, bv the provisions of which the United States 
acquired the right to all the land within the following limits: 
" Beginning on the Tippecanoe River, where the northern bound- 
ary of the tract ceded by the Pottawatomies to the United States, 
by the Treaty of St. Marj-'s, in the year 1818, intersects the same, 
thence, in a direct line, to a point on Eel River, half-way between 
the mouth of the said river and Pierish's village: thence up Eel 
River to Seek's village, near the head thereof; thence, in a 
direct line to the mouth of a creek emptying into the St. 
Joseph's of the Miami, near Metea's village; thence, up the St. 
Joseph's to the boundary line between the States of Indiana and 
and Ohio; thence, south to the Miami; thence up the same to the 
reservation at Fort Wayne; thence, with the lines of the said reser- 
vation, to the boundary established b}- the treaty with the Miamis 
in 1818; thence, with the said line to the Wabash River; thence, 
with the same river to the mouth of the Tippecanoe River, and 
thence, with the said Tippecanoe Ri\er to the place of beginning. 
And the said tribe also cede to the United States all their right to 
land within the following limits: Beginning at a point on Lake 
Michigan, ten miles due north of the southern extreme thereof, run- 
ning thence due east to the land ceded b\- the Indians to the United 



254 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

States bv the treat}- of Chicago; thence south with the boundan' 
thereof, ten miles; thence, west to the southern extreme of Lake 
Michigan : thence; with the shore thereof, to the place of beginning." 

In addition to the treaties ah'eadv referred to, the Pottawato- 
mies concluded nineteen other treaties with the Ll^nited States, ceding 
certain reserved interests, from time to time withheld, until, by the 
the provisions of the final treaty concluded by them on the nth of 
Februarv, 1837, with John T. -Douglass, a Commissioner on the 
part of the United States, at the City of Washington, they ceded all 
their remaining interest in the lands in the State of Indiana, and 
agreed to remove to a country provided for them by the President 
of the United States, southwest of the Missouri River, within two 
y^ears from the ratification of said treaty. The treaty was ratified 
at the end of one week from its consummation, and the\- were 
removed westward in the fall of 1838 and 1839 following."' 

Indian Villages. — The Indian villages in this county were: 
We-Saws, on the north bank of the Eel River, below Denver, at 
the mouth of We-Saw Creek: Flower's village, on the south side, 
opposite Chili ; and Squirrel's Village, on the north side, near Stock- 
dale. The Indians living at Flower's Village were Weas, subse- 
quently designated on the pay roll of Eel Rivers; at We-Saw's, 
Pottawatomies, and at Squirrel's, Miamis. After a few years they 
all became known as Miamis, and signed treaties and participated 
in annuities as such. The Osage Village, t)n the west bank 
of the Mississinewa, one mile above its mouth, was the 
most important village in the count}'. This was, doubtless, the 
largest village of the Miami tribe. It took its name ftom that of its 
first chief. She-pa-can-nah, or Deaf Man, was the war chief of 
this \illage. 

Principal Chiefs of tlic Miamis. — No authentic account of 
the chiefs of the Miamis can be given prior to the reign of Ague- 
nack-gue, who signed tlie first treaty between the English and 
Miamis on the 23d of July, 1748. He lived in Turtle \'illage, a 
few miles northeast of Fort Wayne, and it was at this place in the 
year 1747, his son. Little Turde, was born. Upon the death of his 
father Little Turtle became chief of the tribe. His mother was of 
thi tribe of Mohegans, and transmitted man\- of her superior quali- 
ties to her son. His courage, sagacity and extraordinary talent 
were developed at an early age, and, when but a boy, his influence 
with his own tribe, as well as with others of the confederation, was 
iinbounded. His .skill in the management of an army was not sur- 
passed even bv those trained and schooled in the profession. He 
was victorious in many a hotly contested battle, and it was not uiUil 
he met "the man who never sleeps," as he spoke of General Wa}ne 
while addressing a council of war, did he meet his equal. He died 
at Fort Wavne Julv 14th, 181 2. and was buried by the whites with 



EARI,V TRIBES OF INDIANS. 255 

tlic highest honors, hi tlie grave with him were huried the sword 
and medal presented him by General Washington. 

The successor of i^ittle Turtle was Pe-che-wa, commonly 
called John ]i. Richarchille. His father was of French extraction, 
and his mother was the sister of Little Turtle. He was bom about 
the year 1761. His election to chieftaincy was the result of a most 
daring feat of voluntaiy heroism. A white captive had been con- 
demned to be burned at the stake. He had been bound and the 
faggots placed in jiosition, and the one who had been commissioned 
to apph' the torch began the performance of his dut}-, and as 
the flames began to wreathe, the young Richardville, in obedience 
to a siijnal from his mother, dashed througrh the wild crowd and 
cut the cords that bound the captive and bade him go free. So 
heroic was the act that he was at once accepted as chief. He was 
a man of great executive ability and fine business sense. He died 
in 1 84 1, and was buried b\' the Catholics at Fort Wa3'ne. 

Francis LaFontaine, whose Indian name was To-pe-ah, became 
principal chief of the Miamis after the death of Richardville. His 
father was of French descent and his mother a Miami woman. 
He was born at Fort Wayne in 1820. At the age of 
twenty-one he married Catharine Po-con-go-qua, daughter of 
Richardville. He manifested great interest in the welfare of his 
tribe, and on this account was elected chief. When his tribe was 
removed to the reservation west of the Mississippi he accompanied 
them, but after a short stay started to return, and at Lafayette was 
taken suddenly ill, where he died April 13th, 1847. His remains 
were taken to Huntington for interment, where one of his daughters, 
Mrs. Archangel Englemaii, still lives. 

i\lc-s/iin-gu->nc-sia. His ancestors and dcscciidaiits. — No relia- 
ble account of the ancestors of Me-shin-go-me-sia can be traced 
fin-ther back than the fourth generation, or to the time of Osandiah, 
who, at the head of one division of the tribe, left Fort Wavne (at 
what date no one knows) and settled on the Big Miami River, in 
Ohio. Soon after his settlement at this point he visited Gen. Wash- 
ington, at that time President, who presented him with tokens of 
regard. This aroused the jealousy of the other tribes, b\' whom it 
is believed he was poisoned. 

Upon the death of Osondiah his son, Ataw-ataw, became chief, 
and he, in turn, was succeeded by his son, Me-to-cin-yah, who re- 
moved with his tribe to Indiana and settled in what is now Wabash 
and Grant Counties, and after a successful reign of many years 
died, and his remains were buried in Wabasli County. 

He was the father of ten children : Me shin-go-me-sia, Ta-con- 
saw, Mack-quack-yno-nun-gah, Shop-on-do-sheah, Wa-pe-si-taw, 
Me-tack-quack-cpiah, So-lin-jes-\ah, Wa-cau-con-aw, Po-kung-e- 
yali and We-coji-eme-nah. 



256 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Upon the death of Me-to-cin-vah, his eldest son, Me-shin-go- 
me-sia, succeeded to the chieftaincy. He was born in Wabash 
County about the beginning of the last quarter of the eighteenth 
century ( the precise date not known). At the age of about thirty 
he married Tac-ka-quah, a daughter of So-a-nah-ke-kah, and to 
them were born two sons Po-kung-gah and Ataw-ataw. He was 
a man of great firmness, though not obstinate. He was ordinarily 
intelligent and always displayed judgment and good business sense 
in the management of the affairs of his band. His death occurred 
December — ,1879. 

The following sketch, as well as many other extracts, are taken 
from the Indian History of the county written by Hon. John A. 
Graham : 

F'raiicis Gocifrov — '-A great war-chief of the Miamis, 
called by the Indians, Pa-lons-wa, was the son of Jacques, or 
James Godfroy. a French trader among the Indians. He and 
his brother Louis were distinguished men in their tribe from 
early manhood, and took a leading part in its important affairs. 
They were prominent in the battles of Fort Wayne, Tippecanoe 
and the Mississinewa. Their high appreciation in the tribe is 
eyidenced by the fact that, in the treat}- of St. Mary's, in 1818, 
Francis was granted a reseryation of six sections of land on the 

. ... ... r^ 

Salamonie, at La Petit Prairie, and Louis six sections on the St. 
Mary's, aboye the reservation of Anthony Shaw. The affection 
of the brothers for each other is shown by an article of agree- 
ment, made on the 2nd of December, 1S24, witnessed by Gen. 
Tipton and Joseph Barron, in which thev agree to exchange one 
section of these reseryations, and bind themselves not to sell or 
otherwise dispose of the same, unless bv mutual consent — the 
sole object and purpose of the exchange being that -the broth- 
ers jnay live near each other.' 

•' Francis was a man of splendid physical development, being 
six feet high and weighing about three hundred pounds. He was 
genial, generous and dignified; sincere in his friendship, paternal in 
his rule, and princely in his hospitality. He was known and 
esteemed by the most distinguished men of his day, and among 
them those against whom he fought in battle. He was a prompt 
and liberal contributor on all public calls for money : was gracious 
and hospitable to white visitors, and. like one of the old barons, 
always kept about his ' Mount Pleasant' home a large retinue of his 
own people. 

"In the spring of 1840 he was taken sick, and, after a linger- 
ing illness, died on the first day of May of that year. A numerous 
concourse of white citizens, as well as his own people, manifested 
their respect for the chief bv attending his funeral, which took 
place at his own house, his grave being but a short distance 



EARLY TRIBES OF INDIANS. 257 

from it on tlie rising ground to the south. Wap-pa-pin-sha, 
called also Black Raccoon, a chief and noted orator, delivered a 
funeral discourse on the occasion, from which the following 
extracts are taken: 

"Bkotheiis: Tlie (Jreat Spirit liiis tMlicii to liimself anothor of our oiuc jiower- 
ful and happy, Init now rapidly dccliniug- nation. Tlic time lias liocn wlii'n these 
forests were densely popnlated liy the red man; Imt the same hand, whose Mighting 
touch witliered tlu^ niajeslie frame before us, and eaused the nolile sjiirit liyVhieh 
it was animated to seek another liome, has dealt in a like mamier with liis and onr 
fatliers; in a like manner will it deal with us. Death, of late, lias been eomnion 
amonir us — .so much so that an occurrence of it scarcely elicits our notice. Ikit 
when the brave, the generous and the patriotic are blasted by it, then it is that the 
tears of sorrow freely How. 

"Such is now the c;ise; our brother, who just left us, was brave, generous and 
patriotic, and as a tribute to his merit, and a reward for goodness, the tears, not only 
of his own iicople, but of many white men, who are here assembled to witness the 
funeral rites, freely flow. 

"At this scene the poor of his people weep, because at his table they were wont 
to feast and rejoice. The weak mourn his death, because his authorit}' was directed 
to their protection. But he has left the earth, the place of ve.\ation and contention, 
and is now particii>ating with Pocahontas and Logan in those joys prepared by the 
Great Spirit for such as well and faithfully discharge their duties here. Brothers, 
let us emulate his example and practice his virtues." 

" From 1838 until their removal west, the Miamis grew reck- 
less and dissipated. Their dissipation led to frequent quarrels 
and homicides, so their number decreased rapidly in the live 
years preceding their removal. The following are some of the 
cases which attracted the special notice of the whites: Shoc- 
cot-wah, a half-brother of Ne-con-zah (Squirrel), was a bad 
Indian — quarrelsome and treacherous. Old Mother Tap-po, who 
had several daughters, and Ah-lin-de-ze-quah, who had two 
daughters and a son named Wa-ca-co-nah, lived in what is now 
the David Hohn farm, in Butler township. Their cabins were 
close together, and the Indians resorted there. At the time of 
the occurrence about to be related, several Weas, among ihem 
the brothers of Shap-pan-do-ce-ah and Qua-com-ah-cot-wah and 
Shoc-cot-wah, Ne-con-zah, Shoc-com-wah and Me-ze-quoh, of 
the Ne-con-zah, or Squirrel party of Miamis, were there drink- 
ing. They had spent the night in their carousal, in the course 
of which Shoc-cot-wah caught Mother Tap-po bv the hair and 
struck her in the face with his list, bruising it and causing the 
blood to flow freel)'. This made the old woman mad for revenge, 
and she told her daughters to load her pistol heavily for she was 
going to kill Shoc-cot-wah. They loaded the pistol and gave it 
to her. This was the ne.\t morning after the "night's deliauch, 
and the Indians were outside the house sitting and standing, and 
Shoc-cot-wah was in a half recumbent position resting on his 
elbow. The old woman came to him, pointing the pistol at 
him, and told him she was going to shoot him, but just as she 
was about to pull tiie trigger Wap-pa-pin-sha, who was gener- 



258 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

ally called the Black Raccoon, a man of rank and distinction as 
an orator among the Indians, came arovnd the house, caught 
her hand and inquired what she was going to do. She told 
him how she had been abused, showed her bruised and bloody 
face, and said she was going to kill Shoc-cot-wah. Wap-pa- 
pin-sha took the pistol and told Shoc-cot-wah that he was a bad 
Indian, that he was no man, was a coward to abuse an old 
woman in that way, and that he must die. Shoc-cot-wah did 
not move from his position, and his antagonist, standing above, 
fired downward, the ball passing between the collar-bone and 
the throat. After being shot, Shoc-cot-wah, spitting blood, got 
up and walked toward Wap-pa-pin-sha, who had walked away 
from where Shoc-cot-wah had been l}ing. As Shoc-cot-wah 
passed the Indians they thought he wanted a weapon, and Shap- 
pan-do-ce-ah said to Wap-pa-pin-sha, who was paralyzed in one 
arm and unarmed, "He will kill you, take this," handing him 
a large Bowie knife. He took the knife, upon seeing which 
Shoc-cot-wah began to plead, saying to Wap-pa-pin-sha, 'Don't 
kill me mv friend; you have done enough; I am your friend.' 
To which Wap-pa-pin-sha answered, 'No, you are not my 
friend: vou are nobodv's friend; vou abuse the Indians, and you 
must die,' and he plunged the knife into Shoc-cot-wah's heart. 
He drew it out of the breast of Shoc-cot-wah, a stream of 
blood spouting from the wound, and, after wiping it on the 
grass, handed it back to Shap-pan-do-ce-ah. 

"The squirrel party, to which Shoc-cot-wah belonged, threat- 
ened revenge, and the whites, who thought substantial justice 
had been done bv Wap-pa-pin-sha, brought him to town and 
protected him from his enemies. 

"Another case, which was regarded by the whites in a dif- 
ferent light, and aroused their horror and indignation, was the 
killing, by Peashwa, a Pottawattomie, of two men and a woman 
of the Flowers or Wea part}'. He had lived at Wesaw Village and 
had two ^viyes of the FloAvers party. After the removal of the Weas 
from Eel River to the reserve, south of the Wabash, he and his 
wives and the two half-brothers of one of these women settled 
on Pipe Creek, near where the Strawtown road crosses the 
same. Their names were Ah-lah-loon-dah and Shap-pan-do-ce- 
ah. and were married and had houses at the same place. Shap- 
pan-do-ce-ah's wife was named Kil-so-quah, and Ah-lah-loon-dah's, 
Me-shoc-co-to-quah. These two Weas and their wives went on 
a hunt some six miles southwest of where they lived, on Little 
Deer Creek, and camped. The men went hunting and the 
women remained in camp. The pony of Me-shoc-co-to-quah got 
loose at the camp and started back toward home. She followed, 
and did not catch it until it had nearly reached there. When 



KARLY TRIBES OF INDIANS. 



259' 



she returned near to the camp she approached it Indian-like, 
cautiously, and seeing Kil-so-quah sitting very quietly and in a 
curious position, her fears of something being wrong were 
aroused, and she crept quietly up to the camp. She found her 
sister-in-law, whom she had left but a few hours before well, sit- 
ting in a half reclining position, dead, with a wild turkey she had 
been picking, in her lap. She retreated in terror, got on her 
pony and went with all haste to the Wea Village, on Deer 
Creek, to give the alarm. A party at once started for the camp. 
They soon came upon the trail of the hunters in a swampy 
thicket. They followed it but a short distance when they found 
the body of one of the Indians, shot from behind through the 
back of the head, and his pon\' shot; following the trail still 
further, they found the other, shot through the body." 

"The Indians were furious and the whites turned out with 
them to hunt the murderer, but the search was fruitless. It 
was considered a cruel murder, and if Peashwa had been found,, 
the whites whould have seconded the Indians in takin"- sum- 
mary vengeance. 

"At his home, on Pipe Creek, he left two children, by a for- 
mer wife, a Pottawattomie woman. They were kept under 
strict sur\-eillance by the Weas, as hostages, and it was under- 
stood that if Peashwa was not caught they would be sacrificed. 
The boy was got away, and, like his father, found refuge at 
Ephriam Bearss'; but the girl remained, and shortlj' afterward 
disappeared, and the legend is — and it is believed by Pim-wy- 
oh-tem-ah, a Miami, now living in this neighborhood, to be true — 
that the old woman of the Flowers party kilUed the girl by the 
most cruel method of cutting her to pieces. This she, no doubt, 
regarded as a sacred duty, to avenge the killing of her own 
people by the child's father. 

"The date of the foregoing murders is not remembered 
exactly, but it is somewhere about 1S41 or 1S42." 

Among other cases of killing, the following ma^" be men- 
tioned: 

"Wah-puck-co-se-ah was killed by Win-gon-sah, in 1844. 
Shap-pan-do-ce-ah's wife, a Pottawattomie woman, killed Mah- 
qua-co-non-gah, in 1S45, at the Osage village. Pung-ah-shin-gah 
killed Man-ce-ah, or Muncie, as he was called by the whites, in 
1845. Keel-oh-com-e-ke-ah, who died but a few years ago, 
at his home, near the Mississinewa — a peaceable, manly 
Indian, and remarkable for his great weight, some four hun- 
dred pounds — killed Shoc-co-com-wah, under almost ludicrous 
circumstances. They had been in town, drinking, and on 
their way home, somewhere near the old limekiln, on the 
road between Peru and the Mississinewa. Shoc-co-com-wah. 



26o HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

who was quarrelsome, wanted to tight. Keel-oh-com-e-ke-ah 
said lie did not want to tight, was not mad, and had noth- 
ing to tight about. The other insisted, at least to tight 
white fashion, with their lists. So, to gratify his friend, Keel- 
oh-com-e-ke-ah consented, and thev got off their horses. Thev 
were both under the influence of liquor, and, before commencing, 
Shoc-co-com-wah took out his bottle, took a drink, and handed 
it to Keel-o-com-e-ke-ah, inviting him to drink. While the lat- 
ter had the bottle to his mouth, the other struck at him with a 
knife, cutting through his coat and inflicting a severe wound in 
his breast. Keel-o-com-e-ke-ah seized him by the throat, crushed 
him to the ground, held him there with one hand, while with 
the other he reached into his vest-pocket, got out a clasp dirk- 
knife, opened the blade with his teeth, and then struck it into 
the breast of his treacherous friend. He repeated his blows 
with the knife until he effectually cured the pugilistic Miami of 
all further disposition to tight white-man fashion. 

"Keel-o-com-e-ke-ah, for -sears before his death, had been 
falling awav in flesh, until, at the occurrence of that event, he 
did not weigh more than, perhaps, a hundred pounds. Once, 
years ago, when he was at his greatest weight, he was arrested 
in town for being drunk, and perhaps fifty men and boys were 
engaged in taking him before the mayor. His great strength 
enabled him to throw them off as though thev were children: 
but, about the time they got him to the office, he was exhausted, 
and gave up, exclaiming, 'oh, too many — can't.' The entrance 
to the Maj'or's othce was by an outside rickety stairs. The 
Ma3-or looked out of the window, and, seeing the elephantine 
proportions of the prisoner, dismissed the case for want of suf- 
ficient stairs." 

Frances Slociiiii — Earlv in the thirties, it was discov- 
ered by Gen. George W. Ewing, that the widow of one of 
the distinguished war-chiefs was a white woman, who had been 
captured bv the Delaware Indians when but a child of prob- 
ably six years. He learned from her, the name of her father 
and the further fact that the family lived on the Susquelianna 
in Penns^'lvania, and he accordingly addressed a letter to a gen- 
tleman in Pennsylvania requesting its publication, thinking it might 
thereby reach some of the relatives. The following is an ex- 
tract from the letter of Gen. Ewing: "There is now near this 
place among the Miami tribe of Indians, an aged white woman, 
who a few days ago, told me, whilst I lodged in the camp with 
her one night, that she was taken away from her father's home 
on or near the Susquehanna River, when she was very young, 
say from five to eight years old: she thinks, by the Delaware 
Indians who were then hostile to the whites. She savs her 



^'t-S^ 



"k 





EARLY TRIBES OF INDIANS. 263 

father's name was Slocum, that he was a Quaker, rather small 
in stature, and wore a large broad-rimmed hat; was of sandy 
hair, light complexion and much freckled; that he lived about 
half a mile from a town where there was a fort; that they lived 
in a wooden house two stories high, and had a spring near the 
house. She says three Delawares came to the house in the day 
time, when all were absent but herself and perhaps two other 
small children; her father and brothers were absent making hav. 
The Indians carried her off and she was adopted into a family 
of Delawares who raised her and treated her as their own child. 
They died about forty years ago in Ohio. She was then mar- 
ried to a Miami, by whom she had four children, two of whom 
are now living, both daughters, and she living with them. She 
is old and feeble and thinks she will not live long, and these 
considerations induced her to give the present histor}- of 
herself which she never would do before, fearing her kindred 
would come and force her away." 

The letter, after being given up by the writer as having 
failed of its purpose, was accidentally discovered, some two years 
after it was written, and published in a Lancaster, Pa., paper. The 
facts it narrated regarding the captive satisfied the Slocums that 
she was, be3'ond a doubt, their long lost relative, and thev at once 
opened a correspondence with Col. Ewing on the subject. The 
following letter will explain itself as a part of the present nar- 
rative. 

"WiLKESBAKRE, Pa., AugUSt 9, 18S7. 

"Geo. W. Ewing, Esq., 

"Dritr Sir: At the snrrgestion of my father and other relations I have taken the 
liberty to write toyo\i although an entire stranger. We have received but a few days 
since, a letter written b)' you to a gentleman in Lancaster, in this State, upon a sub- 
ject of deep and intense interest to our family. How the matter should have lain so 
long enwrapped in obscurity we cannot conceive. An aunt of mine, sister of my 
father, was taken away when five years old, by the Indians, and since then we have 
had only vasiue and indistinct rumors on the subject. Your letter we deem to have 
entirely revealed the wliole matter and set everything at rest. The description is so 
perfect and the incidents (with the exception of her age) so correct, we feel confi- 
dent. 

"Steps will be taken immediately to investigate the matter, and we will endeavor 
to do all in our power to restore a lost relative who has been sixty years in Indian 
bondage. * * * * * 

"Your friend and servsmt, 

"Ion J. SLocf-M." 

The narrative of the life of Frances Slocum, as given her- 
self to the interpreters who went with her relatives, as above 
related, is as follows: 

"One evening about dusk, in the year i777> while Frances 
and other children were at play, near her father's house, at 
Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, the hostile Delawares approached 
them, killed one boy and bore off another and herself prisoners. 
She was taken by two Delawares and by them transferred to 

2 



264 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Tuck-hos, a chief of that nation, whom she represented to be a 
man of great distinction. This chief after receiving his little 
prisoner, dressed her in the gavest manner, decorating her with 
wampum, beads and hne feathers, and treated her with great 
humanity. 

"Shortly after her captivity, the party left the Wyoming 
Valley, and went to Genesee Falls; from thence, after a transient 
stay, they preceded to the falls of Niagara, where they remained 
during Gen. Wayne's war, and were supplied with provisions 
and munitions of war by the British. The Chief, Tuck-hos, and 
his party, of whom Frances was one, remained at this place two 
winters, and during the time, she says, the Indians frequently 
went out and returned with many white men's scalps, being hos- 
tile at the time. From Niagara the party went to Sandusky, 
where they remained a short time and then returned to the 
falls, Some time after this, she states, the Indians made bark 
canoes, and several thousand of them went to Detroit, where 
they remained three ^ears; from thence they removed to 
Brownstown, w'here Frances lived for a time with a Delaware 
as his wife but had no issue by him. From Brownstown they 
proceeded to Fort Wayne, in this state, and remained there 
some years during the late war. While at Fort Wayne, the 
Indians suffered much from want of pro\isions and other neces- 
saries, and were for a time at the very point of starvation, hav- 
intr nothinij but wild meat whereon to subsist." 

"About forty-four years ago [this narrative was given in 
1837] she was married to Deaf Man [She-pah-can-nah, war 
Chief of the Osage village] by whom she had four children, 
two sons and two daughters, and her husband has been dead 
about four years. From Fort Wayne, she, with her husband, 
came to the Osage Village, and Avent thence to the place 
known as Deaf Man's Village, where she resided when she first 
disclosed her history to Col. Ewing, and until she died. 

Thus ends the story of Frances Slocum's captivity and sub- 
sequent life, as published in the Peru Forester fort}- years ago. 

This now noted woman died on the 9th of March, 1847, 
aged seventA'-five years. Her Indian name, as given by her 
Indian relatives, was Mah-cones-quah, which means Young Bear. 
Her daughter, Ke-ke-na-kush-wa, wife of Capt. John B. Brouil- 
lette, died on the 13th of March, 1847, aged forty-seven years. 
The other daughter mentioned in the narrative, was, at the time 
of the visit of her white relatives, the wife of Tah-co-nah. Her 
name was O-zah-wah-shing-quah. She was afterward married 
to Wah-pa-pe-tah (Peter Bondy), and several children, now 
adults, are the offspring of this marriage. She died in January, 
1877, — tlie last of the Children of Frances Slocum. 



EARLY TRIBES OF INDIANS. 265 

In the Pa-u Forester, of September 26th, 1837, there is an 
editorial article which says: 

" A few evenings ago, Mr! Isaac Slocuin, a younger brother 
of Frances, arrived in town from Sanduskv Countv, Ohio, and, 
in company with James T. Miller, of this place, interpreter, pro- 
ceeded to the place of her residence known by the appellation 
of ' Deaf Man's V^illage,' about nine miles above Peru, on the 
Mississinewa River. 

" Mr. Slocum. on the wa}% remarked to his guide that if 
the woman (Frances) was really his sister, he would recognize 
her by a scar upon the forefinger of her left hand, caused by a 
blow from a hammer upon an anvil, while at play with her 
brother before she was taken captive, but he knew not in what 
other wa}' he should be able to convince either her or himself 
of the relationship which existed between them. 

" Mr. Miller proceeded to the house alone, in order to pre- 
pare the old lady for the reception of her brother, but found 
her unwilling to believe that such a thing could be. The brother 
then entered the house, and, gazing upon the changed appear- 
ance of Frances, involuntarily exclaimed. 'Good God! is this my 
sister?' Then, grasping her hand, he drew her toward the light 
and beheld the scar! the identical scar which he had described. 
He was then satisfied; but Frances was still unwilling to believe 
Mr. Slocum her brother. Mr. Miller, at the request of Mr. 
Slocum, interrogated her in the Indian language (as she speaks 
or understands no other) concerning the scar upon her hnger, 
and she related the same story which her brother had told him 
on the way; and finally, before they separated, Frances was 
satisfied to acknowledge Isaac to be her own brother, but 
expressed no inclination to leave her wigwam to partake of the 
comforts of his hospitable mansion, after a residence of near 
sixty years among the red men of the wilderness. Mr. Slocum 
states that his brother Joseph and sister, Mrs. Mary Town, will 
be here in a few dajs and that he will await their arrival." 

The parties referred to arrived in due time, and the follow- 
ing letter, written from -here to their relatives in Pennsylvania, 
and published in the Wyoming Republican, will give the further 
historv of Frances: 

Extract from a letter dated Peru, Miami Count\-, Indiana, 
September 27th, 1S37: 

'•We arrived here on the 21st inst. The town is new and 
flourishing; situated on the north side of the Wabash, a little 
below tlie mouth of the Mississinewa, which empties in from 
the south. The last twenty-five miles was through the Miami 
Reserve, without any white inhabitants. We found Isaac Slo- 
cum here awaiting our arrival. He had visited the woman in 



266 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

the Reserve, mentioned in the letter of Mr. Ewing, and is per- 
fectly satisfied that she is the sister taken captive in 1778. The 
next day we repaired to the village with Mr. Miller, the inter- 
preter, together with Mr. Hunt, a half-breed that was educated 
at Col. Johnson's school, in Kentuckv, and another gentleman. 
Fording the Wabash at this place, we passed up the river to 
the Mississinewa, and in about five miles came to an Indian 
town, surrounded with blue grass pasturage and corn fields 
intermixed without order. Some of the natives were about 
their houses; others were at tents pitched in corn fields, gather- 
ing corn, their ponies standing saddled near the tents. When- 
ever they have any work to do at ever so short a distance 
from their houses, they pitch a tent, and cook and live there 
until the work is done, a few only returning to their houses at 
night. We soon after came to the seat of Godfroy, the second 
war chief of the Miamis, consisting of five or six two-story 
houses, within an inclosure of perhaps half an acre, which we 
entered through a gate wide enough for a carriage to pass. 
Upon entering the house we were all introduced to the Chief 
by Mr. Miller, who told him our business in the nation. He 
received us very courteously, and proffered us all the assistance 
in his power. He is probably over 50 vears of age, of portly 
and majestic appearance, being more than six feet high, well 
proportioned and weighing about 320 pounds. He was dressed 
in leggings and a blue calico shirt that came down to the knee, 
profusely ornamented with ruffles of the same, his hair nearly 
half gray and tied in a queue hanging elegantly down his back. 
After taking leave of the Chief, we proceeded to Deaf Man's 
Village, the residence of the captive woman, a distance of about 
four miles further up the Mississinewa, where the natives were 
employed in the same way as before described. At one of 
which we found the husband of the youngest daughter of the 
captive woman. He mounted his pon}- and went with us to the 
\illage. where we were introduced to the captive, her two 
daughters, and Capt. Brouillette, the husband of the elder. The 
girls are aged, one thirty-three and -the other twenty-three. 
The youngest has three small children, but not bv this husband. 
The elder had two, but both are dead. Capt. Brouillette is a 
half-French breed Indian, of elegant appearance, very straight and 
slim, and about six feet high. Uncle Joseph at once recognized 
his sister, and, after conversing with them some time, in the 
course of which we endeavored, by all means in our power, to 
gain their contidence, it was proposed to them to accompany us 
to Peru to see Mrs. Town. Mr. Miller had to give the old 
lady very strong assurances that we had no intention to take 
her away contrary to her inclination before she would go; but 



MISSISSINEWA EXPEDITION. 267 

at length she consented, and, accompanied by her two daughters 
and llieir husbands, she returned with us to town, where they 
were introduced to Mrs. Town, who recoixnized her Ion"' lost 
sister. They then joined us at the supper table and appeared 
to bt perfectl)' at ease. They liad now become perfectly satis- 
fied that we were their relations, and their confidence was so 
much strenghtened that she felt justified in proffering us their 
friendship. This was done by one of them placing on the 
stand something wrapped in a white cloth, after which thev 
spoke with the interpreter in a solemn manner, when he rose 
up and said the\' were our friends, and by way of acknowledg- 
themselves as such, the}' presented us with a piece of fresh 
venison, which they wished us to receive as a token of friend- 
ship, as that was their manner of confirming their friendship. 
We then arose and thanked them and received the token, Mrs. 
Town taking up the ham of venison and removing the cloth, 
which made them satisfied. The next morning they all came to 
breakfast with us, and the captive gave us, in the course of the 
dav, all the historv of her life which she could recollect. Mr. 
Miller, to whom we are greatly indebted, and Mr. Hunt acted 
as interpreters. I wrote down the narration in the words of the 
interpreter. There are not manv striking incidents in her life, 
but she and her familv, in their native costume, their extreme 
simplicitv of manner, the natural modesty and solemnit}- of their 
deportment, formed the most interesting group I ever beheld. 
They are decidedly the most respectable family in the nation, 
and they are also very " wealthy, having upward of a hundred 
horses, and man\- cattle and hogs. Capt. Brouillette is the only 
Indian who cultivates corn with the plow. He has a yoke of 
oxen, and wagon, and frequently takes beef and other articles 
to market." 

Jlississinezva Exfedition. — In a letter addressed to the 
Secretary of War bearing date of October 13, 181 2, Gen- 
eral Harrison called the attention of the War Department to the 
fact that the Miamis had taken up the tomahawk and were com- 
mitting depredations upon the settlements along the frontier, 
citing such eviilence as the besieging of Fort Wayne and the 
attack on Fort Harrison. Notwithstanding these unfriendly 
movements the\- were still claiming to maintain a neutral posi- 
tion in the war between the United States and Great Britain. It 
was soon determined that a force should be sent against those 
living along the banks of the Mississinewa for the purpose of 
destro\ing their villages. This duty was assigned to Lieut. Col. 
John B. Campbell of the Ninteenth Regiment of United States 
Infantry, with a detachment of six hundred mounted men. The 
•detachment was composed mainK- of a regiment of Kentucky 



268 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

dragoons under command of Col. Simrall, a squadron of United 
States Volunteer Dragoons, under Maj. James V. Ball and a 
corps of Infantrv, consisting of Capt. Elliott's company of the 
19th. U. S. Regiment, Butler's Pittsburgh Blues and Alexander's 
Pennsylvania Riflemen. The detachment was commanded to 
march on the 25th of November, and in his letter of instructions 
to Col. Campbell General Harrison commanded him to march 
by the "Greenville route" in order that he might not come in 
contact with the Delaware towns, and suggested that any trouble 
with them would be unfortunate, for the reason that the Gov- 
ernment was pledged for their safet}-. He further stated that 
some of the Miami Chiefs had exerted themselves to keep their 
warriors quiet. He named among others Richardville, Silver 
Heels, White Loon and the son and brother of Little Turtle, 
and asked that thev be left unmolested. Well-knowing the 
methods of Indian warfare he advised Col. Campbell to keep his 
men at all times ready for action by night as well as b}- day, 
and when in the enemy's country to have his men lie' upon their 
arms. 

The expedition did not reach the villages on the Mississin- 
ewa until the morning of December 17, and a full description of 
what followed will be found in the following official report of 
Col. Campbell to General Harrison, which is now on file in the 
War Department at Washington: "Early in the morning of the 
17th, I reached, undiscovered an Indian town on the Mississinewa, 
inhabited by a number of Delawares and Miamis. The troops 
rushed into the town, killed eight warriors and took forty-two 
prisoners eight of whom are warriors, the residue women and 
children. I ordered the town to be immediatelv burned, a house 
or two excepted, in which I confined the prisoners. I then left 
the infantry to guard the prisoners, and with Simrall's and Ball's 
Dragoons advanced to some Miami villages a few miles down 
the Mississinewa, but found them evacuated. I burned on this 
occasion three considerable villages, took several horses, killed 
manv cattle and returned to the town I tirst burned, where I 
had left the prisoners, and encamped. Mv camp was in the 
usual form. The infantrv and riflemen were in the front line, 
Captain Elliott's companv on the right. Butler's in the center, 
Alexander's on the left: Major Ball's squadron occupied the right 
and one-half of the rear line. Col. Simrall's regiment the left, 
on the other half of the rear line. Between Balls right and Sim- 
rall's left there was an interval which had not been filled uji. I 
now began to deliberate upon our future movements whether to 
go on further encumbered with prisoners the men much 
fatigued and many frost-bitten, and horses suffering for want of 
forage. At 4 o'clock on the morning of the iSth, I ordered the 



MISSISSINEWA EXPEDITION. 269 

reveille to be beaten and the officers convened at my lire a 
short time afterward. While we were in council and about half 
an hour before dav, my camp was most furiously attacked b\- a 
large party of Indians, preceded by and accompanied with a 
most hideous yell. This immediately broke up the council and 
every man ran to his post. 

"The attack commenced upon that angle of the camp 
formed Ijv the left of Capt. Hopkins' troops and on the right 
by Capt. Garrard's, but in a few seconds became general from 
the entrance of the right to the left of Ball's squadron. The 
enem}' boldly advanced to within a few yards of the line and 
seemed determined to rush in. The guards posted at the differ- 
ent redoubts retreated to camp and dispersed among their differ- 
ent companies, thus leaving me without a disposable force. 
Capt. Smith, of the Kentucky Light Dragoons, who commanded 
one of the redoubts, in a handsome and militarv manner kept 
his position, although abandoned bv half his guards, until ordered 
to fill up the interval in the rear line, between the regiment and 
squadron. 

" The redoubt at which Capt. Pierce commanded was 
first attacked. The Captain maintained his position until it was 
too late to get within the line. He received two balls through 
the body and was tomahawked. He died bravely and much 
lamented. The enem\- then took possession of Capt. Pierce's 
redoubt and poured a tremendous fire upon the angle, to the 
right and left of which were posted Hopkins' and Garrard's 
troops, but the tire was as warmly returned. Not an inch of 
ground was yielded. E\ery man, officer and soldier, stood firm 
and animated and encovu-aged each other. The enemy's fire 
became wariu on the left, at which Capt. Markle's troops were 
posted; and the right of Elliott's company, which, with Markle's, 
formed an angle of the camp, was severeh' annoyed b}' the 
enemy's fire. 

" I had assisted in forming the infantry composed of Elliott's 
company of the 19th U. S. Regiment, Butler's Pittsburg Blues, 
and Alexander's Pennsylvania Riflemen, and ordered them to 
advance to the brink of a declivity from which they could more 
effectually defend themselves and harrass the enemy should they 
attempt an attack on that line. While I was thus engaged 
Maj. I3all rode up to me and observed that he was hard pressed 
and must be relieved. I gallo]5ed immediately to the left wing 
with the intention of ordering Capt. Trotter's troops to reinforce 
the squadron, but was there informed that the enemy was approaching 
in that direction, and believing it improper, on second thought, 
to detach a large troop from that line, which also covered an 
angle of the camp, I determined to give relief from the infan- 



270 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

try. I wheeled ni}' horse and met Maj. McDowell, who 
observed that the spies and guards under Capt. Patterson Bain, 
consisting of ten men were unemployed. We rode to them 
together and ordered Capt. Bain to the support of the squadron. 
Seven of them, to-wit: James Adrian, William Conner, Silas 
McCullough, James Thompson, James Noggs, John Ruland and 
Joseph G. McClelland, followed their bra\e leader and rendered 
most effectual assistance. I then ordered Capt Butler, _ with the 
Pittsburg Blues, to repair immediately to reinforce the squadron, 
and Capts. Elliott and Alexander to extend to the right and left 
and till up the interval occasioned by the withdrawal of the 
Blues. Capt Butler in a most gallant manner, and highly worth}- 
the name he bears, formed his men immediately and in excel- 
lent order, and marched them to the point to which he was 
ordered. The alacrity with which he formed and moved was 
never exceeded by any troops on earth. The Blues were 
scarcely at the post assigned them before I discovered the effect 
thev produced. A well directed fire from them and Hopkins' 
Dragoons nearly routed the enemy in that quarter. The enemj^ 
then moved in force to the left of the squadron and right of 
the infantr}', where Capts. Markle and Elliott's companies were 
posted. Here again they were warmly received. At this time 
daylight began to dawn. I then ordered Capt. Trotter, whose 
troops had been ordered by Col. Simrall to mount for that pur- 
pose, to make a charge. The Captain called to his troops to 
follow him and they tilted off at full gallop. * * * Major 
McDowell, with a small party, rushed into the midst of the 
enemy and exposed himself very much. I cannot sav too much 
for this gallant veteran. Capt. Markle, with about fifteen of his 
troops, and Lieut. Warren also made a daring charge on the 
enemy. Capt. Markle avenged the death of his relative, Lieut. 
Waltz, upon an Indian with his own sword. * * * Fearing 
that Capt. Trotter might be too hard pressed, I ordered Capt. 
Johnson, of the Kentucky Light Dragoons, to advance with his 
troops to support them. Capt. Johnson did not join Trotter 
until the enem}- was out of reach. The cavalry returned and 
informed me that the enemy had fled precipitately. I have on 
this occasion to lament the loss of several brave men." 

The battle lasted about one hour and resulted in a loss to 
the whites of eight killed and forty-two wounded. The number 
of horses killed, was, according to one of the colonels, 107. 
Fifteen Indians were found dead upon the battle field, and it 
was estimated bv Col. Campbell that as many more had been 
carried away dead or mortalh- wounded. The Indian force was 
estimated at 300. 

The account of this battle is given for the reason that a 



MISSISSINEWA EXPEDITION. 



271 



large number of the Indians engaged were from Miami County. 
The scene of the conflict was in Grant County, at a command- 
ing point on tlie Mississinevva River. It is probable that more than 
half the number were from Miami County, and the occurrence 
was long an interesting topic to those that lingered here after 
the whites had become firmly located. The accompan3'ing dia- 
gram of the battle ground is given as an interesting feature. 

DIAGRAM REPRESENTING THE PLAN OF ENCAMPMENT 

AND THE BATTLE OF MISSISSINEWA, ON THE 

JIOHNING OF DEC. 18tii, 181-3. 




D 



j_^ C»pl. Hopki 



c 



nilcd by 
Capt. Smith's Co. 



L" 



«i 






I'Jlli. U.S. Fittiiljur^ 

Infantry Blues 

FfiONT LINE oOO FEET 




o. 



.\JIKRIC.\N FORCE ENGAGED, GOO MEN; LOSS, 8 KH^LED, 42 WOUNDED; 

107 HORSES KILLED. INDIAN LOSS NOT KNOWN. FIFTEEN 

DEAD WARRI0K8 FOUND ON THE BATTLE FIELD. 



272 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 



CHAPTER III. 

County Organization — Acts of the Legislature — Proceed- 
ings OF the County Board — Public Buildings — Creation 
OF Townships — County Finances — Expenses of the Poor 
— Wabash and Erie Canal — Rail Roads — Gravel Roads 
— Medical and Agricultural Societies — Elections — 
County Officers. 

MIAMI COUNTY became a distinct political organization 
on the 1st day of March, 1S34. It occupies an area of 
384 square miles or 245.760 acres. The surface is level or 
undulating, e.xcept along the course of the Wabash and its tribu- 
taries, the banks of which are fringed by ranges of hills prob- 
ably not exceeding an average altitude of one hundred feet. The 
countv was iriven the name of the tribe of Indians that had for 
so many years owned and occupied the territory. 

The several acts of the General Assembly establishing the 
new count}- and fixing its boundaries are as follows: 

Ak Act Establishixg the County of Miami. Aim'hoved February 2, 1832. 

Be it Eimeted hy the General .Usemhli/ (if the Stiite nf fniiinnn, That from .ind 
after the first Monda)' in April next, all the territory imluded within the foUowing^ 
bounds to- wit: Beginuins at the northwest corner of Section .5, Township 29, of 
Ranjre 5, being the northwest corner of Wabash county: thence south with the west- 
em boundary line of said county twenty-four miles to the north-west corner of Grant 
County: thence south six miles;" thence west to a point due sontli of range line divid- 
ing townships three and four, east of second |)rincipal meridian line: thence north 
from said range line to a jjoint due west from the place of beginning: thence east to 
the place of begiiming: shall form and constitute a county to be known and desig- 
nated by the name of the County of Miami. 

A Subsequent Act. Api'koved .Jakuauv 30, 1833. 

Be it further enacted by tlie General Assembly, That the boundaries of the 
County of Miami, as described in the act referred to in the foregoing, be and they 
are hereby changed as follows: Beginning at the north-east corner of Section 3, 
Township 2'j north, being the north-west corner of Wabash County, running thence 
south with the western boundary of said county twenty-four miles: thence from the 
south-west corner of the County Wabash, east four miles to the north-west west 
corner of Grant County: tlience soulli six ndles; thence west fourteen miles: thence 
north with the range line dividing ranges tliree and four east of the second princi- 
pal meridian thirty niiles: thence east ten miles on the township line dividing town- 
ships twent) -nine and thirty, to the place of beginning. 

Subsequent Act. Appkovkd, .January 2, 1834. 

Section 1. /?c it Enacted Jii/ the Genera! Axxeinhli/ nf the Stale of Indianti, 
That from and after tlie first day of' March, next, tlie County of Miami sliall enjoy the 
rights and jurisdiction which to separate and independent counties do or may prop- 
erly belong. 

Sec. 2. That Daniel Harrow, of the County of Putnam, Smallwood Xoel.of the 
County of Allen, .Joseph Tatman, of the County of Tippecanoe, and Harry Chase and 
John Baer, of the County of Carroll, be and are hereby aiipointed Commissioners for 
the purpose of fixing the permanent seat of justice of said County of Miami, agree- 



COUNTY ORGANIZATION. 273 

ably to the provisions of an act to pstablisli tlie seats of justice in new counties. The 
coiumissioneis or a majority of them shall convene at the house of Benj. Scott iu 
said county, on the tirst day of June noxt or soon thereafter as a majority shall 
agree. 

Sec. 4 The circuit and other courts of said county shall be held at the house of 
Benj. H. Scott, or at any other jilace in said County to which said court nuiy adjourn 
until suitable acconiuiodafious can be had at the seat of justice thereof, alter which 
the court shall be held at the county seat. 

Skc. .5. The ajrent who shall be appointed to superintend the sale of lots 
at the county scat of said Miami County, shall reserve ten per centum out of the 
proceeds thereof, and also ten per centmn out of all donations to said county, and pay 
the same over to .such person or persons as may be lawfully ajijiointed to receive the 
same, for the use of a county library for said county. 

Sec. 6. The Hoard doins;- count}' Imsiness, when elected and qualified, may 
hold special sessions not exceeding three during the first year after the organization 
of said county, and shall appoint a lister and make out all necessary appointments, 
and do and perform all other uei'essarv Imsiness wluch might have been necessary to- 
be performed at auy other regubn- session, and take all necessary steps to collect the 
State and County revenue. 

Sec. 7. The territory included in the following, boundary to-wit: Beginning at 
the soutlnvest corner of the County of Miami, running thence west two miles; thence 
north with the section lines, thirty (3U) miles to the uortli-east of Section 3, iu Town- 
ship '2S), Hangf' o: thence east two miles on the line dividing Townshii)s 2!) and 30, to 
the north-west corner of the County of Miami (being a jjortion of the territory now 
belonging to the County of Cassj, shall be and is hereby attached to the Coimty of 
.Miami, and sh.-dl hereafter constitute and form a part and portion of the territory of 
the said County of Miami. 

Sec. 8. The territory shall be attached to the eighth judicial circuit of this 
State for judicial purposes, and to the Count}' of Cass for representative purjioses. 

First term of commissioners court held in Miami County 
was at the house of John McGregor in Miamisport, on Wednes- 
day the 3rd day . of June, 1834. '^^'^ members of the board, 
Alexander Jamison, John Miller and John Cruidson were for- 
mally qualified by the Sheriff, after which they appointed Ben- 
jamin H. Scott clerk pro-tem. The tirst business of the board 
was the appointment of Wm. M. Revburn, County Agent, and 
Abner 0\erman, Count\' Treasurer. Petitions were then read 
praying the honorable board to grant a license to Nathan Mc- 
Guire and William Thompson to vend foreign merchandise at 
Miamisport. After some deliberation the prayer of the petition 
was granted, and the rate for such license fixed at $12.50. The 
second day's session was held at the house of Benjamin H. 
Scott. The principal business was the division of the county into 
two townships, viz: Peru and Jefferson with boundaries as else- 
where described. An election for a Justice of the Peace of 
the township was ordered held in the former at the house of 

on Saturday, the 21st day of June, and in the 

latter at the house of Widow Wilkinson on the same day. The 
board then appointed William Bain inspector of election, and 
John Plaster, Constable for Jefferson Township, and William 
Coats inspector of elections and James Pett}-, Constable for Peru 
Township. 



274 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

The first monev paid into the treasury was $25, for a license to 
vend merchandise at Miamisport and the first allowance made 
by the board was two dollars per day each for their services as 
Commissioners. Lewis Drouillard was assessed $5- ^^r the 
privilege of operating a ferry on the Wabash River opposite 
his store (wherever that may have been), for which the follow- 
ing rate was fixed: Each person, 6% cts., man and horse 25 cts. 
each wagon, 50 cts. each horse or ox attached to wagon, 12 }4 
Cts. Each hog or sheep, 3 cts., all children under twelve years 
of age attached to the family to pass free of charge. The first 
country road was surveyed and laid out September, 1834 and 
was described as beginning at a stake at the foot of a hill near 
an old elm tree in section 20, Township 27, range 4. and run- 
ning to the town of Mexico. This was deemed by the viewers 
to be of public utilit}- and therefore declared a public highway. 

At a special meeting held June 19th the first Grand and 
Petit Juries were selected and was composed of the following 
citizens: Grand Jur}- — Zephaniah Wade, George W. Holman, 
Jacob Linsee, Abner Overman, William Coats, John Hoover, 
Joseph Clvmer, Aaron Rhenberger, Ira Evans, John Plaster, 
John M. Jackson and William N. Hood. Petit Jur}- — George 
Townsend. John Wiseman, J. T. Liston, Wm. M. Reyburn, Robert 
Wade, Richard Rausford, Isaac Marquiss, Isaac Stewart, John 
Ray. Wm. Wilkerson, John Smith, Joseph C. Taylor, Wm. Can- 
non, Stewart Forgy, "Alexander Jameson, Joseph B. Campbell, 
Walter D. Nesbit, Ratliff Wilkerson, John Saunders, Nathaniel 
McGuire and Jesse Wilkerson. 

The commissioners appointed bv the Legislature for the 
purpose of fixing the permanent seat of justice met at the house 
of Benjamin H. Sett, in Miamisport, sometime during the sum- 
mer of 1834. ^o report of their proceedings was recorded and 
if filed was doubtless destroyed by the fire in 1843. It is 
known however, that in consideration of the donation of ground 
for a public square and the erection of a court house and jail 
by the proprietor, the county seat was located at its present 
site. The court house was not completed until 1843 and court 
was held in consequence at private residences and in the Presby- 
terian Church. 

In June of the same year William Reyburn was appointed 
County Agent. The principal duty of said officer was to 
superintend the sale of lots, receive donation money and dispose 
of funds as directed by board of commissioners. The school 
commissioner, road commissioner, tax collector and surplus reve- 
nue agent were offices that have long since been disposed of. 

In the spring of 1835 the ofilces were removed to Peru. 
A tax of three-fourths of one per centum was levied on each 



COUNTY ORGANIZATION. 275 

town lot in Miami County, eighty cents on c\ery Imndred acres 
of first rate land, sixty cents on every hundred acres of second 
rate land, and forty cents on every hundred acres of third rate 
land: polls, lifly cents: work oxen, per pair, fifty cents: pleasure 
carriages, fifty cents; watches, fifty cents. 

Public Buildings. — At the March term of Commissioner's 
Court 1835, it was ordered that a county jail he built on the 
northeast corner of the public square, and a court house in the 
center of said square. Plans and specifications were accordingly 
adopted for the erection of a court house. The plans provided 
for a brick building forty feet square, and two stories high with 
a stone foundation. The building was substantially built, con- 
veniently arranged, and, at that time was considered a very 
credible structure. The house was built by the proprietors of 
the town of Peru. Samuel McClure was the contractor in con- 
sideration of the location of the county seat at its present site, 
and it was accepted by the Commissioners in 1843. The house 
had been used but a short time when it was, with all the 
records, entirely destroyed b}' fire on the night of March 16, 

Second Building. — April the 7th, 1843, it was ordered by 
the Board that a fire proof building be erected for the county 
offices and the safe keeping of the records. In furtherance of 
such orders, Samuel Glass and James UeFrees were appointed 
to advertise and recieve bids for the construction of said build- 
ing according to the following specifications: To be 16x45 feet, 
built of brick with stone foundation, and, when completed, to be 
divided into three rooms of suitable dimensions for an auditor's 
office, a clerk's ofTice and a treasurer's office. The contract was 
purchased by George W. Goodrich for the sum of $769.00, to 
be paid in two equal installments, the first to become due on 
the first of June, -1844, and the second in one year after that 
date. 

In June 1848, the Commissioners contracted with George 
Goodrich for the erection of a recorder's office, dimensions 16x20 
feet. The site of said building was near the clerk's office, in 
the public square. 

The first jail was a small log building erected by Matthew 
Fenimore on the northeast corner of the public square, and, although 
built of logs and containing no iron cells, it was sufficiently substantial 
to retain the prisoners, who at that time, were uneducated in 
crime. This old building answered the purpose of the county 
until 1852 when it was destroyed by fire. The present building 
was completed September 1858. Nathan Crawford, of Hancock 
County, was the contractor. The contract was purchased for 
$29,600, but owing to a few changes in the original plans and 



276 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

specifications the cost was somewhat in excess of the con- 
tract price. The building is 60x80 feet, four stories high, includ- 
ing the basement, and is of the " Norman Castle" style of archi- 
tecture. The basement is used for a jail: on the first floor are 
the Clerk, Recorder, Treasurer and Auditor's offices. Each of 
these offices is provided with a fire-proof vault in which the 
records and papers are kept. On the second floor is the court 
room; the third floor is unoccupied. 

Organization of Tozvnsliips. — During the first term of Commis- 
sioners Court, which was held at Miamisport, June 1834, '^^ County 
was divided into two townships by commencing at the east line 
of the county and running on the line dividing Sections 22 and 
15 to the west line of the county, the township north of said 
line to be known and designated as Jefferson township, the one 
south to be known and designated by the name of Peru township. 

Perry Tozvns/iip. — Beginning at the southeast corner of 
Section 34, Township 29, north Range 5 east: thence west west 
to the county line; thence north to the northwest corner of said 
county; thence east to the place of beginning. 

Union Toivnshif was organized November 7, 1837, with 
the following boundaries: Beginning at the northwest corner of 
Section 4, Township 29, Range 4 east; thence west five miles 
to the northwest corner of the county; thence south nine miles to 
the southwest corner of Section 14, Township 28, Range 3 east; 
thence si.x miles to the southeast corner of Section 15 of the 
same township; thence north three miles to the northeast corner 
of Section 3, TowUvship 28, Range 4 east; thence west one mile 
to the northwest corner of Section last named: thence north six 
miles to place of beginning. 

Richland Tozunsfiip, organized November 7, 1837, with the 
following boundary: Commencing at the northeast corner Sec- 
tion 3, in Township 28, Range 5 east: thence west six miles to 
the northwest corner of Section 2, Township iS, Range 4 east; 
thence south si.x miles to the southwest corner of Section 35, 
Township 28, Range 4; thence east si.x miles to southeast corner of 
Section 34, Township 28, Range 5 east: thence north on the 
county line to the place of beginning. 

ycfferso)i Tozcns/iif, re-organized and with the following 
boundary: Commencing at the northeast corner of Section 22, 
Township 28, Range 4 east; thence west to the northwest cor- 
ner of Section 23, Township 28, Range 3 east; thence south on 
the county line to the center of Section 14, Township 27, Range 
3 east; thence west six miles to the line di^■iding Sections 14 and 
15 of Township 27, Range 4 east: thence north on the section 
line to the place of beginning. 

Ordered. That on and after this date all the territory lyinii 



TOWNSIIII' ORCANIZATION. 277 

east of Jefferson and south of Richland Townships, included in 
the following boundary, be attached to and form a part of Peru 
TtKciis/iip: Commencing at the northeast corner of Section 3, 
Township 27, Range 5 east; thence west to the northwest cor- 
ner of Section 2, Township 27, Range 4 east; thence south on 
the line of Sections 2 and 3 two miles and a half to the county 
line; thence on said line north to the place of beginning. 

Blnck Havjh and Eric Tozviis/iips. — On a petition of the inhabit- 
ants of the eastern porton of Peru Township, the following described 
territory was organized into the first named township: All 
that portion of the territor}' of Peru Township lying east of the 
recently established Range line and entireh' east of the Wabash 
County line, form and constitute said new township. Two years 
later, September 1847, the name of said Black Hawk Township, 
was changed to that of Erie. 

Lake Tozvns/iip. — The following described territory was 
organized into the above named township, June *], 1842, Com- 
mencing at the northeast corner of Miami County in Section 
22; thence west with said Section line and the northern boun- 
dar\' of the county, to the northwest corner of said county of 
Miami on Section 19; thence south with the Section line, and 
western boundary of this portion of said county, to the south- 
west corner of Section 31; thence east with the Section line 
between Townships 29 and 30 Range 5 to the center of Section 
five on said line; thence south through said Section 5. Town- 
ships 29 and 30, Range 5 ^'^ t^h^ center of Section five on said 
line; thence south through said Section 5, Township 29, Range 
5, to the Hne between said Section 5 and 8, Township 29, Range 

5, thence east with the Section line to southeast corner of Sec- 
tion 3, thence north with the eastern boundary of the County 
of Miami to the place of beginning. 

VVashi)igto)i Tozjiiship was organized and laid out June 

6, 1843, and bounded as follows, to-wit, : Commencing at the 
northeast corner of Township 26, Range 4, east, thence west on 
said north Hne of Township 26, until it intersects the Godfrey 
Reserve No. 7; thence south with said reserve to the southeast 
corner thereof; thence west along the southern line of said 
reserve to the Godfro)- Reserve No 8; thence south to the 
southeast corner of said reserve; thence west on the south line 
of said reserve to the Northwest corner of Section 4, Township 
26, Range 4, thence south on the section line to Indian boundary; 
thence east to the southwest corner of Butler Township, thence 
north on the west line of said Butler Township and the range 
line to the place of beginning. 

It was further ordered that the boundary line of Butler, 
Washington and Pipe Creek Townships be extended to the 



278 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

southern line of the county and have jurisdiction over said ter- 
ritorv for township purposes. 

About the same date the Wabash River was made the 
northern boundary of Butler Township. 

Deer Creek Toivmhip was organized September i, 1845 and 
bounded as follows: Commencing at the northwest corner of 
Section 2, Township 25. Range 3: thence east to the northeast 
corner of Section 5, Township 25, Range 4; thence south to the 
southern boundary of Miami County: tlience west to the south- 
west corner of said countv: thence north to the place of begin- 
ning. 

yacksoii Tozviis/iip was organized September 2, 1845 and 
bounded as follows: Commencing at the northwest corner of 
Section 2, Township 25, Range 5; Thence east to the northeast 
corner of section 5, Township 25, Range 6: thence south to the 
southeast corner of the county; west to the southwest corner of 
section 35, Township 25, Range 5: thence north to the place of 
beginning. 

Clay Township was organized March 3, 1846, as follows: 
Beginning at the northwest corner of Section 4, Township 25, 
Range 4, it being the northeast corner of Deer Creek Town- 
ship; thence east with the Congressional, to the northeast corner 
of Section i, Township 25, Range 4; thence south with the Range 
line dividing Ranges 4 and 5 east to corner of said Congression- 
al Township, on the south line of Miami County; thence west 
with the county line to the southeast corner of Deer Creek 
Township, at the southwest corner of Section 33, Township 25, 
Range 4; thence east to the place of beginning. 

harrhon Towiisliip was organized September 8, 1846, and 
is bounded as follows: Beirinninfr at the southeast corner of 
Section 3, Tow^nship 25, Range 5; thence west to the range 
line dividing ranges 4 and 5, at the northwest corner of Section 
6: thence south on said range line to the southern boundarv of 
Miami County, at the southwest corner of section 31, Township 

25, Range 5: thence east with the southern boundarv aforesaid, 
to the southeast corner of section 34, Township and range afore- 
said, thence north to the place of beginning. 

Ordered, that Sections 3, 10 and 15. Township 28 north, 
Range 4 east, be detached from Union Township and be attached 
to and form a part of Richland Township. 

Butler Tozi'iisliip was organized September the ist, 1841, 
and bounded as follows: Commencing at a point w'here a north 
line of Township 26. north Range 5 east intersects the line 
between Miami and Wabash Counties: thence west on the line 
of Townships 26 and 27 to the northwest corner of Township 

26, Range 5 ; thence south with said Township line to the south- 



\ 





/u 




y^L 




TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. 28 1 

west corner of said Township 26, Range 5; thence east with 
the south line of said Township to the boundary line between 
Miami and Wabash Counties; thence north with said boundary 
line to the place of beginning, being all of said Township 26, 
Range 5, which lies in Miami County. 

Allen Tozvuship was organized September 6th,' 1859, '^"^ 
bounded as follows: Beginning at the half-mile on the west side 
of Section 26, Township 29, Range 3; thence north on the line 
dividing the Counties of Miami and Cass and Fulton to the line 
dividing Townships 29 and 30 to the northwest corner of Section 
2, Township 29, Range 3; thence east with the line dividing 
the Counties of Miami and Fulton to the present line dividing 
the Townships of Union and Perry to the northeast corner of 
Section 4, Township 29, Range 4; thence south with the line 
dividing the said Townships of Union and Perrv to a center 
point on the east line of Section 28, Township 29, Range 4; thence 
west with the line dividing Sections 29 and 30, Township 29, Range 
4, and Sections 25 and 26 Township 29, Range 3, to the place of 
beginning. And it is further ordered that the said Township of 
Union, from which said Township of Allen is taken, retain its 
original name — Union — and that the original lines now bounding it 
continue to be its boundary, except that the above line separating 
the Townships of Allen and Union shall be the north boundary of 
the Township of Union. 

The following are the receipts and expenditures of the 
county for each fiscal year since 1843: 

Date. Receipts. Expenditures. 

1843 $4,428 00 |1,780 80 

1844 4,()(i2 34 5,8,56 24 

1845 5,067 84 6,517 20 

1846 .5,962 48 7,275 75 

1847 7,712 05 7,.562 96 

1848 8,748 27 7,173 27 

1849 7,682 50 8,824 17 

1850 10,719 78 10,906 78 

1851 11.249 83 8,444 14 

1852 16,855 49 11.826 35 

1853 18,280 51 15,305 21 

1854 21,349 03 16.740 20 

1855 26,883 40 21,256 05 

18.56 30,792 30 27,690 13 

1857 31,,550 16 28,366 08 

1858 32,842 87 25,976.52 

18.59 42,879 91 36,211 46 

I860 37,005 76 3(1.139 41 

1861 35,475 86 33,659 41 

1862 33,494 97 30,148 .59 

1863 36,965 29 39,124 24 

1864 56,329 .59 46,329 59 

1865 83,512 38 63,110 21 

1866 1,5.S..506 66 110.99!i 45 

1867 130,325 76 1' 4,309 20 

8 



282 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Date. Receipts. Expenditures. 

1868 116,194 73 101,052 87 

1869 105,347 47 101,476 94 

1S70 87.862 15 8:S.669 .59 

1«71 78,131 40 72,754 46 

1872 93,317 64 78,6.50 04 

1873 100,641 12 81,612 06 

1874 •. 106,815 67 86,278 96 

1875 109,864 39 88,500 85 

1876 117,827 55 110,510 53 

1877 73,0.58 77 ,58.076 85 

1878 86,776 00 83,691 23 

1879 72,93^ 84 55,806 30 

1880 105,723 12 96,581 83 

1881 89,049 43 74.505 37 

1882 222,.5.53 13 167,511 73 

1883 202,635 99 149,681 50 

1884 347,4.55 73 282,100 63 

1885 281,231 41 196.751 44 

1886 171,749 80 130,945 93 

Following is a statement of taxes together with the amount 
of taxable property in the count\- for each decade since the cre- 
ation of the county. 

Date. PoU. Total Taxables Total Taxes. 

1841 559 $ 401,354 | 3.933 42 

1850 1,851 977,270 16.200 20 

18(i0 3,606 4,265,763 3!I.S2ij 48 

1870 3,278 5,346,505 116,595 75 

1880 4,059 7,358,540 135.877 34 

Poor. — To properly care for the indigent of the county was 
a matter that called for attention from those in whose hands the 
public affairs had been intrusted, at the very beginning of the 
county's existence. At the first term of commissioners court 
William N. Hood and William M. Re^burn were appointed 
overseers of the poor of Peru Township. It was the dutv of 
these overseers to look after the needy of their respective Town- 
ships. The children were "bound out" while the adults were 
"farmed out" to the person who would properlv care for them 
and pay the highest price for their services. Those who by 
indolence and prodigality', had been thrown upon the public for 
support, found the svstem verv objectionable, and finding that 
they would be compelled to work for those to whom their labor 
had been sold, thev would refuse to accept the charities of the 
public and devise some other means of lively-hood. For those 
unfortunates who had properly became objects of charitj' the system 
not unfrequently worked a hardship. A County Asj-lum was soon 
provided and the old method abandoned. 

Poor Fiiriii. — In IMa}', 1835, an order was made by the Board 
of Commissioners authorizing William N. Hood to purchase for 
the location of a county poor asylum, the northeast fraction of Sec- 
tion 3, Township 27, Range 4. The counl^• paid for said land 



283 

$20.8o. From the experience of other counties it had become a 
well established fact that the poor of each count}' could be better 
provided for and more cheaply kept in an as3lum provided for that 
purpose than under the old svstem of township overseers. The 
Board, in accordance with the above conclusion, appointed I. M. 
DeFrees and Samuel Glass to contract for the erection of two 
houses described as follows: Houses to be constructed of hewn 
logs, 12x8 inches, the buildings to be two stories high. The first 
story to be 8 feet, 6 inches in the clear, and the second to be 7 feet, 
6 inches in the clear. One house to be 26x18 feet, and the other 
18 feet square. The contract provided that the buildings should be 
placed eight feet apart, and in the center of the land previouslv 
bought by said county. The contract was purchased by George 
W. Meeks for the sum of $365.00. The buildings were accepted 
by the Board in March, 1846, and a superintendent appointed to 
take charge of said asylum and provide for the wants of those un- 
fortunates who were dependent upon the charity of the world for 
support. O. E. Noland was appointed superintendent, and his re- 
port for the first vear showed that not a single pauper had been 
sent to the asylum. 

After several years the provisions were found to be inadequate, 
and the old farm \Vas sold to Charles Pefferman for $r,ooo.o6, and 
the southwest quarter of Section 3, Township 26, Range 4, in 
Washington Township, containing 160 acres, was purchased for the 
sum of $6,400.00. John Clifton was awarded the contract for the 
erection of a new house, which was completed and accepted July 
12, 1864. 

The following are the annual expense for the poor of the county 
for the dates as below given: 

Date. Expenditures. Date. Expenditures. 

1845 1 310 20 18(56 2,812 84 

184G .506 25 1867 .3,;310 18 

1847 155 94 1868 8,27156 

1848 490 65 1869 5,8:3160 

1849 662 09 1870 7,780 49 

185<i 8:38 78 1871 10,8,57 51 

1851 435 10 1872 6,:309 65 

18.52 6,37 18 1873 5,882,59 

18.58 :365 66 1874 5,8,59 02 

1854 609 70 1875 7,624 83 

18.55 2,327 62 1876 6,4:38 44 

18.56 2,869 28 1877 9,622 70 

18,57 1,8,54 71 1878 6,8:36 64 

1858 1.220 90 1879 .5.131 14 

18,59 1,002 68 1880 7,115 73 

186(1 969 92 1881 6,744 71 

1861 1,002 78 1882 7,795 45 

1862 1,4:W 68 1888 8,971 61 

18(W 1,1,57 88 1884 0,112 14 

1864 2,185 65 1885 8,864 40 

186.5 1,964 49 1886 8,470 91 



284 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

The Wabash and Erie Canal. — To the early and rapid 
development of Miami County, this Canal contributed very 
larfrely. It furnished means of transportation for the products 
of the county, which would of necessity have been delaved 
many year. In regard to its construction, the first boat, &c., 
Hon. John A. Graham wrote as follows : 

WABASH & ERIE CANAL. 

"From the letting in 1834, ^'^^ work has progressed steadih',. 
and it was expected that the division from Fort Wavne to Peru 
would be open for the navigation of boats bv the 4th of July, 

" Its completion was an important event, and had been waited 
for with interest and anxiety. Hence the Eorester says: 'Before 
12 o'clock of that day, the town was filled with people of the 
county, to witness the grand display to be made on the occasion. 
Unfortunately, the boats did not arrive. The banks, being porus, 
absorbed the water much faster than was anticipated. 

" P. S. — Since the above was written, we were informed that 
the packet boat Indiana, Capt. Columbia, had arrived at the head 
of the lock, about one mile above town, and that it would be 
impossible for her to reach the basin in consequence of the 
canal not having been sufficiently filled with water to buoj' her 
up.' The Indiana was the first canal boat, freighted with 
passengers alone, who left the canal boat at the lock above, and 
came down to town during the e\ening, where thev were most 
cordially received by Mr. Cooper, proprietor of the National 
Hotel [northwest corner of Canal and Miami Streets, familiarh- 
known as the Stag Hotel in earlv daj-s and burned down some 
years ago], at which place they were joined by a large and 
respectable party of ladies and gentlemen, and a few turns of 
the 'light fantastic toe,' accompanied with music, told how much 
the company were gratified at the long expected event. Capt. 
Columbia informs us he will make another trip to this place 
next week.' " 

CANAL LAND OFFICE LAND SALES "DOG." 

"The treat}' of 1834 ^^'^^ "^^ ratified by Gen. Jackson, on 
account of the numerous individual reservations; but in 1837, 
the bargain was struck by Martin Van Buren. This brought 
many lands within the canal land limits. Chauncy Carter com- 
menced the surveys in 1838. 

"Early in the spring of 1840, under the direction of J. L. Wil- 
liams, the Canal Commissioner, these lands were rated and booked, 
preparatory to the public sale in the fall of 1840. 

"John M. Wilt, Clerk of the Land Office at Fort Wayne, was- 



THE MIAMI CESSIONS. 285 

•engaged in selecting and rating the land in the spring of 1840, and 
in the summer the safe and other ofhce property was removed to 
Peru. The building occupied was the Wilson row, northeast cor- 
ner of Second and Miami streets. 

"The individual reservations referred to interrupted the canal 
grant of e\ery alternative Hve miles on either side, in lieu of this 
loss the state was allowed to select from anv unsold nfovernment 
land the equivalent in quantity of what she was deprived of by these 
reservations. These selections were made in 1844 and a public 
sale of them took place in the Fall of the same yeav, at the office, 
south side of Second street, third lot from Miami. 

"After the failure of the internal improvement system, large 
amounts were due contractors for work on the W. & E. Canal, 
which the State had no means to pay- These amounts were at first 
represented by certificates of indebtedness, issued to the contractors, 
on vellovv paper, which had a limited circulation under the name of 
"vellow dog." At the session of 1840, an act was passed by which 
this was taken up and a neatly-engraved bill, of the denomination of 
teij dollars, and afterward of live dollars, issued in its stead. This 
was made receix'able for interest, and subsequentlv for the principal, 
due on canal lands, and went under the name of "wjiite dog."' It 
was worth from forty to sixty cents on the dollar — a disastrous 
value for the contractor, but a blessing for those indebted for canal 
lands. "Dog" was a name given bv common consent to corporate 
promises to pav that were deemed of little value, hi the financial 
smash of 1S37, Michigan Bank paper, which constituted a large 
share of the currency, was called "red dog." The canal furnished 
"vellow dog." "white dog," and for the debts west of Tippecanoe, 
"blue pup."" 

A verv interesting and deeplv pathetic episode in the his- 
tory of the early settlement of that portion of Miami County lying 
south of the Wabash River, occurred in the year 1847, which is 
deserving of a more detailed notice than our limits will permit: 

Nearly half a century ago, shortly after its acquisition bv 
the Government, the territory known as the " Miami Cessions," 
or the " Great Miami hidian Reserve," began to be settled by 
a sturdy, honest and industrious class of citizens with a view of 
making it their permanent home by purchase of the respective 
tracts settled upon. In view of the extravagant representation 
■of the value of these lands, a pre-emption law was obtained 
with great difficult}' in 1845 at the increased minimum rate 
of two dollars per acre. This tract of land, consisting of 
thirt\' miles square, containing nine hundred square miles, at a 
former treaty with the Government of the United States had 
been reserved by the Miami tribe of Indians, and, at the time 
referred to, had only recently been acquired by the Federal 



286 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Government, and, for the reason assigned, had become cele- 
brated as the prospective "garden of the State," and in view of 
the immense value attached to it. Congress refused to embrace 
it within its pre-emption laws until 1845, as above stated. 

The years 1845 and 1846 will be remembered by the few- 
remaining fathers who came to the wilds of Indiana and settled 
on the great " Miami Indian Reserve," as years of unparalleled 
sickness, suffering and destitution throughout the Reserve. 

It was in the month of June 1847, when the inhabitants of 
this territory were without means to procure the necessaries of 
life, that a proclamation of President Polk for the immediate 
sale of these lands for cash down came upon this distressed peo- 
ple. They " spontaneously laid aside their implements of hus- 
bandry and congregated together" at the town of Peru for the 
purpose of imploring at the hands of the Executi^•e a postpone- 
ment of the sale. There were gray-headed men there, bowed, 
not so much with the weight of years as by excessive toil to 
acquire a home in the wilderness for their declining years, who 
wrung their hands and cried, " Alas, too late to begin again." 

An adjourned meeting was held on the 12th day of June, 
1847, to pass upon petitions, one by John U. Pettit, a candidate 
for the State Senate, one by Andrew J. Harlan, a member of 
Congress from the Grant County District, and one' by James B. 
Fulwiler, of Peru. The last named petition was adopted b\- the 
meeting unanimouslv, and a responsible and trustworthy person 
was delegated to deliver it in person to the President himself, 
which dutv was faithfully discharged, and the sale was post- 
poned agreeable to the prayer of the petitioners. 

This petition, which was instrumental in saving the homes of 
some 1500 families from the grasp of avarice, should be perpet- 
uated, and, as it more fully conveys to the mind of the reader 
the exigencies of the case, we give it in full, omitting the names 
of the signers: 

To His Excellency, James K. Polk, 

President of the United Stutes. 

We, the undersi.ined, be.s le;ive rcspectfiillj' to reprpsent to your Kxt'elleiu'V, 
that we are settlers upon the lands known a.s the "Jlia'iu Cessions." in Indiana: Ihat 
we are not i.anorant of theextraoriinarv cost of these lands to the iiovernnient, main- 
ly owiujr to extravajrant representations of their value by distini;uislied men whose 
foot-prints have nevertracked the soil; that, I0 the serious ))redjudice of settlers, it has 
continued to lie represented as immensely valuable, and surrounded liy a hisjlily de- 
veloped and densely |io|iulated country: thus creatinjr and fosterintr that bitter sec- 
tional predjudiee whi.h manifesti'd itself in unwonted hostility to the passa.^e of the 
late pre-emption law. That these re])resentations have been made at random and 
without a knowledire of the country, and that the impressions which jirevails abroad 
in resrard to the worth of the lands is incorrect, must sufficiently aiipear by reference 
to maps and field notes of the survey.s. Instead of meritinir the reputation of being 
the "sarden of the State," a cosrnomen jrained for it by stransrers to its (|uality and 
strangers to the surrounding country, it is, in fact, a body of ordinary land: the 



RAILROADS. 287 

choicest jiortions thereof liaviim' been reserved by individual Indians by treaty stipu- 
lations, and these, together witli numl)erless tracts selected liy the State for canal 
purposes, comprise nearly all the best U'ud and most desirable locations. That the 
adjacent country, instead of beinj;' densely pojiulated and valuable, is, in truth, sparse- 
ly settled, and its unimproved lands will scarcely command the miuimuni govern- 
ment price. That a large majority of the present occui)ants of this territory settled 
thereon prior to the passage of the pre-em]ition law, knowing that in the event of its 
becoming Stale land, they would have the benotit of easy and extended payments, 
and hoping, sliould it become Federal lands, that their improvements, in case of 
their inability to purcliase, would not be taken from them without remun(>ration. 
That, were it possible to blot out these improvements and transform the country in 
to its primeval state, the condition in which we found it, our honest convictions are 
that not one-half the tracts, now rendered valuable by our labor, could be sold at 
their minimum rate. 

Permit us further to represent, th;it the number of families occujjjing this ter- 
ritory, as actual settlers, is nearly two thousand, the value of whose improvements 
will probably average three hundred dollars each, and of this number not more than 
two hundred will lie prepared to avail themselves of the benefit of the late pre-emp- 
tion law. unless the sale sliall Vie [lostponed until the Fall of 184S, affording time to 
reali/<' the proceeds of the labor of tlie present and succeeding years. Unless the 
sale sliall be thus deferred, the consequences will be, that two hundred settlers will 
be able to secure eighty acres of laud each, which will bring into the I'nited States 
Treasury the inconsiderable smn of 80,000 dollars. Eighteen hundred will be unable 
to buy and must necessarily lose .'540,000 dollars expended in improvements, while 
the sale of these lands, on account of the improvements, will add to tlie National Ex- 
chequer 288,000 dollars, selling at the minimum rate of two dollars per acre, which 
may be the case, when the settler has not the me.ans to compete with an organized 
band of speculators. 

In view of this state of facts, the jiroclamation of Your E.vcellency designating 
so early a day for the sale of these lands has given rise to the most lively emotions of 
regret in the breasts of those for wliose benefit the late pre-emption law was enacted, 
and we have spontaneously laid aside our implements of liusbandary, and have con- 
gregated together for the purpose of imploring at the hands of Your Excellency, a 
posti>onement of this sale. Vi'e came here as ]iioneers of a country usually come, in 
humble circumstances, many of us have large families claiming support at our hands, 
have suffered the privations incident to a settlement in a new country, our labor and 
the jiroducts thereof have been alisorbed in opening our lields and erecting our cab- 
ins, and the general sickness which has prevailed to a fearful extent for the past two 
j'ears, producing an incalculalile .amount of human .suffering and destitution, has 
swept away the means that otherwise miglit have been spared to secure at this time 
our wilderness homes — homes w hich are dear to us, not on account of the supei-ior- 
ity of the soil, nor in view of their desirable localities, but because we have reclaim- 
ed them and rendered them valuable by the sweat of our brows — because of our la- 
bor, highways of communication now traverse the vast wilds where a short time ago 
the trail of the Indian ventured not — homes rendered dear by social and domestic 
ties, and thrice sacred as the burial ground of dep.arted friends. Yet, if this appli- 
cation for po.-itpouement fails, the homes of eighteen hundred families who have thus 
contributed their toil and treasure to render them valuable, will pass into the hands 
of heartless speculator.-*, and these families will become houseless, homeless, dispir- 
ited w.anderers after new lields of labor for a subsistence. 

In concluding this appeal. Your Excellency will permit us to say, while we are 
sensible that no ordinary circumstances, at this crisis, should be allowed to check the 
flow of money into the Xational Treasury, we at the same time feel contident that the 
voice of humanity, though it comes from the w ilderness, will not plead in vain. 

Therefore, we ask, if within the scope of Executive discretion, that Your Excel- 
lency may cause the sale of the "Miami Cessions" to be postponed, at least, until the 
Fall of 1848 or \mtil after the next congre.ss shall convene, and your petitioners will 
ever pray. 

Miami Keskkve. 

June 12th. 1847. 

Hail JRoads. — ^January 19, 1846, by the efforts of William J. llol- 



288 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

man, the Indianapolis & Peru R. R. Compan}- was incorporated. 
In the election of the first Board of Directors Miami County was 
represented by J. T. Miller, G. S. Fenimore, William Kesler, R. L. 
Britton, W. J. Holman and N. O. Ross. In June 1849, a proposi- 
tion was submitted to the people of the county a.sking for a sub- 
scription of $20,000 for the encouragement of the project. This 
was carried by a large majority of the taxpayers, and $10,000 
of said appropriation was immediately borrowed and placed in the 
hands of the directors. After much delay and many appeals to the 
people for additional help, the road was completed to Peru in the 
spring of 1854. The road was afterward extended to Michigan 
City, and is now known as the Indianapolis, Peru & Chicago R. R. 
The entire length of the road in the county is nearly forty miles, and 
has contributed much to the deyelopment of its resources and added 
largely to its material prosperity. 

Another project, which was contemporaneous with the fore- 
going, and in which the people of Miami County were much inter- 
ested, proyided for the construction of a road from Marion, Ind., 
to Chicago, yia Peru. The compan}' was incorporatdd under the 
name of the Marion, Peru & Chicago Railroad Company. The 
object of the scheme was to connect with another proposed route 
from Marion eastward with Cincinnati the terminal point. Thus 
the two great trade centers would haye been connected by a road as 
practicable as any that has since been constructed. In the election 
of othcers Mr. James B. Fulwiler, of Peru was chosen Vice-Presi- 
dent, and be it said to his credit, that if aU others connected with 
the company had displayed the same energy and zeal, the project 
would not haye failed. The following account of the project is in 
Mr. Fulwiler's own words: 

" In the year 1853 a compan}' was organized for the construc- 
tion of a railroad from Peru to Marion, Grant County, Indiana, 
composed of nine directors, to-wit: Judge M. G. Mitchell, of Piqua, 
Ohio, President: James B. Fulwiler, of Peru, Vice-President: Ira 
Stanley, X. O. Ross, C. S. Ellis, John A. Graham, Jesse Higgins, 

L. D. Adkinson and Peirce, of Marion. A large amount of 

stock was subscribed by substantial men along the yalley of the 
Mississinewa, and a written contract was entered into with the 
the President and Directors of the Mississinewa Valle\' Railroad 
Company, and the agents, legally appointed, of the Columbus, Piqua 
& Indiana Railroad Company, and duly adopted and confirmed by 
the respectiye companies, pro\iding for a perpetual business con- 
nection between the said companies at Union City, on the State 
line, of such a character as to full}- authorize and empower either of 
said parties to giye through tickets and freight bills either way over 
the several roads; providing for a uniform gauge, using the T rail, 
and for the erection of water stations, depots, switches, etc. As 



RAILROADS. 2 89 

the road shall then be completed to Peru, Miami County, Jndiana, 
the Columbus Company agreed to put upon the roads a sutticient 
amount of rolling stock for the business of the same as soon as the 
road should be completed in parts to justify it, and after the roads 
are completed, the said Columbus Conipan\- shall run the same for 
ten years upon fair and equitable terms to be agreed upon by the 
parties in interest. It was further agreed, upon the completion of 
the road, that, upon the election of either company to consolidate 
the stock, it should be done, and that the stock of each company 
should be put in at its fair cash value at that time, and new stock 
certilicates issued for the same. This contract was to be binding 
upon the parties so soon as confirmed by the boards of directors of 
the respective companies, and certified copies of this resolution, 
under seal, were interchanged between them. 

This secured to Peru the certainty of the road, and J. B. Ful- 
^viler and Jesse Higgins, who were instrumental in accomplishing 
these perpetual connections upon which depended the successful 
negotiations of their bond, returned to Peru from Marion, Grant 
County, where the representatives of the various roads had con- 
vened, flushed with victory over the combined wealth and talent of 
Logansport, only to find, to their mortification, that the director}' of 
the Union, Peru & Chicago Railroad Company had, during their 
absence, been beguiled by two adventurers, representing themselves 
as railroad men and capitalists, into a consolidation with another 
road from Peru to Chicago, and changing the eastern direction from 
Peru to a southern route by way of Cambridge City, the home of 
one of the adventurers. 

Thus Peru lost the benefit of contracts with the Marion & 
Mississinewa Valley Railroad Company and Columbus, Piqua & 
Indiana Railroad Company (by which the construction of the road 
from Peru to Marion was assured), as assurance had been given 
the Union, Peru & Chicago Company by certain New York capi- 
talists that, with the above connection duh' and legally entered into 
thev would furnish sufficient means for the construction of the road 
upon the bonds of the company." 

Toledo (£• IVaha^/i. — The first encouragement given to the con- 
struction of this line was at a public meeting held at Logansport, 
June 23, 1852. The road was completed between Peru and 
Logansport in 1856. It is now incorporated under the name of the 
Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific, with its termini at St. Louis and 
Toledo. This road, like all other public enterprises, received the 
financial encouragement of the people of Miami County, who have 
always showed their liberalit\- h\ their suj port of every movement 
tending toward public good. 

Pan Handle, or Pittsburg, Cincinnati & St. Louis, was built 
through the county about the year 1867. This affords the people 



290 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

of the southern portion of the county the means of transporting their 
products direct to Chicago and Cincinnati, and reaching tiie best 
markets of the country. Several prosperous towns have been built 
along the line of this road, which adds much to the wealth of the 
county. 

The Eel River Road was completed through the county 

. It entered the county from the west, in the Section 8, 

Township 27, Range 3; thence in a northeasterly direction to Mex- 
ico and Denver; thence east through Chili to the eastern limits of 
the county. While the line is not so successfully operated as other 
roads of the county, yet the benefits to this section of the county 
have been incalculable. This road traverses the county a total dis- 
tance of about seventeen miles. 

Gravel Roads. — During the past few vears there has been 
greatl improvement in the matter of public highways. In various 
parts of the count}- gravel roads have been made, and perhaps 
nothing contributes more to the welfare and progress of a commun- 
ity than good highways. 

The following table gives the date of the establishing of the 
several roads, together with the total estimated cost of the roads, 
including interest on the bonds and all other expense up to the lime 
they are to be paid for in full : 

1883. Shrock— Wa.shington and Clay Townsliijis 5; 31,992 80 

" Miller — Harrison, and a little in .Jackson Twp.. 9,067 36 

" Marsh— Butler and Harrison Townships 28,240 08 

" Ellis— in Pipe Creek Townshi]) 18,478 35 

" DiKkwall— in Pipe Creek Township 6,735 82 

" Ballard— in .Jackson Township 23,467 70 

1883. Cole— in Washinjnon Township 7,107 13 

" Zehring — in Deer Creek Township 10,199 44 

" Phelps— in Clay, and part in Deer Creek Twp.. Il,l4l 06 

" Squirrel Village — in Pipe Creek Township. .. . 8,173 57 

1885. Peru and Strawtown— in Washington Township. 7,000 00 

All free. 

The toll roads are : Peru & Mexico Turnpike Companv, 
Peru & Chili Turnpike Companv, Peru & Paw Paw Turnpike 
Company, Peru & Mississinewa Turnpike Compan\', Peru & Santa 
Fe Turnpike Companv. There are no reliable statistics at hand 
showing the cost of these, as they are private property. 

Medical Society. — The Miami Count\- Medical Societ\' was or- 
ganized, and articles of association filed Januar\' 3, 1875. The object 
of the society as set forth in the article of association, are to 
advance medical knowledge, improve the health and protect the 
lives of the communitv, and elevate the professional character of its 
members. Any regular graduate from a reputable medical college, 
of good moral character may become a member of said society by 
paving into the treasury the sum of three dollars. The original 
signers of the articles of association are as follows: J. H. Helm, 



ELECTIONS. 291 

M. D. Ellis, E. M. Bloomfield, E. J. Kendall, W. II. Brenton, J. O. 
Ward, W. A. McCoy, James A. Meek, E. C. Friermood, S. S. 
Marsh, W. T. Wilson, O. C. Irwin, James M. McKee and C. B. 
Higgins. The present membership as shown by Secretary's books 
is as follows : W. K. Armstrong, U. A. A. Ager, E. M. Bloomfield, 
C. C. Brady, W. H. Brenton, Ezra K. Friermood, B. R. Graham, 
John H. Helm, Carter B. Higgins, James A. Meek, S. S. Marsch, 
Henry P. McDonald, Rollin Pence and A. F.. Smith. The present 
officers are W. K. Armstrong, President; Carter B. Higgins, Secre- 
tary; Edwin M. Bloomfield, Treasurer and A. F. Smith, H. P. 
McDowell and E. K. Friermood Censors. 

Agrictdtural Societies. — Early in the history of the common- 
wealth of Indiana, did the la\y-maker recognize the value that would 
accrue from the incorporation of such societies, and accordingly 
provided b}- law for their organization. The first effort to organize 
a society in Miami County was in the early part of the fifties. After 
repeated efforts the Miami County Agricultural Society was organ- 
ized. The grounds were located east of the city of Peru on land 
owned by William Smith. Fairs were held here for many years, 
from which much good resulted. 

The ne.xt organization of this character was the Peru Driving 
Park and Fair Association which was incorporated September 20, 
1873. The object as set forth in the articles of association were to 
promote the agricultural, horticultural, mechanical and household 
interest of the county. The authorized capital stock was $22,000 
divided into shares of $100 each. The largest stockholders were 
J. T. Stevens, J. C. Kratzer, Wm. Rassner, G. and G. W. Conradt. 
No fairs have been held by this society for several years. 

Elections. — From various sources, the following figures have 
been compiled, showing the results of the Presidential elections for 
the years named: 

NOVEMBER 1844. 



TOWNSHIP. DEMOCBAT. WHIG. LIBERTY. 

Polk and Clay and Birney and 

Dallas. Frelinguuysen. Morris. 

Peru 256 282 

Union 44 26 1 

.lefforson 52 54 

Richland 70 00 

Perrv 44 78 

WiLsiiinifton 10 20 

Pipe Crei-lt 22 20 

Butler li) 23 

Total 517 569 

No returns for Lake and Erie Townships. 



292 



HISTORY OF >nAMI COUNTY. 



NOVEMBER 1848. 

TOWNSHIP. DEMOCRAT. 

Caes and 
Butler. 

Peru 171 

Jefferson 73 

Kichbmd 87 

Perry 69 

Union 55 

Erie 34 

Wasbinj!:ton 77 

Pipe Creek 60 

Deer Creeli 30 

Clay 39 

Jackson 28 

Butler , 47 

Total 770 

No returns from Harrison. 



WHIO. 


FREE SOIL. 


Taylor and 


YanBoren and 


Filmore. 


Adams. 


175 


7 


95 


12 


98 


2 


73 


26 


47 


4 


19 




68 


• 


34 




33 


4 


17 




18 


15 


55 





730 



70 



NOVEMBER 1852. 



TOWNSHIP. DEMOCR.IT. 

Pierce and 
King. 

Peru 253 

Jeilerson 92 

Erie 47 

Washington 114 

Deer Creek 74 

Clay 89 

Union 99 

Pipe Creek 74 

Richland 97 

Perry 91 

Butler 69 

Jackson 43 

Harrison 55 

Total 1196 



wrao. 


FREE SOIL. 


Scott and 


Hale and 


Graham. 


Julian. 


22G 


3 


135 


12 


28 




70 


1 


70 


6 


24 




63 


1 


56 




124 




85 


13 


84 




24 


33 


9 


16 



968 



85 



NOVEMBER, 1856. 



TOWNSHIP. DEMOCRAT. 

Buchanan and 
Breckenridge. 

Deer Creek 66 

Kichl.mcl 132 

Perry 98 

Peru 370 

Union 138 

Clay 98 

Jackson 55 

Harrison 69 

Pipe Creek 112 

Butler 66 

Jefferson 124 

Washington 131 

Erie 54 

Total 1513 



REPTTRLICAN. 


FREE SOIL. 


Fremont and 


Filmore and 


Da>-ton. 


Donelson. 


98 


2 


142 


3 


110 


16 


292 


5 


103 


1 


30 


1 


107 


6 


50 




65 




113 


4 


135 


1 


102 




43 





1390 



38 



ELECTIONS. 



293 



NOVEMBER, i860. 

TOWNSHIP. DEMOOB VT. P.EPUBLIOAN. IND. DEMnORAT. UNION. 

BreckenriilKe Lincoln anil Dous-liis and Boll and 
and Lane. Humlin. jDJinson. Everett- 
Peru 7 369 881 

Jefferson 7 151 ll(i 

Union 81 73 

Allen 5 63 77 

Perry i 174 121 

Richland 186 148 

Erie 3 57 58 

Washinfcton 113 121 

IJutler 165 87 

.Jackson 138 45 

Harrison 69 86 

Clay 55 117. 

Deer Creek 124 67 

Pipe Creek 90 111 

Total 26 1835 1608 00 

NOVEMBER 1864. 

TOWNSHIP. DEMOCRAT. REPUBLICAN. 

McClellan and Lincoln and 

Pendleton. JohuBon. 

Peru 434 384 

Jefferson 134 139 

Perry 110 163 

Union 79 81 

Hichland 126 195 

p;rio 57 61 

Butler 103 153 

Washington 123 101 

Pipe Creek 114 82 

Deer Creek 63 168 

Clay 145 51 

Harrison .- 94 59 

Jackson 62 120 

Allen 74 69 

Total 1717 1831 

NOVEMBER 1868. 

TOWNSHIP. DEMOCRAT. REPUBLICAN, 

Seymourand Grant and 

Blair. Colfax. 

Peru 569 485 

Jefferson 178 129 

Union 110 108 

Perry 1,54 200 

Richland 126 212 

Erie 60 74 

Butler 128 163 

Washinffton 167 123 

Pipe Creek 154 111 

Deer Creek 103 146 

Clay 147 51 

Harrison 147 103 

Jackson 134 196 

Allen 94 93 

Total 2271 2193 



294 



HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 



NOVEMBER, 1S72. 

DEMOOBAT AND 

TOWNSHIP. LIBERAL BEPUBLICAN. KEPUBLICAN. 

Greely and Gr.int ami 

Brttwn. Wilson. 

Peru G-10 7.58 

Jefferson 117 141 

Deer Creek 79 152 

Clay 140 57 

Butler 132 150 

Perry 138 180 

Richlimcl 112 209 

Erie 77 50 

Allen 63 129 

Union 71 124 

Jackson 132 227 

Washington 158 116 

Pipe Creek 165 115 

Harrison 95 127 

Total 2119 2535 

NOVEMBER, 1876. 

TOWNSHIPS. BEPUBLICAN. DEMOCRAT. 

Hayes and Tilden and 

Wheeler. Hendricks. 

Allen 154 123 

Peru 714 794 

Jeffer-son 165 206 

Perry 201 166 

Union 125 130 

Richland 223 172 

Erie 76 88 

Butler 177 172 

Washinirton 132 201 

Pipe Creek 163 201 

Deer Creek 163 112 

Clay 54 124 

Harrison 112 135 

Jackson 265 171 

Total 2724 2785 

NOVEMBER 1880. 



DEMOOBAT. 

O'Conor and 
Julian. 
1 
1 

8 



8 

1 

10 



20 
50 



INDEPENDENT. 

Cooper and 
Cars-. 



64 



TOWNSHIP. BEPDELICAN. 

Garfield and 
Arthur. 

Allen 168 

Peru 511 

Jefferson 216 

Perry 203 

Union 121 

Kicliland 224 

Erie 77 

Butler 135 

Wasliiuiiton 165 

Pipe Creek 204 

Deer Creek 176 

Clay 61 

Harrison 125 

Jackson 284 

T(>t;il 301G 



DEMOCRAT. 


NATIOS.W,. 


Hancock and 


Weaver and 


Enalish. 


Chambers. 


125 


9 


903 


8 


229 





170 


3 


120 





181 





88 





186 


33 


213 


4 


198 


4 


125 


4 


191 





173 





159 


35 



3066 



107 



COUNTY OFFICERS. 295 

NOVEMBER 1884. 

TOWNSHIP. BKMOOBAT. R'.n'lIBLlCAN. NATIONAL. PROHIBITION. 

Cli'vclnnd ami Hlaincaml Butler. St. John. 

Hendricks. LoKau. 

Allen l'2t) 1()7 13 

Peru 1103 840 18 1 

Jefferson 2.")1 217 6 

Perry li)3 201 1 

Union Ill 113 1 

Kichland 143 205 23 2 

Erie 85 75 2 1 

Bi tier 165 169 13 

Wiishington 216 151 1 1 

Pipe Creek 209 182 5 

Deer (.'reek 158 168 1 3 

Clay 188 81 

Harrison 180 108 1 14 

Jackson 183 309 15 5 

Total 3810 2996 98 29 

Co)iiiiiisswiicrs. — Fir.st Di.strict, John Crudson, 1834; Wm. M. 
Reybui-n, 1835; Z. W. Pendleton, 183S; D. R. Bearss, 1840; John 
Hiner, 1841; George Wilson, 1844; George C. Smith, 1847; Sam- 
uel Jamison, 1850; David A. Carr, 1853; Cornelius Cain and E. B. 
Masse}-, 1854; N. D. Nicoles, 1856; John Hann, 1861; Thomas 
Dillard, 1864; William Zehring, 1867; Joseph B. Mills, 1S73; 
Stephen Cranor, 1876; D. H. Cain, 1880; G. S. Evans, 1882. 

Second District, John W. Miller, 1834; James Gillett, 1839; 
Henry Zern, 1848; F. S. Hackley, 1851; George Wilson, 1854; 
Allen Skillman, 1857; David Charters, i860; Paul Burk, 1S63; 
David Charters, 1866; R. C. Harrison, 1869; Absalom Wilson, 1875; 
Geo. Eikenbery, 1878: Fred Meyers, 1884. 

Third District, Alexander Jamison, 1834; Euther Chapin, 1840; 
Samuel Jamison, 1841: Martin M. Scruggs, 1842; Hiram Butler, 
1849; E. A. Deniston, 1855; James R. Leonard, 1861; R. K. 
Charles, 1864; James R. Leonard, 1865; Benjamin Graft, 1870; 
John C. Davis, 1876; J. W. Hunt, 1882; J. C. Davis, 1884: Noah 
Miller, 1886. 

Clcrls: — Benjamin H. Scott, 1S34; J^mcs B. Fuhviler, 184S; 
Alexander Blake, 1855: Darius C. Darrow, 1863; John A. Graham, 
1867; Jesse S. Zern, 1871; C. A. Parson, 1879; Joseph Lari- 
mer, 1887. 

Auditors. — James M. Defrees, 1841; Ira Mendenhall, 185 1; 
Elam Henton, 1855; Thomas Jav. 1859; Franklin T. Foote and 
Elam Henton, 1862: Charles Efferman, 1864: Milo D. Ellis, 1865; 
Louis B. Fuhviler, 1870: R. B. Runyan, 1878: Wm B. Miller, 1886. 

Recorders. — Benjamin H. Scott, 1834; William C. Buckhanan, 
George Wilkerson, 1855: Abel L. Hurtt, 1859: William S.Todd, 
1863: William F.Ege, 187 1: Wm. A. Gibney, 1879: Michael Bap- 
pert, 1887. 



296 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Treasurers. — Abner Overman, 1834: A. M. Higgins and 
Albert Cole, 1836: Zach. W. Pendleton and William R. Mabrav, 
1837; Samuel Glass, 1842; Carlton R. Tracy, 1848: Daniel Brower, 
1853: Silas Enyart, 1855; Henrv Dutton, 1857: David R. Todd, 
1859; James T. Miller, 1863: Otto P. Webb, 1865: James T. Mil- 
ler, 1867: Charles Spencer, 1871: William B. Deniston and Ira B. 
Meyers, 1873: Jno. R. Porter, 1879: Ebenezer Humrickhouse, 
i88"i; J. C. Clymer, 1885. 

Sheriff. — Jacob Linzee, 1834; A. Leonard and L. D. Atkinson, 
1838; John A. Graham, i84i;Noah S. Allsbaugh, 1S45; Coleman 
Henton, 1847; Jonas Hoover, 1851; Hiram Moore, 1854; John 
Wertz, 1855; Joseph Hiner, 1857: John T. Miller, O. H. P. Macv, 
1858; Wesley Wallick, i860: O. H. P. Macy, 1862: Wesley Wal- 
lick, 1864; Samuel Ream, 1868; Willard Griswold, 1872: Vincent 
O'Donald, 1876; A. J. Parks, 1880: Edward T. Gray, 1884. 

Surveyor. — Joseph B. Campbell, 1835; A. A.Cole, 1840:8. 
Holman, 1841: Ira Mendenhall, 1843: George W. Goodrich, 1847; 
Milton Cook, 1852: H. Beane. 1854: J. M. Moorhead, 1S56: Henry 
Krauskoff, 1S58; C.J. Kloenne, i860; Henry Krauskoff, 1861, A. 
J. Phelps, 1863; G. W. Goodrich, 1864: D.'C. Goodrich, 1866; S. 
E. Haacken, 1868; W. W^ Sullivan, 1872: Richard H. Cole, 1876; 
Michael Horan, 1880. 

Coroner. — James Crowell, 1836; James Mowbraj-, 1846: Wm. 
S. White, 1848: Robert Miller, 1854: James Crowell, 1862; Adam 
Beck, 1869: Joseph Oldham, i874:Joseph C. Ogle, 1876; Charles 
Broadbeck, 1878: A. B. Scott, 1879: Abner C. Kimball, 1880; 
George Nelp, 1882; Eli J. Jamison, 1886 

Senators. — George W. Ewing, 1837; William Wright, 1840; 
William M. Re\burn, 1843; Cyrus Taber, 1846: Jacob D. Cassatt, 
1847: Benjamin Henton, 1850: John Shellenberger. 1852; Daniel 
R. Bearss, 1854: Samuel S. Terry, 1864; Stearns Fisher, 1868; 
Robert Miller, 1870; Daniel R. Bearss, 1874: Milton Garrigus, 
187S; L. D. Adkinson, 1882: B. F. Harness, 1886. 

Representatives. — Gillis McBean, 1835: William N. Hood, 
1836: Alexander Wilson, 1838: William M. Reyburn, 1840; Daniel 
R. Bearss, 1841; Gabriel Swihart, 1842; Daniel R. Bearss, 1843; 
John U. Pettit, 1844: Benjamin Henton, 1845: George W. Holman, 
1846; Alphonso A. Cole, 1847: Natlian C. Ross, 1848: Alonzo A. 
Cole, 1849: Richard F. Donaldson, 1850: Benjamin Henton, 1852; 
N. W. Dickerson. 1854: Reuben C. Harrison, 1856: William Smith, 
1858: Richard F. Donaklson, 1862: Jonas Hoover, 1864: Nathan 
O. Ross, i866:Jonathan D. Cox, 1868: J. W. Edward, 1872; David 
Charters, 1874; Samuel Woodv. 1874: William Zehring, 1876; 
W. H. Thomson, 1876: G. I. Reed (Miami and Howard): A. C. 
Bearss, 1878; C. A. Cole, 1880: N. N. Antrin, 1882; Henry V. 





j'/s^Aa^y 



MII>ITAKY HISTORY. 299 

Passage, 1884: Jabez Cox, 1886; Charles Cox (Miami and Cass), 
1886. 



CHAPTER IV. 



Military History — The Early Militia System — The Mexi- 
can War — Public Sentiment Prior to 1861 — The Call 
TO Arms — First Troops for the Front — Miami County 
Regiments in Detail — Roll of Honor — Bounty and Re- 
lief. 

FROM the earliest settlement in Miami County by the whites, 
there was but little military display to interrupt the peaceful 
pursuits of its citizens until that deluge of civil discord which began 
in 1 86 1. When the first permanent homes were established here, 
the hidian troubles that attended the second war with Great Britian 
had been settled. The celebrated Miami Confederacy had been 
entirely broken up, leaving the country undisturbed by the red war- 
riors. Some of them yet linger in the county, reluctant to quit the 
scenes of their nativity, but the tide of immigration has submerged 
most of them, and thev are now scarcely known except in the fad- 
intj memor\- of the oldest settlers. 

c) ■ . . . . 

The militia, which had done such effective service in the early 
Indian wars, was fostered by the early laws of the State. All able- 
bodied men of proper age were enrolled and required to attend cer- 
tain da\s in each year for the purpose of drilling in militar\- tactics. 
At lirst the people took active interest in learning the different mili- 
tary movements and studied in their homely way the strategies of 
war. Each man furnished a gun in the beginning, and all were 
skilled in the manual of arms. These musters took place several 
times a year and were generally held at the county seat or some 
other important point in the county. They were always attended 
by large and motley crowds. A long period of peace had some- 
what impaired the efficiency of these musters, and the occasions 
became more of the nature of holidays. As the men were privileged 
from arrest on "training days" a general jollilication usually took 
place, and fun of the more rough and boisterous kind was indulged 
in, frequently mingled with fights. This system was maintained 
almost uninterrupted until the time of the Mexican war. 

Mexican War. — Affairs between the United States and Mex- 
ico having assumed a hostile attitude, the President of the United 
States by proclamation. May 11, 1846, announced that a state of 

4 



300 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

war existed between this country and Mexico. Conijress immedi- 
ately authorized a call for 50,000 volunteers, one-half to be mus- 
tered in at once, and the remainder to be used as a reserve. May 
23d, 1846, James Whitcomb, Governor of Indiana, issued a procla- 
mation, in conformity with the orders of the President. Immedi- 
atel\- upon the call of the Governor, Capt. John M. Wilson com- 
menced the enlistment of volunteers for the war. Failing to enlist 
a full compan}- from Miami County, volunteers from the counties of 
Tippecanoe and Johnson joined in sufficient numbers to complete 
the roster. Owing to the incompleteness of the records in the 
Adjutant-Generars Ofiice, only a partial enrollment of the company 
can be given. Privates — Jno. Mellen. Wm. Passons, Geo. Carpen- 
ter, W. L. Price, Richard Bell, Joseph Bishop, C. M. Drouillard, 
Martin Wey, Phillip Parcels, Wm. McClain, Q. A. Fisk, Jesse 
Rowdle, J. Richardson, Luther Bush, Valentine Prester, G. Gor- 
don, J. Brown, James Rellahor. Wm. Dought\', L. B. Lynch, Bar- 
net Judge, H. Davenport, S. Segraves, Levi Shelenberger. J. W. 
Nichols, J. C. Harvey, J. H. Reed. Edward Anibal, S. S. Bottow, 
P. I. Brown, S. L. Clark, W. L. Clark, Samuel Collyer, Jackson 
Castor, J. S. Denton, Wm. Flagg, J. B. Franklin, Nathan Gibson, 
Joseph Gertes, Jonas Hoover, W. Humphrer, Isaac Ilarter, Alex. 
Hoiliday, Wm. Kelley, I. Keicher, L. Alarquiss, Conrad Metzer, 
Edward McManus, Michael McDonald, Dennis Naughton. Michael 
O'Niel, H. W. Penny, James Parr, Adam Pence. S. Rodger, Geo. 
Roundebush, James Shahan, Jno. Scarce, Edward Wilson, Abram 
Wright, D. R. Todd, Jno. S. Crooks, Howard Shadinger, W. G. 
Kersner, Henrj' Collins, L. Curtis, A. A. Hunter, James Coleman, 
Charles Smith, Major Miller, Harvey Tucker, D. M. Dunn, Cap- 
tain Sanderson, A. F. Smith, W. T. Wilson. 

Captain Wilson, with company-, left Peru for New Albany, the 
place of rendezvous, June i6th, 1846. In the organization of regi- 
ments. Captain Wilson's company was assigned to the position of 
B in the First Regiment. The regiment was officered by James 
P. Drake, Colonel: C. C. Na\'e, Lieutenant-Colonel, and I^enry S. 
Lane, Major. At the expiration of one year the company was 
mustered out with regiment June 15th, 1847. 

For several years prior to 1861 the country had been drift- 
ing surely toward civil war. The two sections, the North and 
the South, had different interests to serve in the administration 
of national affairs. Until that time the contest had often been 
vigorous between the two sections, but always peaceful. The 
Republican party was then in its infancy, but it contained some 
elements that foretold destruction to the greatest institution of 
the Southern States — slavery. It is true that the part\' had not 
then taken an\- direct stand upon the question of slavery, but 
its leaders were among the avowed opponents of that institution. 



MILITARY IIISTOKV. 3OI 

and nianv liad been identified with the movement for its aboli- 
tion. Abraham Lincoln had publicl}- declared that it was his 
deliberate conviction that the Government could not exist half 
sla\e and half free. His election to the Presidency, therefore, 
the Southern Stales accepted as a menance to their institutions, 
w-hich had long been sanctioned by the laws, and, as they 
thouirht, with apparent right. In that section of the Union the 
doctrine of State rights as paramount to national rights had long- 
been taught under the leadership of John C. Calhoun. Accord- 
inglv the\' did not long hesitate to secede from the Union when 
it was known that Lincoln had been dul}- elected President. 
The South had for many years been dominant in the affairs of 
the nation, and with them it was rule or ruin. In the election 
of 1S60 thev had seceded from the Democratic part>-, with 
which they had always acted, and refused to support Stephen 
A. Douglas for President. On the 20th of December, i860, 
following the election of Lincoln, South Carolina took the first 
active step and passed an ordinance of secession from the Union. 
In this movement she was followed in rapid succession by Miss- 
issippi, January 9; Alabama and Florida, January 11; Georgia, 
Jainiarv 19: Louisiana, January 26; Texas, February i ; Virginia, 
April 17: Arkansas and Tennessee, May 6; North Carolina, 
Ma\' 21. No President ever assimied the duties of that high 
ollice under more tr\ing times than did Abraham Lincoln. 
Seven States had declared themselves out of the Union and 
refused to recognize his authority, and in less than two months 
foiu- others had followed into the Confederacy. In February, 
1861, a peace conference was held at Baltimore, attended h\ 
some of the most influential men from most of the States. The 
object was to effect a compromise between the different sections 
of the L'nion and to prevent a disruption and war. After a 
laborious sitting of several days it adjourned without ha\ing 
accomplished the purpose for which it was called. Excitement 
was at the greatest tension throughout the country and public 
spirit ran high. The extreme partisans that had supported the 
new President were for a time disap]U)inted when thev saw that 
other States were allowed unmolested to leave the Union and 
join the Confederacy. All over the North there was a divided 
sentiment in regard to the cause and responsibility of this attempt 
to sever the Union. There were many who believed that if 
the South wanted to withdraw from the Union there was no 
legitimate way of preventing it. In other words thev thoiufht 
a State could not be "coerced." I'he condition of affairs was so 
strained that meetings were held in all parts of the country to 
•discuss the state of the Union and advise the best course to 
pursue. It was in the midst of this excitement of the public 



302 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

mind that the firing upon Fort Sumpter took place. That deed, 
more than all others, united the loval hearts of the North in de- 
fense of the national flag that had heen fired upon hv those 
in rebellion. They welcomed it, perhaps, as the only solution 
to the questions of the hour, and gladly responded to the call 
to arms. 

The Call to Arms. — No portion of the Union responded to 
the President's call for 75,000 volunteers with more alacrity than 
did the Slate of Indiana. And of Indiana's thousands of loyal 
sons none were more eager for the fray than the citizens of 
Miami Countv. Hardly had the echoes from the last guns at 
Fort Sumpter died away before the stirring scenes that attended 
a public volunteering were arousing the people of Peru and 
vicinity. The thought of our flag being lowered at the com- 
mand of a rebellion inspired new patriotism in all those who 
loved that flag for the principles of union and toleration that it 
represented. If there had been any in this community who held 
that obnoxious idea that the General Government could not coerce 
a State into compliance with its laws, they were prudently quiet 
when that question first came to the test. The sentiment of the 
people was almost wholly and unanimously in favor of maintaining 
the Union unimpaired. 

Volunteer iiig. — The smoke from the guns of Fort Sumpter had 
scarcely blown away before the people of Miami Countv, with the 
patriotism that had characterized their action in the past, had come 
forward and proffered their services for the defense of the country. 
The proclamation of President Lincoln calling for 75,000 troops 
was issued April 15th, 1862, the news reaching Peru on the follow- 
ing day. .This was immediately followed by the proclamation from 
Governor Morton, which was responded to by the offer of 
a full company organized and ready for the front. The company 
was organized by J. M. Wilson, who was at the time the most 
prominent military man in the county, having served as captain in 
the Mexican war. The compan\- at once reported at Indianapolis, 
but the quota under the first call had been filled and the company 
was in consequence held as reserve until the call for enlistment for 
three years service was issued, when it was mustered in and assigned 
the position of B in the Thirteenth Regiment. The commis.sioned 
officers of the company with the dates of commissions were. Cap- 
tain. J. M. Wilson, April 23, 1861; William H. Shields. May 10. 
1862. First Lieutenants, William H. Shields, April 23, 1861; Wm. 
F. M. Wallick, May 10, 1862; William B.Vance, July 15, 1863. 
Second Lieutenants, were Wm. F. M. Wallick, May 6, r86i : 
George W. Rader, May 18, 1862; Henry Sterne, September i, 
1862; Silas Clark, June 3, 1863. The latter became First Lieuten- 
ant, Company A reorganized. The original number of enlisted 



MILITARY HISTORY. 303 

men of the company was 96. It was recruited with 22 men. There 
were 17 non-commissioned and enHsted men died, and 11 deserters. 
John M. Wilson was promoted Major of tliis regiment Mav 10, 
1862, and was rccommissioned November 14th of the same \ear, 
promoted Lieutenant-Colonel June 13, 1863; term expired August 
3, 1S64; re-entered the service as Colonel of the 155th regiment. 
George W. Rader was promoted quartermaster. 

Sketch of the Thirteenth Re;j;imciit. — This was one of the 
four Regiments that first entered the service from Indiana 
for the term of three years, and was mustered in at Indi- 
anapolis .on the 19th of June, 1861, with Jerry C. Sullivan, as 
Colonel. On the 4th of July it left for the field, and on the 
morning of the loth joined Gen. McClellan's forces at the foot 
of Rich Mountain, Western Virginia. On the next day it par- 
ticipated in the battle of Rich Mountain, under Gen. Rosecrans, 
losing 8 killed and 9 vv'ounded. On the 13th it moved to Bev- 
erlv and thence to Cheat Mountain Pass, and on the 12th and 
13th of September took part in the engagement which resulted 
in the defeat of Gen. Lee's forces. It marched to Alleghany un- 
der Gen. Milrov. and on the 13th of December participated in 
the battle at that place. After several movements of minor im- 
portance, it moved to Winchester, where it pru-ticipated in the 
battle of Winchester Heights on the 22nd of March, and then 
followed in the pursuit of Stonewall Jackson's army as far as 
New Market. It participated in the battle of the Deserted 
Farm on the 30th of January, 1863, and the defeat of Long- 
street in his attempt to seize Suffolk. Whjle stationed at Folev 
Island it took part in the operations on Morris Island, during 
the seige of Forts Wagner and Greirc:- and was the first to en- 
ter in the assault on Fort Wagner on the 7th of Septem- 
ber. The Thirteenth was engaged in nearly all the operations 
of Gen. Butler's arm}- south of Richmond, in all of which the 
loss was about two hundred. On the 13th of June, 1S64, the 
Regiment was transferred to the Army of the Potomac. After 
which it participated in the battle of Cold Harbor, assault of 
the rebel works in front of Petersburg, the battle of Strawberry 
Plains and operations against Richmond. On the 6th of De- 
cember, 1864, was reorganized into a baltallion of five compan- 
ies. Was mustered out on the 5th of September, 1865, with 
29 officers and 550 enlisted men. 

Non-commissioned officers of Company B were Henr}' 
Sterns. James Carney, James Robinson. Jno. H. Ream and Dan- 
iel Baker, Sergeants; S. E. Chamberlain, William Starr, A. 
B. Andrews, Alexander Leach. John Powell, William Vance, 
Francis Moore, Jno. F. Wagoner, Corporals. 

Conipaiiv F Sixteenth jRegiiiicnt, was the second company to 



304 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

enlist from this county. The commissioned officers of the company 
with dates of commissions were, Captains: J. C. Jones. Greencastle, 
August 13, 1862:}. R. S. Cox, Indianapolis, November 25, 1862; 
Elijah Hawkins, Peru, April 14, 1865. First Lieutenants: Elijah 
Hawkins, August 12, 1862: George Cline. INIav i, 1865. Second 
Lieutenants: J. R. S. Co.\, 1862: Henry L. Boyce, Januar\- 25, 
1863; WiUiam A. Walker, May i. 1865. The original number of 
enlisted men was 88, with 30 recruits. Of the 88 enlisted men 
48 were credited to Miami county, while the whole number of 
recruits were from this county. There were 24 non-commis- 
sioned officers and enlisted men who died, and five deserted. 
The whole number accounted for, 120. None of the regimental 
officers were from Miami count}-. 

Sixteenth Regiment, was organized at Richmond in May, 
1 861. It was intended to serve within the limits of the State 
for one year, but was offered to and accepted by the Govern- 
ment on the same day that the news of the disaster at Bull Run 
reached Indianapolis, and on the 23 of July left Richmond. It 
was the first regiment that marched through the streets of Bal- 
timore after the firing upon the Sixth Massachusetts regiment in 
April. The terni* of service expired in May 1862, but was 
reorganized May 27th for three years service, but was not 
mustered in until August 19th. Thomas J. Lucas who was 
Lieutenant of the original organization succeeded to the Colonelcy 
upon the promotion of Colonel Hackleman to the Brigadier 
Generalship. The regiment left the same day it was mustered, 
for Kentucky, to repel the invasion of Kirby Smith, and on the 
30th of August took part in the battle of Richmond. Kentuck}', 
losing 200 men killed and wounded, and 600 prisoners. Decem- 
ber the 1st it moved down the Mississippi to participate in the 
Vicksburg campaign, but on the 25th, with the brigade of which 
it was a part, was sent to Dallas, Texas, to destroy the Shreve- 
port railroad. January nth took part in the battle of Arkansas 
Post and was the first regiment to plant its colors within the 
fort; its loss was 77 killed and wounded. On the 30th of April 
the regiment marched to Port Gibson and on the following day 
formed a part of the reserve of Gen. Hovey's division. Later 
in the day it was marched forward and engaged the enemy, 
drawing him from the hill in front. On the 2nd day of May 
marched with its advance into Port Gibson. After a severe 
skirmish at Edwards' Station and an engagement at Black River 
Bridge it proceeded to the rear of Vicksburg and went into 
trenches on the 19th of May and participated in all the opera- 
tions of the siege. In the assault on the enemy's works on the 
2 2d of May the Si.xteenth bore a conspicuous part, holding an 
important position for nearly ten hours continuous fighting. Dur- 



iMILlTARV IIISTOKV. 305 

ing ihe siege the regiment lost sixty men killed and wounded. 
The regiment was transported to New Orleans where it was 
mounted and attached to a cavelry corps. It marclied as a part 
of cavalry of Banks" expedition up Red River, during which 
campaign it had sixteen engagements with the enem\\ It 
returned to New Orleans where it was mustered out June the 
30th. 1865, and arrived in Indianapolis the loth of July with 365 
men and officers. 

Seventeenth, — Miami Country was represented in companies 
F and K of the Seventeenth Regiment. In the former seven 
men were credited to Miami county. The only commissioned 
officer from the count}- was George F. Ha3'den, of Peru, who 
was commissioned First Lieutenant November 9th, 1862, and 
promoted Captain April 25th, 1864. In Company K there 
were four men credited to Miami county. Included in the 
number was Julius C. Kloenne, of Peru, the first captain of the 
compan\'. His commission -bore date of April 25th, 1S61. He 
was discharged December 23rd of the same year, and cashiered 
Januar\- 5th, 1862. The Seventeenth was organized at Camp 
Morton during Mav, 1861, and mustered in June 12th. the same 
year, for three years, with Milo S. Hascall, Colonel. The 
Regiment participated in the battle of Green Brier, siege of 
Corinth and was engaged in numerous expeditions, until Feb- 
ruar\-. 1863, when it was ordered to mount itself, which was done 
by foraging and pressing horses into the service. Armed with 
Spencer rifles, with which each man was equal to sixteen rebels, 
it moved to Hooker's Gaji. where it encountered the enemy and 
did effecti\e work. Other engagements in which the Seventeenth 
participated were at Manchester, Chattanooga, Ringgold, Chick- 
amauga. Thompson's Cove, Farmington, Belle Plain, Kenesaw 
Mountain, Marietta, Ebenezer Church, near Selma, Selma, and 
many others. During its term of service it marched over 4,000 
miles, captured o\-er 5.000 prisoners, more than 6,000 stands 
of arms: seventy pieces of artillery, eleven stands of col- 
ors, and more than 3,000 horses and mules. All this was done 
with a total loss in killed and wounded of but 258 men and of- 
ficers. Few regiments of the war had a better record. 

Coinpaiiv A, Ticentiet/i Re<^-iniriit. — The commissioned of- 
ficers of this company were: Captains: John Van Valkenburg, 
July 22, 1861; William B. Reyburn, December 28, 1861; Jonas 
Hoover, January 16, 1863: John F. Thomas, May 21. 1863; 
James DeLong, August i. 1864. First Lieutenants: William 
B. Reyburn. July 22, 1861: Jonas Hoover, December 28, 
1861: C. R. Pew, January 16, 1863; James DeLong, April 
16, 1863; William Trippeer, August i, 1863. Second Lieuten- 
ants: Jonas Hoover, July 22, 1861; Jno. F. Thomas, Decem- 



306 HISTORY OK MIAMI COUNTY. 

ber 28, 1861: C. R. Pew, Aujjust 30, 1862: James DeLong, 
January 16, 1863; W. J. Hawk, April 11, 1863, and Wallace 
Richardson, August i, 1864. 

The original enrollment of the company was 98, all of 
whom were credited to Miami count_\'. The total number of 
recruits was seventeen, sixteen of whom were from Miami 
county. There were eleven died while in the service, four 
deserted and thirtv-si.\ were unaccounted for. 

The only regimental officers of the Twentieth, from Miami 
County, were John \'anValkenburg, who was commissioned as fol- 
lows: Major, December 28, 1868: Lieutenant-Colonel. February 
16, 1862, and Colonel, August 30, 1868: and John F. Thomas, 
Adjutant, December 21, 1861. The report of the x\djutant-General 
shows that Col. VanValkenburg was di-shonorably discharged from 
the service Februar\- 11, 1863. The charge was that he had writ- 
ten a letter in which he had expressed a disloyal sentiment.' It is 
claimed, however, by those best acquainted with the facts, that tlie 
letter was misinterpreted, and that the language used was intended 
to convey an entirely different meaning, and that the hasty investi- 
gation made by the authorities deprived the Union cause of one of 
its most loyal supporters. The character of a soldier is best known 
bv those who have fought by his side, and be it said to the credit 
of Col. VanValkenburg that whatever public opinion may have 
been, his comrades remember him as a brave, patriotic and loyal 
soldier. 

The Tifcntictli Kcginiciit was organized at Lafayette in July 
1861, but \vas mustered into the service at Indianapolis on the 22d 
of said month. The Regiment went to Baltimore and from there 
sailed to Hatteras Inlet, N. C. While there it was attacked by 
the enemy's gunboat and forced to retreat. On the 9th of Novem- 
ber it embarked for Fortress Monroe, where it lay in camp till 
March 1862, then moved to Newport News where it participated in 
the engagement between the Merrimac, Cumberland and Congress. 
On the loth of Ma\- it moved to Norfolk and assisted in the capture 
of that city, after which it joined the Army of the Potomac and 
Peninsula, and was assigned to' Jameson's Brigade. Took part in 
the battle of Orchards, sustaining a loss of 144 men and officers in 
killed, wounded and missing. It covered the retreat of the 3d 
Corps in the celebrated Seven Days' Fight, participating in all the 
battles, especiall}- that of Glendale or Frazier's farm, in which the 
regiment lost heavily. The next engagement in which it took part 
was that of Manassas Plains, where its first colonel, William L. 
Brown, was killed. On the i8th of November it took part in the 
battle of Fredeticksburg and aided in saving from capture three 
Union batteries. On the 30th of April, 1863, it crossed the Rappa- 
hannock and took part in the battle of Chancellor.sville, capturing at 



MILITAKV msTORV. 307 

one time the whole of the T\\eiit\-tliird Georgia, ininiberiniif more 
than its own men. It tlien moved willi the Army of the Potomac in 
pursuit of Lee and arrived at Getty-sburg in time to participate in 
the second day's fight. It occupied a position in Sickle's Corps, on 
the extreme left of the army, where it was \ery much exposed, and 
lost Col. Wheeler and 152 men and ollicers. It took an active part 
on the third and fourth days and lost heavih. It followed in piu"- 
suit and was again engaged at Manassa^ Gap; took part in the 
engagements at Locust Grove and Mine Run, after which it was 
reorganized at Culjiepper. 

The regiment cro.ssed the Raj)idaii with Grant's army, and in 
May, 1864, took part in the battles of the Wilderness. Todd's Tav- 
ern, Po River, Spottsvlvania, Tallopotanni and Cold Harbor. 
After this it was consolidated with the Fourteenth and Nineteenth, 
and \\ as a<rain en<ra<red at Preble's House and Hatcher's Run. In 
all the enoaoements on the left from Hatcher's Run to the fall of 
Richmond the regiment took active part. Its last engagement Vi'as 
that of Clover Hill April 9th 1865. On the 12th of July it was 
mustered out at Louisville. 

Company H, reorganized, contained seventeen men from 
Miami County with William Tripjieer, of Peru, Captain, December 
2, 1864, and "Edward B. Weist, of Peru, First Lieutenant, May 16, 
1865. 

Tivcnt\-Aiuth Regiment. — Miami cou^t^■ was represented in 
two companies of the Twenty-Ninth. In Compan\- F Perry 
Butler was the only representative, and was commissioned Cap- 
tain May 17, 1864. Company H was represented b}' twenty- 
six originally enlisted men and seventeen recruits. The original 
enrollment of the company was 61, and was recruited with no. 
There were twenty-six who died in the service and eight de- 
serters. The commissioned officers were: Captains — William 
W. Shuler, September 10, 1861; Adams S. Loventhal, Novem- 
ber 12, 1863; Hiram B. Bates, January i, 1865. First Lieu- 
tenants — Henry Boyce, September 10, 1861; W. A. Duey, 
Januar}' 20, 1863; Hiram B. Bates, November 21, 1863. Sec- 
ond Lieutenants — C. Perrj- Butler, September 10, i86i:John 
Posey, January 14, 1862; Thomas C. Reese, March i, 1862. 
The only regimental officer of the Twenty-Ninth from Miami 
county was C. Perry Butler, March i. 1865. 

The TiventY-JViiil/i was organized at LaPorte and muster- 
ed into service for three years, on the 27th of August, 1861, 
with Jno. F. Miller as Colonel. It joined General Rousseau's 
command at Camp Nevin, Ky., mo\-cd to Munfordville. Bowl- 
ing Green, and later to the Tennes.;ee River, and participated 
in the battle of Shiloh on the 7th of April, 1862, was imder 
fire for more than 5 hours and suffered severely. Took an ac- 



308 HISTORY OF ^VIIAMI COUNTY. 

live part in the siege of Corinth. After which it moved with 
Buell's x\rmy in pursuit of Bragg and returned to Nashville, 
and with Rosecrans' took part in the battle of Stone River, 
losing many men and officers. After the occupation of Mur- 
freesboro the Regiment remained there till May, 1863, when it 
moved forward with Rosecrans' to Tullahoma and Chattanoo<ra. 
Also participated in the skirmishes at Lavergne, Triune and 
Liberty Gap. In the battle of Chickamauga the regiment was 
engaged both days and lost heavily. In January, 1864, the 
Regiment re-enlisted as a veteran organization, leaving for home 
the same month on a veteran furlough. After it returned to 
the field was engaged in a skirmish at Decatur, Alabama, and 
Dalton, Georgia. 

T//e Thirty-jVinih. — The two Companies A and M of the 
ThirtA'-Ninth were composed largelv of Miami countv men. The 
entire original enrollment of Company A, 98 in number, was 
credited to Miami countv. There were 91 recruits, twent\'-ni?ie 
deaths and five lost bv desertion. The commissioned oliicers 
were: Captains — Orris Blake, September 2. 1861; Horace S. 
Foote, Ma\- 10, 1864: Albert Downing, January i, 1865. First 
Lieutenants — E. V. Peterson, September 2, 1861; Horace Foote, 
Januarj^ 5, 1864: P. Blake, May 10, 1864: Nelson Hurst, Janu- 
ary I, 1875. Second Lieutenants — Horace S. Foote, September 
2, 1861: P. Blake, Januar\- 5, 1864: Albert Downing, ^Iarch 6, 
1864; Andrew Huffman, January i, 1865. In Company M 
there were 100 enlisted men, with fourteen recruits. Eighteen 
of these died in the service and ten deserted. Twentv of the 
original enrollment were credited to Miami countv. The only 
commissioned officer from the count}' was Elhanan V. Peter- 
son. Date of commission, January 5, 1865. The only regi- 
mental officer from the countv was A. S. Lakin, of Peru, who 
was commissioned Chaplain, August 28. 1861. 

The El^'hth Cavalrv {3gtlt ) Rciriuicnt was organized as 
an infantrv regiment at Indianapolis on the 29th of August, 
1 86 1, and left for Kentucky early in September. After camp- 
ing at several points it marched with BuelTs Arm\- into Ten- 
nessee and took part in the battle of Shiloh, April 7lii. 1862, 
losing two killed and thirtv-four wounded. It next participated 
in the seige of Corinth. After which the\- moved with Buell's 
Army into Alabama, through Tennessee into Kentuck}- and 
back to Nashville, and there joined Rosecrans" Armv and with 
it participated in the battle of Stone River. In this engage- 
ment the Regiment suffered severely, losing in killed, wounded 
and missing three hundred and eighty. In April, 1863, the 
Regiment was mounted and served as mounted infantrv during 
that year. In June it reinforced the Second Indiana Cavalry 



MILITARY HISTORY. 3O9 

and parlii-ipati'd in tlie skirmishes at Middleton, Libert}' Gap 
and Winchester, and on the 19th and 20tli of September was 
in the battle of Chickamauga. Authority being given to change 
the organization from infantry to cavalrj', Companies L and 
M were organized in September and on going to the com- 
mand in the tield the Regiment, on the 15th of October, 1863, 
organized into the Eighth Ca\ah-v. On the 22nd of February, 
1864, the Regiment re-enlisted as a veteran organization, and 
soon after participated in the Rousseau's raid in Alabama, and 
McCook's raid around Atlanta. It was next engaged in Kil- 
patrick's raid in Georgia, and at the battle of Lovejoy Station 
did effective work. In the campaign against Savannah and 
through the Carolinas it participated in the battles and skirm- 
ishes at Wavnesboro, Buckhead Church, Browne's Cross 
Roads, Rc\nold"s Farm, Aiken, Bentonville, Averysboro and 
Raleigh. The Eighth Cavalry whipped Hamilton's entire force 
at Morrisville, and thus had the honor of fighting the last bat- 
tle with the enemy in that State. During its term of service 
the Regiment lost 9 officers killed in battle, 300 in prisoners, and 
captured from the enemy 1,500 men, 1,000 stands of arms, three 
railroad trains, 1,400 horses, fourteen pieces of artiller}- and four 
battle flags. 

Conipduv B of the Fortieth was .made up almost entirely of 
Miami County men, and was officered as follows: Captains — A. 
Ewing. November 27, 1861; O. C. Harvey, June 16, 1862; Charles 
S. Smith, March i. 1865. First Lieutenants — John C. Bellew, No- 
vember 27, 1861; Willard Griswold, June 16, 1862; J. C. Brower, 
July I. 1864: C. S. Smith, December 4, 1864; N. Y. Buck, March 
20. 1865: Franklin Cranor, June 20, 1865. Second Lieutenants — 
J. C. Thompson, November 27, 1861; 6. C. Harvey, March 30, 
1862: Albert Olinger, June 16, 1862; Franklin Cranor, June i, 
1865: John Debarr, September i, 1865. In Company I, same regi- 
ment, Mark Dwire, First Lieutenant; Alfred Warwick, Second 
Lieutenant, aad two others in the rank of private, were enrolled 
from this countv. Willard Griswold, of Peru, became Adjutant of 
the regiment July i, 1864. 

The Fortieth Rei>iiiiciit was organized at Lafayette the 30th of 
December, 1S61. and at once jiroceeded to Bardstown, Ky. In 
February, 1862, it marched with BuelFs Army to Nashville, and 
thence to Northern Alabama, after which it joined in pursuit of 
Bragg through Kentucky. The regiment returned to Nashville in 
November, where it was assigned to the 6th Division of the 14th 
Arm\- Corps. In December it marched toward Murfreesboro' and 
participated in the battle of Stone River, losing in killed, wounded 
and missing eighty-five. It remained at Murfreesboro' for some- 
time after the battle, and when the army was reorganized it was 



3IO HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

assigned to the command of Major-General Crittenden. Tiae regi- 
ment next participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout 
Mountain and Mission Ridge, after which it re-enlisted as a veteran 
organization. The regiment joined the Atlanta campaign, and, 
under General Howard, took part in all the engagements and skir- 
mishes of said campaign, and in the battles of Dallas, Kenesaw 
Mountain, Chattahoochie River and Peach Tree Creek, took a very 
conspicuous part. After the occupation of Atlanta the regiment 
was sent back to Chattanooga, and from there moved to Nashville, 
and on the 15th of December participated in that battle. In the 
following year went to New Orleans and from there to Texas and 
joined General Sheridan. 

Fifty-first. — The commissioned officers of Company C, Fifty- 
first, were: Captains — Francis M. Constant, October 11, 1S61; 
William Wallick, June 30, 1863; Avery B. Charpie, December 15, 
1864. First Lieutenants — Joseph Y. Ballou, October 11, 1861; 
A. G. Murray, June 30, 1863: John C. Young, February 6, 1865. 
Second Lieutenants — William \\'^allick, October 18, i86i; Jasper 
N. Brown, June 30, 1863; A. B. Charpie, November 23, 1864; 
Louis P. Holman, Ma}^ i, 1865. Si.xty-one of the ninety-two 
enlisted men, and eight of the tifty-six recruits were credited to 
Miami County. William Morehead, of Peru, was assistant surgeon 
of the regiment. It was organized at Indianapolis on the nth of 
October, 1861, and was mustered in December 14, with Abel D. 
Streight as Colonel. The regiment joined Buell in Kentuckj^ and 
marched into Tennessee where it participated in the siege of Cor- 
inth, and after the evacuation marched to Stevenson, Ala. It next 
joined Buell in pursuit of Bragg through Kentuck\-, and in Decem- 
ber, 1864, returned to Nashville, where it joined Rosecrans" army 
and participated in the battle of Stone River, losing in killed, wounded 
and»missin<>" fortv-nine men. After the en<jairement at Stone River 
it left on the Streight expedition. This was a provisional brigade 
ortjanized bv Col. Slreiirht and consisted of the Fiftv-tirst and Sev- 
enty-third Indiana, Third Ohio and Eightieth Illinois, with two cav- 
-alr}' companies and two pieces of artillery. The expedition pro- 
ceeded to Rome, Georgia, via Palmvra. Fort Henry and Eastport, 
Miss., where they purposed making a raid on the rear of Bragg's 
army. The expedition reached the base of Sand Mountains on the 
29th of April, where a battle ensued with Forrest's cavalry, which 
resulted disastrously to the latter. On the ist of May another fight 
took place at Crooked Creek, in which the enemy was repulsed, 
and again defeated at Blunt's Farm. The command pushed for- 
ward with the hopes of capturing Rome, but on the 3d of May was 
overtaken near Gaylesville, Ala., by General Forrest and com- 
pelled to surrender. The whole force was consigned to a rebel 
prison, but after some time the enlisted men were paroled for ex- 



MILITARY IIISTOKY. 31I 

change. On tlie 9th of Februarx' ColonL'l Slreight escaped from 
Libbv Prison by means of a tunnej. In November, 1863. the regi- 
ment was exchanged and at once returned to the held. In Febru- 
ary, 1864, a portion of the regiment re-enhsted as veterans. The 
14th of December the non-veterans were mustered out of service. 
On the 15th of December it participated in the battle of Nashville. 
In the following year the regiment moved to New Orleans and 
thence to Te.\as. 

Eip^hty-seventh. — During its term of service Compan}- C of the 
Eighty-seventh was officered as follows: Captains — llenrv Calkins. 
August 9, 1862, and Milo D. Ellis, May 3, 1863. First Lieuten- 
ants — Milo D. Ellis, August 9, 1862; Burr Russell, May 3, 
1883; John Demuth, December i, 1883, and Irwin Hutchinson, 
August 23, 1884. Second Lieutenants — I. H. Cockran, August 
9, 1882; Burr Russell, February 14, 1883; Elisha Brown, May 
3, 1883, and William H. Reyburn, May i, 1885. The coni- 
pany as it was mustered was composed exclusively of Miami 
county men — 92 in number. There were twent^■-four died in 
the service and three deserted. In Company H there was one 
commissioned officer from Miami County — James S. Duret, Sec- 
ond Lieutenant. 

Movements of E igthty-Scventh. — After its organization at 
South Bend, August 28th, 1862, it moved to Indianapolis and 
was mustered in on the 31st, with Kline G. Shr\'ock. as Col- 
onel. It left for Kentucky on the day of muster and was as- 
signed to the Third Brigade, Third Division, Fourteenth Army 
Corps, and with it took part in Buell's campaign in Kentucky, 
and participated in the engagements at Springfield and Perr\- 
ville. After the Kentucky campaign it moved into Tennessee, 
and in March, 1883, was engaged in a skirmish with General 
Forrest at Chapel Hill. In June it mo\'ed with the Armj-.of 
the Cumberland and engaged in campaigns against Tullahoma. 
It returned to Tennessee in the Fall and took an active part in 
the battle of Chickamauga, and in November was in the front 
line in the storming of Mission Ridge. In February it engaged 
the enemy at Buzzard Roost and proceeded to Ringgold where 
it went into camp. It was ne.xt engaged in the Atlanta cam- 
paign and participated in all the principal battles and skirmishes, 
confronling the eneni\- at Rocky Face, Resacca, Cassville. Dal- 
las, Kenesaw, Peach Tree Creek and before Atlanta. From 
Atlanta it went in pursuit of Hood through Northern Georgia, 
but soon returned to Atlanta. The Regiment left Atlanta about 
the middle of November, and after a long march, with one or 
two minor engagements, it reached the defenses of Sa\anah on 
the loth of December and participated in the siege. It was in 
the campaign of the Carolinas and from Raleigh went to Wash- 



312 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

ington City with Sherman's Army where it was mustered out 
of the service. 

The ]Viiiet\'-Nintli. — In the Ninety-Ninth regiment which 
was raised from the Ninth Congressional District, there were 
two companies of Miami countv men. The first company, which 
was assigned to the position of G, was organized hite in tlie 
summer of 1862, and under the command of Josiah Farrar, Cap- 
tain, left for the place of rendezvous. Stopping at Logansport 
they were there given a reception and banquetted by the patri- 
otic people of the city. The second company, which was com- 
manded by Capt. William V. Powell, left for the camp early in 
the fall, and in the organization of the regiment was gi\en the posi- 
tion of I. 

Company D during its term of service was officered as 
follows: Captains: Josiah Farrar, August 19, 1862, and George 
W. Norris, Ma\- i, 1865. First Lieutenants: John Clifton, 
August 19, 1862; George W. Norris, August 22, 1863, and 
John Harvey, Mav i, 1865. Second Lieutenants: J. H. Ham- 
lin, August 19, 1862; G. W. Norris, January i, 1863, and 
Jacob D. Smith, May i, 1865. 

Company I had the following named commissioned ofHcers: 
Captains: William V. Powell, October 10, 1862, and Ira B. 
Myers, May 2, 1865. First Lieutenants: Ira B. Myers, Octo- 
ber 10, 1862, and L. U. Powell. June i, 1865. Second Lieu- 
tenants: James B. McGonigal, October 10, 1862. and John C. 
Parks, May i, 1865. 

The regimental officers of the Ninety-Ninth from Miami 
count\' were: Josiah Farrar, Colonel, May i, 1865. Lieuten- 
ant Colonels: Josiah Farrar, May i, 1865, and William V. 
Powell, May 2, 1865: William V. Powell, Major, May i, 1865. 
The Ninety-Ninth Regiment was organized in the Ninth Con- 
gressional District, and mustered into the service October 21, 

1862, with Ale.xander Fowler Colonel. The Regiment left in 
November for Memphis, Tennessee, and with the Sixteenth 
Army Corps took part in the Tallahatchie campaign. In Ma\-, 

1863, it sailed down the Mississippi River and joined in the be- 
seisrino- forces of General Grant in the rear of Mcksburg; thence 
to Jackson, Mississippi, and with Sherman's Army participated 
in the siege at that place. The Regiment in the latter part of 
^September marched to Memphis and from thence to Chatta- 
nooga, where it at once took possession of Indian Hill, the east 
extremity of Mission Ridge, and with tin plates as intrench- 
ing tools, improvised a full line of defense, and on the 25th 
participated in the battle. After the battle of Mission Ridge 
the Regiment moved east for the purpose of cutting com- 
munications between Bragg and Longstreet and relieve Burnside, 



'&!-> 



MILITARY HISTORY. 313 

then beseiyed al Kno.wilk'. The Regiment accomplished this 
drear\' march, ahuosl entirely destitute of clothing, blankets and 
shoes, and \vilhout regnlar rations or supplies of anv kind, and 
marched through mud and over rocks and compelled Longslreet 
to raise the seige. It marched with Sherman's Army to Atlanta, 
and under the gallant McPherson was engaged in every skirmish, 
battle or assault in which the army took part. The Ninety-Ninth 
was engaged every day in the skirmishes from the 3rd of Au- 
gust to the 15th. Leaving Atlanta it marched with Sherman to 
the sea, and on the march was eniiajied in skirmishes at Cannou- 
chee and Ogeechee Ri\ers. On the 15th of December the Regi- 
ment took part in the charge upon Fort McAllister, which, after a 
desperate hand to hand struggle, its garrison surrendered and 
opened Sherman's communications with the sea. From Savannah 
the Regiment marched with Sherman through the CaroHnas on to 
Washington City where it was mustered out with Col. Farrar in 
command. The Ninetv-Ninth left for the field with 900 and re- 
turned with 425 men and otHcers. It marched during its term of 
service more than 4,000 miles. 

Mr. Farrar, under whose command the regiment was mustered 
out, was one of three of the Miami Countv Volunteers who rose to 
the position of Colonel. While holding a Lieutenant Colonel com- 
mission he was much of the time in command of the regiment and 
on different occasions commanded a brigade. His promotions were 
always a reward of merit, he having filled every position to which 
he was called with distinguished ability. 

M()roaii's Raid. — In July, 1S63, a division of rebel troops 
under the command of General John H. Morgan, crossed the 
Ohio at Brandenburg and proceeded northward into Indiana. 
All the available regular troops had been sent to General Boyle, 
at that time commanding the District of Kentucky, which thus 
left Indiana seemingly at the mercy of the '-raiders." Governor 
Morton, having the utmost confidence in the patriotism of the 
people of his State, addressed a dispatch to the various portions 
of the State, requesting that companies be organized and imme- 
diately sent to Indianapolis. The citizens of Miami County, with 
their characteristic patriotism, organized two companies, and one 
in less than forty-eight hours, were en route to the Capital. 
Both companies were assigned to the One Hundred and Ninth 
Regiment Minute Men. The first was mustered in July 10 and 
was assigned to the position of F, and was otlicered as follows: 
Captain, Wm. B. Reyburn: First Lieutenant, Jonas Hoover, and 
Second Lieutenant, W. F. M. Wallick. The enrollment of the 
Company was ninety-five. All were mustered out on the 17th 
of same month except three, who deserted. Company D was 
mustered in on the nth of July, and consisted of sixty-live en- 



314 HISTORY OF .MIAMI COUNTY. 

listed men, and willi the following commissioned officers: Cap- 
tain, Joseph Y. Ballou: First Lieutenant, Jo.ui C. Bellew, and 
Second Lieutenant, Ira H. Stevens. The company was mustered 
out with regiment on the 17th of July. The One Hundred and 
Ninth Regiment was composed wholl\- of minute men. The 
regiment was organized on the loth of July, 1863, with John 
R. Mahan as Colonel, and contained an aggregate of 709 rank 
and file. It left Indianapolis by rail on the 13th, arriving at 
Hamilton, Ohio, the next morning. Thence it proceeded to 
Cincinnati, when the emergency being past, the regiment re- 
turned to Indianapolis, and on the I7lh of July was mustered out. 
Public Sentiment in 186J-4. — In the latter days of the war 
opinion was divided as to the best means of suppressing the 
rebellion. Many were in favor of prosecuting the war, while 
others were in favor of conciliatorv measures. Those who 
favored the latter gave expression to their feelings through 
the resolution in the Senate, which body declared '■ that 
it was the imperative duty of the Chief Executive of the 
Nation to prDclaim, and we, therefore, and in the name of the 
people of Indiana, demand the establishment, as soon as prac- 
ticable, of an armistice to the end that a coinention of all the 
States mav be held for the adjustment of our national difficulties." 
Thev called upon Congress to use their power to provide for 
such a convention, but in the event that Congress should fail, 
declared further, " that we hereby, in the name of the people of 
Indiana, invite all States to meet delegates from Indiana at 
Nashville, Tenn., June i, 1863." This expression was indorsed 
by the Democracy of many counties in Indiana, and while the 
party was not unanimous in its support of this policy, there 
were many in Miami County who believed such a course would 
restore the Union and save much suffering and bloodshed. The 
Democrac\- of this as well as other counties of the State, was 
opposed to the war policy of the Administration, and did not 
hesitate to express their disapproval either on the slump or 
through the press. In response to this freedom of expression. 
Brig. -Gen. Hascall, Commander of the District of Indiana, 
issued an order, known as " Order No. 9." in which he 
declares that editors of newspapers and public speakers who 
oppose the war policy of the Administration are as much 
opposed to the government and therefore liable to arrest. This 
order was published April 25, 1863, and during the time it was 
in effect caused much e.xcitement and bitter feeling. It was 
considered by many to be unconstitutional, believing that the 
right of the people to criticize all public acts is inherent. The 
Democrats of Miami County met in convention soon after this 





^ 







MILITARY HISTORY. 317 

order was issued, and, among other resolutions, adopted the 
following: 

'■'■ licsolvcd, That the will of the people is the foundation of 
all free government, and that free thought, free speech, and a 
free jiress are inherent and constitutional rights of the people 
and that no military officer, whether in time of peace or war, 
has a right to restrain the people from discussing the measures 
and policy of their servants and to decide upon the wisdom and 
expedienc}' of their acts." 

So unpopular had this order become that Gov. Morton, who 
was always quick to discern the effect of any movement by the 
military authorities, advised that it be rescinded, which was done 
June 6, 1863. 

/;/ t/ic Twelfth Cavalry {i2y~) Hcgimoit, Miami County 
was represented in two companies, viz. : L and M. The for- 
mer consisted of loo originall)' enlisted men, all from Miami 
County, and ten recruits. There were eleven killed and two de- 
serted. The commissioned officers of Compan\' L were: Cap- 
tain, Ethan E. Thornton, January '], 1862; First Lieutenants, J. 
Y. Ballou, January 7, 1864, and George N. Osgood, Ma}' i, 
1865; Second Lieutenants, G. N. Osgood, January 7, 1S64; J. M. 
Ilouk, May i, 1865, and James Highland, July i, 1865. Com- 
panv M had but one commissioned officer from Miami County, 
Joseph Y. Ballou, Captain, May i, 1865. In this companv there 
were twenty-two enlisted men from said county. Six of those 
died in the service. The regimental officers from the county 
were: Orris Blake, Major, March i, 1864, and William Pew, 
Adjutant, May 8, 1865. The Twelfth Cavalry (127) Regiment, 
was organized at Kendall ville on the ist of March, 1864, with 
Edward Anderson as Colonel. But six companies were mounted. 
The regiment was ordered to Nashville, Tenn., and after a few 
weeks' instructions proceeded to Huntsville, Ala., the mounted 
portion under Col. Reed and the dismounted portion under Col. 
Anderson. Col. Anderson was assigned to the command of the 
railroad defenses from Decatur to Point Rock, and the district 
around Huntsville. The mounted companies had numerous 
skirmishes with the guerrilla bands that infested that region. 
In September, 1864, the regiment was ordered to Tullahoma, 
Tenn., to garrison that post, and while there Col. Anderson was 
ordered to Indiana for special service, and in his absence Major 
Blake, of Peru, was assigned to the command of the post. 
While stationed there the regiment had several skirmishes with 
the command of Gen. Forrest. Leaving Tullahoma the regi- 
ment proceeded to Murfreesboro and participated in the battle 
of Wilkinson's Pike and Overall's Creek, and was employed in 
several skirmishes in defense of Murfreesboro. The regiment 



3l8 HISTORY OF MIAJII COUNTY. 

went into winter quarters, where it remained until February 
II, 1865, when it was ordered to New Orleans and from thence 
to Mobile Bay where it participated in the operations against 
the forts and defences of Mobile. After the fall of Mobile, the 
regiment under command of Maj. Wm. H. Calkins participated 
in a raid of over 800 miles through Alabama, Georgia, to Col- 
umbus, Mississippi. Headquarters were changed to Grenada, 
from which detachments of the regiment were sent to various 
places to protect government propert}-. The regiment was mus- 
tered out of the service at Vicksburg, Nov. 10, 1865. * 

In the One Hundred and Twentv-Eig/ith (according to 
the Adjutant-General's report ), there were four men from Aliami 
County, viz.: Geo. S. Evans, Jas. Duncan and Israel Leedy, 
privates, and Richard K. Miller, who was commissioned Captain 
of Compan}- I, March 3, 1864; Adjutant, December 3, 1863: 
Major, May i, 1865, and Lieutenant Colonel, June i, 1865. 

Company K of the One Hundred and Thirt\'-Fourth (lOO 
da^-s), was composed to a large extent of Miami county men. 
The company was mustered in May 24, 1864. The only com- 
missioned officers of said company from the county were Alex- 
ander Jamison and Isaac J. C. Guv, Second Lieutenants. 

Company A One Hundred and Thirtv-Eighth ( 100 daysj, 
consisted of eighty-one enlisted men, all from Miami county. 
The company was mustered in May 27, 1864, and was officered 
as follows: Captain, Jonas Hoover, May 7, 1864: First Lieutenant, 
Wesley Wallick, May 7. 1S64. and IIenr\- D. Moore. May 7, 
1864. " " 

Each of these regiments was assigned to dut\' along the 
line of Nashville & Chattanooga. Tennessee & Alabama, and 
Memphis & Charleston railroads, which was the onh' service 
performed by them. 

The One Hundred and Fifty-First. — Under the President's last 
call, issued December 19, 1864, for three thousand troops, Miami 
count\' responded with no fewer than three hundred men. These 
were assigned to the One Hundred and Fift\-First and One 
Hundred and Fifty-Fifth regiments, for one years' service. 
Companies C and D of the 151st were made up almost exclu- 
sively of Miami county men, while in Companies H and I 
there were as many as ten of Miami count\'s veterans. Com- 
pany C was officered as follows: Captain, William A. Nichols; 
First Lieut. I. J. C. Guy, and Second Lieut. William H. Vance. 
Of the ninety-nine originall)- enlisted, five were killed and three 
deserted. The commissioned officers of Company D were : Cap- 
tain. Nathan Stephens: First Lieutenants, J. H. Morgan and John 
B. Winters, and Second Lieutenants, Andrew J. Haynes, Thomas 
R. Ellis, and Charles H. Gould. There was lost in killed ten, and 



MILITARY HISTORY. 319 

one bv desertion. John H. Ream, C.iptain of Company H, was 
the only commissioned officer of said company from Miami county. 

The One Hundred and Fifty-First was composed of com- 
panies raised in the Ninth Congressional District, and was organ- 
ized at Indianapolis March 3, 1865, with Joshua Healy as Colonel. 
On the 6th of March left for Naslnille. It moyed on the 14th to 
Tullahoma, where it remained on duty until June 14th, when it 
returned to Nashyille. There it did post and garrison duty until the 
19th of September, 1865, when it was mustered out of the seryice. 
Compan/ K of the 155th was composed largely of Miami county 
men, and was officered by Henry D. Moore, Captain; J. H. Jamison, 
First Lieutenant, and James Bell, Second Lieutenant. Eight of the 
company deserted. The regimental officers from this county were 
John M. Wilson, Colonel; John W. Smith, Surgeon; Joseph A. 
Chandler and Martin B. Arnold, Assistant Surgeons. The regi- 
ment was organized at Indianapolis April 18, 1865. It left for 
Wasliington the latter part of the mouth and from there was sent 
to Alexandria and assigned to the proyisional brigade of the Third 
Diyision of the Ninth Army Corps. On the 3d of May it was 
transferred to Dover, at which place the companies were detached 
iind sent to Centeryille, Wilmington, Del., and Salisburg, Maryland. 
On the return to the regiment of two of these companies a railroad 
accident occurred by which a number were seriously injured. The 
regiment was mustered out at Dover, Delaware, August 4, 1865. 

Col. J. M. Wilson, the commander of the last regiment in 
which Miami county was represented, as well as the first company 
to the front, deserves a leading place in the militaiy histor}' of 
Miami county. He was by profession a lawyer, and while he pre- 
ferred civil to military life, he never hesitated to lay aside the duties 
of the former for the latter when he believed his country was in 
danger. While entering upon a professional career with much 
promise, he abandoned it to lead a company against the forces of 
Santa Anna. At the close of the war with Mexico he returned to 
the practice of his profession, only to again relinquish it at the first 
call for assistance. For this unselfish devotion to his country he 
deserves a pla.ce in the heart of every loyal citizen. 

The Fourteenth Baltcrv of Lisfht Artillery was recruited 
mainly in Wabash, Huntington, Miami and Fayette Counties dur- 
ing the winter of 1861-2, and was mustered into the service in 
March, 1862, with M. H. Kidd, of Wabash, captain. It was com- 
posed of 138 enlisted men, 85 recruits and 68 re-enlisted veterans, 
making a total enrollment of 291. Twent\--two were citizens of 
Miami County. Of this number twenty-five died and thirty-eight 
deserted. Henry C. Loveland. of Peru, was commissioned Second- 
Lieutenant January 20, 1862, and died at Bethel, Tenn., June 14, 
1862. The tribute of respect to his memory by the members of 



320 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

his section shows the universal esteem in whicli he was held h\' his 
comrades. The battery left Indianapolis for St. Louis on the nth 
of April, 1862, and thence to Pittsbury Landing. It next proceeded 
to Corinth where it participated in the siege of that place; thence to 
Jackson and Lexington, Miss., where a section of the batterv, con- 
sisting oi thirty men, were captured by Forrest's cavalry. After 
spending the greater part of 1863 in Tennessee, it embarked for 
Vicksburg, and from thence, with a force under General Sherman, 
to Meridian, Miss., and participated in that famous raid. After 
returning to Vicksburg, Captain Kidd was promoted Major of the 
Eleventh Cavalry, and was succeeded as Captain by F. W. Morse. 
At Gunport, Miss., the batterv lost two pieces of artillery and live 
men killed or wounded. On the 15th and i6th of December it par- 
ticipated in the battle before Nashville. Its last engagement was 
in the operations against Mobile, after which it marched to Mont- 
gomery, Ala., where it was mustered out August 13, 1865. 

hidiana Legion. — The following companies of the Indiana 
Le<rion, in Miami Countv, with names of officers, are: 

j\[iai)ii Gmtrds. — James Highland. Captain: Thomas R. Ellis, 
First-Lieutenant, and John Pearson, Second-Lieutenant. 

Morton Raii<^crs, — Thomas E. Cassingham, Captain; James 
W. Campbell, Captain; Alexander Stanley and Lucus A. Adams, 
First-Lieutenants; T. R. Ellis, Second-Lieutenant. 

Union Gmirds. — Joseph Y. Ballou and Daniel Griswold, Cap- 
tains; JameS L. Wilson, First-Lieutenant, and John Lesley and 
Daniel Harter, Second-Lieutenants. 

Whcatvillc Guards. — John Old, Captain; W. A. Cover, First- 
Lieutenant, and R. W. Butt, Second-Lieutenant. 

jMisccUaneoHS. — Fourth Heavy Artillery, U. S. Colored Troops 
was represented by fifteen men from Miami Countv. This com- 
pany was mustered into the service in the fall of 1864. 

There were other regiments in which Miami Countv was rep- 
resented, of which the following is a partial list: Eighth, Thirtv- 
first, Fort^'-sixth, Sevent^'-Third, One Hundred and Thirteenth 
(two Companies, E and G), One Hundred and Thirty-ninth, One 
Hundred and Forty-Second (Companies I and K), One Hundred 
and Forty-Seventh (Companies B and F), Twelfth Battery, Light 
Artillery, Seventh Battery of Light Artiller\- and Twenty-first Bat- 
ter}- of Light Artillery. There were doubtless many others who 
enlisted from this county that were not accounted for in the official 
report of the Adjutant-General. 

MIAMI county's dead IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 

COMl-ANY I!, TIIIHTEENTIl KEIilMKNT (tIIKEK YEAKs). 

Aker, Nelson, killed at Weir Church, May 30, 1864. 
Baker, Daniel, died in Aiidersonville Prison, Sejit. 80, 18G4. 



MIAMI COUNTY S DEAD. 321 

Cassadv, .Tiio. R., died at FoUv Island, Oct. 12, 1863. 
Dav, William, killed at Alleirhanv, Dec. i:i, ISlil. 
Do'laii, I'atrick, killed at Chester Station, .Ma\ U), 1864. 
Fa,i;aii, Matthew, killed at Allp.diany, Dec. 13, 1861. 

Fox, William, June 7, 1804. 

(iouser, Levi, died Folly Island, Oct. 31, 1863. 

<jiohn, .John, died of wounds. Hay 20, 1804. 

<ionser, .Jonathan, killed at Weir Church, May 21), 1864. 

Gravius, Ernest, died at Beaufort, .Jan. 15, 1804. 

McFarland, Garrison, killed at Blackwater, Va., Dec. 12, 1862. 

>itevenson, W. H. died Folly Island, Oct. 14, 1803. 

Warner, .John F., killed at Rich Mountain, .July 11, 1861. 

Watson, Robert, died at Folly Island, Nov. 3, 1803. 

Widour, Francis, died at Clarksburg, Va., Aug. 6, 1861. 

COMPANY A, THIRTEENTH UK-ORGANIZED. 

<'oromster, Alex., killed at Ft. Fisher, .Jan. in, 1865. 
Hamilton, Daniel, died in Andersonville Prison, Dec. 9, 1864. 
Marquiss, .1. JI., died of wounds received near Peters! lurjr, .July 2, 1864. 
McQuiston, J. C, died in Andersonville Prison, Aug. 30, 1864. 

COMPANY F, SIXTEENTH REUIMKXT (THREE YE.VRS). 

Braudorn, Abraham, died of wounds, .July 5, 1863. 
Brooks, Isaiah, died at Indianapolis, .July 11. 1863. 
Bi'Miictt, Donald W., died of wounds: Sejitember 0, 1802. 
Bucklev William P.. killed at Richmond, Ky., Aug 30, 1862. 
Colay, .Jesse P., died at ludianaiiolis. Nov. 20, 1862. 
Gerrard, David I)., died at Vicksburg, .Jan. 28, 1863. 
Garrett, Salathiel, died of wounds, April ITi, 1864. 
House, Daniel, died at Indianapolis, Nov. 2, 1862. 
Jav, Alfred, died .MiUikeu Bend, April 27, 1803. 
Jones, Daniel W., died at Millikcn Bend, April 15, 1863. 
Jester, Madison, died at St. JjOuis, April 8, 1803. 
Johnson, William, killed Mansliehl, La., April 8, 1804. 
Keefe, James, killed JIanstield, La., April 8, 1804. 
I>ee, ,\ndrew .1., died at St. Louis, July 23, 1803. 
Lanhorn, Burton, died at Milliken's Bend, May 20, 1863. 
McDonald, William A., died at Millken's Bend, March 30, 1863. 
Pond, Josiah, died at St. Louis, June 28, 1803. 
Robinson, Andrew, died at Vicksburg, June 28, 1803. 
Kidde, Darius A., died at .Milliken's iSend, April 8, 1863. 
Sloan, Willi.am, killed at Mansfield, April 8, 1864. 
Seger, Florian, died at Donaldsville, May 11, 1804. 
Payne, Aaron E, died at New Orleau.s, Ajiril 18, 1864. 
Vaughn, Jeremiah M., died at Young's Point, Feb. 23, 1863. 
Venis, Henry, died of wounds, Sept. 12, 1862. 

COMPANY K, SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT. 

Jones, Newton, died at Holing, Ky., Sept. 1862. 

COMP.VNY A, TWENTIETH REGIMENT (THREE YE.\RS). 

Thomas, John F., killed May 12, 1864. 

Ash, .\mos T)., killed at Gettj'sburg. 

Brownlee. David P.. killed at Gettysburg. 

Cook, Bciij. F., died at Washington, July 4, 1864. 

Irviii, Henry, died at City Point, Va. 

Robinson, (ieorge W., died at Alexandria, March 2.'), 1864. 

Smith, Nicholas J., killed at Oak Grove, Va., June 25, 1862. 



322 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Seger, John M., killed at Gettysburg. 

Smith, Charles. W., killed at Gettysburg. 

Stowe, George W., killed at C'hickahoniiny. 

Tice, Jno. M., killed at (iettysburg. 

Wright, Daniel G., killed probably at Gettysburg. 

COMPANY n, TWKNTY-NtNTH REGIMENT (THREE YE.\US). 

Reese, Thomas H., died in Libby Prison. 

Goodbo, .Jocko, died at Louisville, JIarch 4, 1864. 

Killian, .John, killed at ChiikamauEra, Sept. 19, 1803. 

MeXair, .James, died at Camp Wood, Ky., .Jan. 14, 1862. 

McCain, .James, died at Nashville, April 18, 1864. 

Potter, Theron, died at Nashville, March 1862. 

Rider, Leonard, wounded at Chickaniauga, died Nov. 3, 1863. 

Roccoon, Jackson, died at Nashville, 1865. 

COMPANY A, EIGHTH C.VVALRY (39th). 

Hicks Abraham, killed at Stone River. 

Renbo Wm., died at Chattanooga, Sept 29, 1863. 

Bigle)', James L. died of disease. 

Clark, Jno. H., Died at Nashville, Dec. 4, 1863. 

Harvey, Wm., killed at Shiloh, April, 1862. 

Hicks, Patrick, died at Evansville. July o, 1862. 

Jackson, Jno,, died of wounds at Sliiloh, April 9, 1862. 

Jones, William W., killed at Stone River. 

Landrum, Rufus, died 

Lock wood, Geo. W.. died April 1862. 

Pearson, Perry D., died 

Pontious, Benj., killed at Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862. 

Powell, Wm. B., died 

Repp, Christopher, died 

Taylor, Geo. I., killed at Stone River, Dec 31, 1862. 
Utter, Thomas Q., died Dec. 26, 1864. 

COn'ANY M. EIGHTH CAVALRY (39TH). 

Cate, JIartin, killed at Black River, March 16, 1865. 
Raynor, Alfred, killed at Black River, March 16, 1865. 
Shari>, llenrv, died at Camp Webster, Tenn., Oct. 15. 1864. 
Swengle, Sam., killed at Black l{iver, March 16, 1865. 
Thomas, Robert S., died at Nashville, June 16, 1865. 
Wilkinson, F. M., died at Nashville, June 23, 1864. 

COMPAN-Y n, FORTIETH REGIMENT (THREE YEARS.) 

Button, Jno. T., died Dec. 6, 1864. 

Brower, Jeremiah, killed at Franklin, Nov. 30, 1864. 

Thompson, Wm. I>.,died .at Evansville, Aus. 14, 1862. 

Atchison, Robt, killed at Stone River. DecC 31, 1862. 

Belew, Joseph A. killed at Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864. 

Bank, J. H., killed at Mission Ridge, Nov. 25, 1863. 

Beard, (ieo. H., died of wounds, ilission Ridge. 

Cook, C. 31., died at Nashville, June 5, 1863. "' 

Collins, Onesmus, killed at Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864. 

Doud, Arthur, killed .at Kenesaw Mountain, June 27. 1864. 

Everhart, Lewis II., killed at Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1868. 

Hahn, Jno., died of wounds, Nov. 29, 1S63. 

Hide, Austin D., killed at Shiloh, April 1.5, 1862. 

Koff, Fred, died of wounds, April 13, 1864. 

Lesley, Jlorris, killed at Jlission Ridge, Nov. 25, 1863. 



MIAMI COUNTY S DEAD. 323 

Miller, Milton, killed at Stoup Kiver, Dec. 31, 18fi2. 

Mote, Eli, killed at Mission Kidse, Nov. 25, 18G3. 

Null, .Ino. H., died at Tusrumliia, Ala., June 23, 1862. 

Ramsey, David, died Oct. 20, ISO.!. 

Smith, Jno. W., died at Nashville, Dec. 5, 1864. 

Stanley, Sanford, died of wounds, probably at Stone l{iver. 

Watter.s, .James, killed at Kenesaw, June 27, 1864. 

Walliui'-, J., killed at Stone Kiver, Dec. 30, 1863. 

AVooley, Jno., killed at Kenesaw, June 27, 1864. 

COMr.VNY G, FIFTY-FinsT KKRIMKXT (THUEE YE.^RS). 

Baker, Robt., died at Sanford, Kv., Feb. 19, 1863. 
Crooks, William, died at Xashviile. Sept. 18, 1863. 
Dyer, Charles, died at Lebanon, Kv.. Feb. IS), 1862. 
Ewiiij;-, Thomas, died at Nashville, March 30, 1862. 
Falev, 'I'liomas, died at Houlini: Green, Sejit. 17, 1863. 
Jami""s, Martin V. B., died at I'eru, Aug. I.'i, 1863. 
Sullivan, Geor,!;e, died at Peru July 10, 1864. 

rO>n».\NV f, KIlillTY-SEVEKTII UKiil.MENT (THREE YE.\Us). 

Russell, Burr, died of wounds, Nov. 39, 1863. 

Demuth, Jno., killed Au.;;. 22. 1864. 

Brown. Elisha, killed at Chickamau.sa, Sc))!. 1863. 

Brown. Martin \'. died at Cliattauooira, Nov. 22, 1863. 

Clendenin, Andrew P., died at Dowd's Island, April 3, 18G5. 

Derick, Georsre, died at Nashville, Manh 6, 1863. 

Edward, Sylvester, died of wounds, at Chattanooga, Oct. 11, 1863. 

Foss, James G., died at Chattanooga, Oct. 11, 1863. 

Glaze Geo., died at Chattanooga, Nov. 8. 1863. 

Hart, Geo., died at Lebanon, Ky., Feb. 21,1863. 

Hawyer, "\Vm. IL, died of wounds, liiclnuoud, Va., Dec. 15, 1863. 

Kennedy, Joe J., died at (Jallaiin, Nov. 23, 1862. 

Keijler, "Jno., died at Hinirold. Ga., April 12, 1S64. 

Lord, \Vm. J., died at l.ouisxille. Dec. 19, 18(53. 

Jliirine, Asa W., Waldon Ridge, Oct. 1863. 

^larshall, Herman, died of wounds at Nasliville, Dec. 14, 1863. 

Newby, Isaiah J, died of wounds at Chattanooga, Oct. 17, 1868. 

Perkins, Ithamer, died at Gallatin, Tenn., Nov. 12, 1862. 

Petty, Miles C, killed at Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 1803. 

Reese, Jno., died at (Tallatin, Teun., Jan. 10, 1H6;(. 

Saxon, Wm. J., died at (Gallatin, Tenn., Dec. 14, 1863. 

Waller, Geo. F., died at Bowling (Jreeu, Dec. 33, 1863. 

\N'icker, \\'m., killed at Chickamauga, Sept. 20, 1863. 

Woolf, Jacob, died at Triune, Tenn., May 2, 1863. 

lOMI'AXY D, NIXETY-NIXTII UE«rMEXT (XIIKEE YE.\RS). 

Connett. Jno. F., died at Memiihis, Nov. 33, 1862. 
IlitsnuUer, Samuel, died at Memiihis, Nov. 23, 1862. 
Reamer, Wm., died at Memiihis, Sept. 2o, 1863. 
Re.amer, Jesse, died at Jlemphis, April li, 1863. 
Snider, Reuben, died at Fort Fowler, March 4, 1863. 

roMl'AXY I, NrXETY-XIXTII REGIMENT (THREE YEARS). 

Albaugh, Daniel, died at Indianapolis, Nov. 7, 1862. 
McGraw, Francis .M, killed at Jackson Miss., July 11, 1863. 
Studebaker, Andrew, died at Louisville, Feb. 4, 1865. 
Freermood, Geo., died of wounds, Aug. 5, 1864. 
Garsar, Jno., died at Scottsboro, Ala., Feb. 22, 1864. 



324 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Sullivan, Jefferson, died at Fort Fowler, April, 1863. 
Wilson, Leander, died at Memphis, Oct. 11, 1863. 
Weeks, Jnc, killed near Atlanta, July 28, 1864. 

COMPAKY L, TWELFTH CAVALRY, (OSE HUNDRED .\XD TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, 

TFIREE YEARS). 

Houk, Johnson 51., died at Lojiansport, May 27, 1865. 
Blackburn, Jno. died at Murfreesboro, .Jan. 3, 1865. 
Burnett, Sam M., died at Jeffersonville, Feb. 15, 1865. 
Burk, Jno. W., died at Mobile, May 6, 1865. 
Benner, Samuel, died at Montsomen,-, June 16, 1865. 
Correll, Zacharas, died at Kendallvirie, April 7, 1864. 
Clark, Samuel L., died at Goshen, March 4, 1864. 
Ellison, Pleasant, died at Xew Orleans, April 16, 1865. 
Geiger, Geo. W., died at New All)any, Jan. 10, 186.5. 
Karr, Jno., died at Point Rock Kidsie. May 23, 1864. 
Wilson, Geo. W., died at Kendallville, M;irch 7, 1865. 

CO^rPAXY M, TWELFTH CAVALRY, (ONE HUNDRED .\ND TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, 

THREE years). 

Goodwin, Geo. W., died at Kendall. March 31, 1864. 

Laux, Ephram K., died at New Orleans, Mav 21, 1865. 

Shenkle, Wm., died at Huntsville, July 10, 1864. 

Wilcox, Martin, died at Madison, Ala., June 14, 1864. / 

Wilco.x, Ezra, died at Nashville, Feb. 15, 1865. 

Willey, Jno., died at Camp Anderson, .Jan. 21, 1864. 

COMP.VNY C, ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT (ONE YEAK). 

King, Stephen A., died at Nashville, March 2.5, 1805. 
Smith, Adam W., died at Nashville, July 23, 1865. 

COMPANY D, ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT (ONE YEAR). 

Bell, Jno. C, died at Nashville, June 24, 1865. 
Crider, Ephrian L., died at TuUahoma, May 31, 1865. 
Colemau, Geo. W., died at Nashville, .June 1, 186.5. 
Calvin, Jno. V., died at Mexico, March 4, 186.5. 
Harmon, David, died at Indianapolis, Feb. 20, 1865. 
Hakins, Thomas W., died at Nashville. July .5, 1865. 
Hoover, Mark R., died at Nashville, April 1, 186.5. 
Packard, Noah F., died at Nashville, July 25, 1865. 
Shanaberger, Geo. F., died at Tullahonia, Mav 1, 186.5. 
Whitney, Geo. W., died at Nashville, April 21, 1865. 

FOURTEENTH BATTERY, LIGHT -UlTILLERY. 

Loveland, Henry C, died at Bethel, Tenn., June 14, 1862. 
Hale, Ephrain, died at home, Oct. 26, 1863. 

TWENTY-FIRST BATTERY, LIGHT ARTILERY. 

Montgomery, Wm. A., died at Lexington, Dec 28, 1862. 
Despennet, Wm. S., died at Columbia, May 21, 1864. 
Sullivan, A. W., died at Columbia, June 4, 1864. 

MISCELI..\NEOUS. 

Cole. Ethan, died of wounds, Aug. 9, 1864. 
Wilson. Taylor, died at Jlemjihis, Oct. 28, 1862. 
Hullinger, Jacob, died at Washington, I). C, Feb. 9, 1865. 

Note.— The foregoioK list is probably incomplete, as there are many nnaccoimted for in the 
official reports, who were no doubt kiUed. 



DRAFTS. 325 

Drafts. — The first draft occurred in Indiana on October 6, 
1862. This was held under the President's third call for troops 
dated August 4, 1862, asking for 300,000 soldiers. The enroll- 
ment for this draft was made September 19 and at that time 
Miami county was credited with a total militia force of 2844. 
To be deducted from this were 405 exempts and 118 conscien- 
tiously opposed to bearing arms, leaving 2,321 subject to the 
draft. At that time the County was credited with having fur- 
nished a total of 1,065 volunteers, of which 996 were then in 
the service. When this draft was ordered Miami county lacked 
98 men of having tilled her quota, distributed among the town- 
ships as follows: Jefferson, 2; Perry, 29; Union, 13; Richland, 
10; Washington, 11; Clay, 24; Harrison, 9. 

Under the call of October 17, 1863, for 300,000 men the 
quota for Miami was 196. The calls of February i, March 14, 
and July 18, 1864, required Miami county to furnish 1,056 in 
addition to those already given. To offset this the countv was 
credited with S39 new volunteer recruits, 152 veterans and 39 
by draft, a total of 1,030. This left a total of 21 men yet due 
from the county which, of course, were raised. The President's 
last call for troops was issued December 19, 1864, demanding 
300,000 more troops. Miami county's quota under this call was 
337. All efforts to raise troops in Indiana were abandoned on 
the 14th of April, 1865, and at that date the count}- was 
credited with the following to offset this last call: New volun- 
teer recruits 281, veterans 11, and by draft 45: thus just balanc- 
ing the account. This makes a grand total of men furnished 
by Miami county for the war, of 2,624. ^^ course there were 
not that many different men in the war, for some of them 
enlisted two and three times, and were counted for each enlist- 
ment. It is probable that not more than 2,200 or 2,300 were 
ever actually sent out from the countv. 

Bounty and Relief. — During the first }ear of the war the Con- 
gress passed an act authorizing the payment of $roo to volunteers 
enlisting for three years. This was followed by numerous orders, 
during the years 1863 and 1864, from the adjutant-general's office 
authorizing the payment of bounties ranging from $100 to $400, 
depending to some extent on the term of service. The inequality 
of the amount paid for the same term of service caused great dis- 
satisfaction. But it was claimed by the aiuhorities that the exi- 
gencies and demands of the service necessitated it and it could not 
be avoided. 

In addition to the bounties paid by the Government, large and 
extravagant local bounties were paid. Under the call of August, 
1862. the Board of Commissioners, at a meeting held September 8, 
appropriated ^10,000, which was placed in the hands of E. H. Siiirk 



326 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

and John A. Graham, to be paid out in sums of $25 to each person 
that had enlisted or should enlist on or before the 15th of said 
month. Other bounties, not exceeding in amount $50, were paid 
during the year 1863. 

There was expended by the County for bounties the following 
amounts : 

Jliami Countr $ ISO.o.'iO 00 

Peru Township ir),0UO 00 

.lefferson Township 8.000 00 

Perry •' Tj.OOO 00 

Union " 4,000 00 

Richland " 5,000 00 

Erie " -i.OOO (10 

Butler " • 1(1.0110 00 

Washington " Ki.iKlO 00 

Pipe Creek " ■J.dllO (K) 

Deer Creek " 14,(J00 00 

Clav " 4.1100 00 

Harrison " 4.000 00 

.Jackson " 4,(HK) 00 

Allen " 4.000 00 

Peru City I.KJO 00 

Total f 281,6.50 00 

These amounts were paid to stimulate enlisting and avoid the 
drafts under the calls of July i8th and December 19th, 1864. 
Under the former call the Board, at a special session held October 
ID, offered the bounty of $300 for the necessary number of recruits 
to fill the County's quota. This quota had scarcely been filled until 
a call for 300,000 additional recruits was issued. The county had 
seemingh' been taxed to its utmost, but with the zeal that had 
characterized the actions of the people of the county during the 
war, another effort was made. Petitions were circulated in the 
various townships in the county praying the Board of Commission- 
ers to offer an additional bounty of $500. This was granted at a 
meeting held January 24, 1865. Subjoined to this order is a pro- 
test of each County Commissioner, acting in the capacity of a pri- 
vate citizens, which states that they wish it to be known to poster- 
ity that it was their judgment that such action was impolitic and 
inexpedient, but granted the prayer of the petitioners because a 
majority of tax-payers of the count\' demanded said appropriation. 

A few months of experience in the field showed how ilh-pre- 
pared the Government was to provide the army with the necessary 
comforts for such a life. The inadequate .supply of clothing, such 
as woolen underwear, mittens, shoes, etc., was complained of b}' 
the soldiers. For the purpose of providing these necessities, the 
State Sanitary Commission was organized. Auxiliary societies 
were organized in each County, and tributary to these societies were 
organizations in the towns and townships. The County Society in 
Miami, like most other counties of the State, was officered and 



BOUNTY AND RELIEF. 327 

managed bv the patriotic women who, with the characteristic ten- 
derness of their sex, made a generous response to ever}- call to 
alleviate the suffering of the soldiers in the field and hospitals. One 
of the first relief committees consisted of Mrs. Wm. Ream, Mrs. 
D. R. Bearss, Mrs. W. W. Constant, Mrs. E. M. Talbot. Mrs. A. 
H. Tracv was Treasurer, Mrs. S. S. Benhan, Secretary, and Mrs. 
W. F. Hauk, President. These are the names of but few of the 
many noble women of the county who were prominent in this 
movement. The Societ^• was organized in October, 1861, and in 
March. 1S64, the following report was made at the State Sani- 
tary con\-ention, held at Indianapolis, which speaks for the generos- 
itv of the noble-hearted and patriotic women of Miami County. 

Shipped November, 1861. stores valued at $ 225 00 

" January, 1862, " " " 90 00 

" February, " " " " 1,600 (lO 

" March, ' " " " " 50 00 

" April, " " " " 150 00 

" Jlay, " " " " 400 00 

" Auji-HSt, " •' " " 400 00 

" March. 1863, " " '• 857 00 

" .June. " " " " 1,000 00 

" .A.uu'ust. " " " " 358 00 

" October, " " " " 62 00 

" November. " " " " 116 00 

" December, " " " " 151 00 

" January, 1864, " " " 65 00 

" Februarv, " " " " 40 00 

To soldiers' faiiiilies 100 00 

Cash in tresusury 165 00 

Total !{;5,323 GO 

The above is only a partial report of the supplies furnished. 

Greater care than that of providing the soldiers in the field 
with what the Government had failed to suppl}' was the relief 
of the destitute families of the soldiers. Many poor men volun- 
teered to defend their countrv, whose families were dependent 
upon their daily earning for support, while others left the farm 
at seed time, and winter came and found them without the nec- 
essarv subsistence. Few counties more readil}' and liberallv con- 
tributed to the relief of the families of their soldiers than did 
Miami, as mav be seen from the following statement: 

Relief furnished bv Coimty $29,890.86 

Relief furnished by ;U1 the Townships 15,000.00 

Jliscellaneous 4,800.00 

Total * 149,690.86 

Total number of beneficiaries 2,303 

The above amount, added to the whole amount paid by the 
county for bounty, shows a total amount paid by the county for 
bounty and relief, $331,340.86. This amount does not include 



328 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

the various sums contribufed by private individuals nor the Sol- 
diers' Aid Society. 



CHAPTER V. 



Bench and Bar — Early Courts — First Judges — -Destruc- 
tion OF Records — Early Cases — Early Attorneys — 
Courts Under the New Constitution — Official Seal 
— Important Criminal Trials — L.\ter Judges — Roll of 
Attorneys, Etc. 

THE measure of a people's civilization can always be determ- 
ined by the condition of its judiciary. Tyrants have but little 
use for courts, and in proportion to the decrease of their power 
the reign of incorrupt judges is asserted. Throughout the entire 
range of governments, from the most tyranical to the most leni- 
ent and indulgent, can be traced the progress and expansion of 
courts of justice. Americans being the freest of people have a 
right to expect most of their courts, and, as a rule, their ex- 
pectations are not in vain. Nearly all our laws are subject to 
review by our judicial tribunals, and our everv interest is in- 
trusted to their care. The prompt and speedv administration of 
justice is the safe-guard of our liberties and the promoter of our 
National moralitv. 

The transactions of courts in anv communitv make an im- 
portant item in its history. In Miami Countv the earlv proceed- 
ings at the bar of justice are unfortunatelv much obscured and 
mostly destroyed. There is scarcely a record of any kind that 
antedates the destruction of the court house by fire in March, 
1843. Whatever is here given relating to a time prior to that 
is founded almost whollv upon the hearsav evidence, a kind of 
evidence that is rarely admitted as proofs in courts. There are 
but few persons now living who were residents of the County 
in 1834, ^^^ '^'^^^ of 'ts organization, and of those there are not 
more than three or four who can bear testimony concerning 
the earliest courts. 

It is said that the first term of the circuit court held in 
Miami County was in September, 1834, at Miamisport. The pre- 
siding judge was Gustavus Everts, of La Porte. As Indiana 
courts were then organized, there were two' associate judges, 
whose duty it was to assist in conducting the business. As a 
matter of fact thev did but little trood towards furthering the 



BENCH AND BAR. 329 

ends of justice, as the_\' nearly always gave tlieir assent to 
whatever opinion the president judge announced. The cases 
where they dissented were very few and tlien of but little 
importance. About their only advantage was in expediting 
business by disposing of probate and other less important mat- 
ters. It is not now definitely known who the first associate 
judges were, but it is probable that George S. Fenimore and 
Jacob Wilkinson were; at least it is certain thev were in 1836, 
and no elections occurred between the time when the court 
first assembled and the above date. But the\' may have been 
first elected in 1836. If that is the case, their predecessors 
were appointed by the Governor and are not now known. 
Samuel C. Sample was prosecuting attorney, Benjamin H. 
Scott clerk, and Jacob Linzee, sheriff. Probably the usual 
routine of early courts prevailed, leaving little to be imagined 
bevond the primitiveness of the situation. Among the early 
attorneys are said to have been Charles Ewing, David H. Colerick 
and Henrv Cooper, of Fort Wayne; Henry Chase, John W. and 
Williamson Wright and Benj. Hurst, of Logansport. All these 
became prominent among the attorneys of Northern Indiana 
except the last, and at least three, Ewing, Chase and John W. 
Wright, became circuit judges. Colerick was one of the most 
irresistable of advocates. 

The second term was held in March, 1835, at Tarkington's 
Tavern, on the Northeast corner of Main and Miami streets, in 
Peru, and the third at the house of Hugh Peoples, also a log 
tavern that stood near the corner of Cass and Second streets. 
Of this, John A. Graham has written: "The room in which 
the term of the court last named was held was not over 
eighteen feet square. The judge, prosecutor, clerk and attorneys 
sat around a table near the North wall, and parties litigant 
and spectators stood wherever they found convenient places in 
the room and about the door outside. The indictments were 
generally for small infractions of the law, such as betting on 
shooting matches, selling whisky without license, and indulging 
in the innocent amusement of euchre or old sledge at twenty- 
five cents a corner." 

The judicial district over which Judge Everts then presided 
was the Eighth, and was composed of the counties of Cass, 
Miami, Wabash, Huntington, Allen, LaGrange, Elkhart, St. Joseph 
and La Porte. Bj- act of February 4, 1836, the following were 
attached to and made a part of that circuit: Porter, Marshall, 
Fulton, Kosciusko, Noble and Adams. The District comprises 
the best portion of Indiana and was an exceptionally large one 
even for that da\'. 

Judge Everts was an able and leading lawyer of this por- 



330 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

tion of the State, and Judge Biddle thus speaks of him : . " He 
was a lawyer of great tact and fine address; extreme!}' astute in 
the management of witnesses and facts; not remarkably studious 
nor deepl}- learned in the law. In cases that moved emotion, or 
touched passion, or appealed to the feelings which stir our com- 
mon nature, he was very powerful — far more successful than 
when he attempted to convince the understanding. His peculiar 
talent made him personally very popular. He was indeed a 
very prince of good fellows." 

The immediate successor of Judge Everts was Samuel C. 
Sample. He held but one term in his county, in the fall of 1836. 
Judge Sample was a man of no ordinary ability, but was plain 
and practical in all his acts. He represented his district in Con- 
gress, and was always at his post among the workingmen of 
that body. At the bar, and as presiding judge of the Circuit 
Courts, he stood high among the most efficient and able practi- 
titioners, and one of the purest judges that has graced the 
bench. His person was fine, his head and forehead large, and 
hair dark. 

Charles W. Ewing came upon the bench as president judge 
of the Eighth Judicial Circuit, the immediate successor of 
Judge Sample. His associates were the same as those who sat 
with Judge Sample, with Thomas Johnson, prosecuting attorney. 
Judge Ewing was a lawyer of superior ability, and stood high 
in the profession, locally and generally. As a judge, he was 
ready in grasping facts pertinent to the issues involved, and sel- 
dom committed an error in disposing of questions submitted to 
him for consideration. He was deservedly popular, both as 
lawyer and judge, and his untimely taking off was a source of 
regret to all with whom he was acquainted. His term of service 
as judge of the Miami Circuit Court closed with the March 
term, 1839. He died by his own hand on the 9th of January, 
1843, in the meridian of his life and usefulness. 

Henry Chase, a resident of Logansport, became the fourth 
Circuit Judge in line of succession upon the Miami County bench. 
He was appointed August 20, 1829, b}- David Wallace, Gov- 
ernor, during the interim preceding the session of the Legisla- 
ture of 1839-40, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation 
of Judge Ewing. Another has said of him: "He was a close 
and ready pleader, seldom or never asking for time to prepare 
his papers: had a clear, logical mind and great force of char- 
acter. As a judge he was dignified, self-reliant and unequivocal, 
making no mistakes in the enunciation of his decisions; his style 
brief yet exhaustive." 

John W. Wright was elected president Judge of the Eighth 
Judicial Circuit b\- the Legislature of 1839-40, the circuit being 



BENCH AND BAR. 33 I 

composed of the same counties as when Judge Chase was ap- 
pointed, excepting that Carroll County was added. He was a 
man of peculiar make-up; not a profound lawyer, but ready in 
arriving at conclusions and prompt in announcing them. During 
his term of service the amount of business that came up for his 
consideration was uiiusualh- large, and vet few appeals were 
taken from his decisions, which, though not always satisfactory', 
were generally concurred in by the parties litigant. 

It was during Judge Wright's term that the court house 
was destroyed by hre, as before stated, and with it all the court 
records up to that time were destroved. To alleviate in some 
measure the trouble that would naturally follow from the de- 
struction of important judgments of the court, the Legislature 
not long after passed a law to provide for their restoration. The 
title, preamble and first section of this act are here given. 

Ax Act For the Bkmvfit of Persons Who are Likely to Suffer by the Des- 

TRITCTIO.N (IK THE RECORDS OF MlAMI t'OUNTY BY FiRE. 

W/teredK, On tlie — day of , 1843, the court house iu the Couuty of Miami 

was burned and all the records of the Probate and Circuit Courts and the liecorder's 
Office destroyed; and, 

Wliei-ea.i, Many persons are affected by the destruction of the records aforesaid. 

Section 1. Jle it Emirted hy the General AuMmhlij of the State of Tndianii, Tliat 
for the purpose of perpetuatinii; testimony of, or rchttinir to any judjrments, orders, 
decrees, or otlier proceedinirs of tlie Probate or Circuit Courts of the County of 
Miami, had jirevious to the destruction of the records thereof, and for the purpose 
of iierpetuatiusr testimony coiicerninjr, of, or relating to, any patents, deeds, mort- 
gages, bills of sale, wills, inventories, powers of attorney, or other instruments of 
writing of record in the books of the Recorder of said county and destroyed as 
aforesaid, M. W. Seely, of said county, is hereby appointed a commissioner to 
receive evidence of and concerning any such judgments, orders, decrees, or other 
proceedings of said Probate and Circviit Courts, and in relation to any patent, deed, 
will, bill of sale, mortgage, power of attorney, inventory, or other instrument in 
writing by any person who may wish to have such testimony perpetuated. 

The commissioner, M. W. Seely, appointed by this act, 
was at that time a resident attorney of Peru. There was but 
little w6rk done bv this commissioner, and the restored records 
are very brief concerning the prior transactions of the courts. 
One thing that is of some interest recorded in this volume is 
the will of Francis Godfroy, the last chief of the Miami tribe 
of Indians. The manner in which he disposes of his large 
property shows that he was a man of no ordinary ability. 
His several wives are provided for with seeming impartialit}-. 

The absence of the early records is a matter of regret as 
it prevents the narration of many important occurrences that 
took place in the early days of the county's history, while peo- 
ple were seeking justice. From the early commissioner's record 
which was not destro\-ed by the fire, the following names of 
the Grand and Petit Jurors have been ascertained. Grand Jur- 
ors: Zephnmiah Wade. Geo. W. Holman, George Linzee. Abner 



332 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Overman, Wm. Coats, John Hoover, Joseph Clymer, Aaron Rhen- 
berger, Ira Evans, John Plaster, John M. Jackson, Wm. H. Hood. 
Petit Jurors : George Townsend, John Wiseman, James T. Liston, 
Wm. M. Reyburn. Robt. Wade, Richard Ransford, Isaac Marquiss, 
Isaac Stewart, John Rav, Wm. Wilkinson, John Smith, Joseph C. 
Tavlor, Wm. Cannon, Stewart Forgv, Alexander Jamison, Joseph 
B. Campbell, Walter D. Nesbit, A. B. Rattiff, John Sanders, Na- 
thaniel McGuire, Jesse Wilkinson. 

The first authentic records begin with the September term of 
the Miami Circuit Court, which began at the Court house in the 
town of Peru on the eleventh day of September, A. D., 1843, and 
adjourned therefrom to the Presbvterian Church in the same town, 
the Court house having been destro\'ed b}' fire since the last term. 
Present — the Hon. John W. Wright, President Judge of the Eighth 
judicial Circuit of the State of Indiana, and his associates, George 
S. Fenimore and Albert Cole, Esquires, for the Count}- of Miami, 
and Benj. H. Scott, Clerk, and John A. Graham. Sheriff, of said 
Court and Countv. 

The Sheriff returned into court the following list of Grand 
Jurors : Willvs Remch, Stephen Bradlev, Josephus Austin, Benja- 
min Austin, Benjamin Cady. Thomas Black, Eli Cook, Enos Bald- 
win, James B. Savers, Jonathan Bishop, Matthew Murden, Samuel 
Fisher and Jacob Flora, for the regular panel, and these men for 
the petit jurors: Samuel Ga3er, Eli Flora and Washington Ab- 
bott, a total of fifteen, that being the number then required on the 
Grand Jurv bv the State laws. The same number is now in de- 
mand by the United States for a Grand Jury. 

Spier S. Tipton was at that time prosecuting attorney and 
because of the destruction by fire of all indictments pending in 
the court at that time, he entered a nolle prosequi to them all. 

Among the causes on the docket at this time were two for 
divorce, between Hannah and Joseph Read, John and Luthania 
Cressman; one for a writ of ad quod danuuim by the Peru 
Bridge Co., against the heirs of Wm. N. Hood and of George 
Washington Godfroy; two for slander b\- Fletcher and wife 
against Thomas Gowdy, and Richard Gillaspel against Horace 
Mason. Besides these were a number for debt, assumpsit, tres- 
pass, promise and other important matters. The Grand Jury 
returned a number of indictments but the records do not dis- 
close what thev were for except that one was for perjury. 

The names of the attorneys that appeared at tha. term 
were Daniel D. Pratt, A. A. Cole, Horace P. Biddle, Ii'athan 
O. Ross, Wm. Z. Stewart, Spier S. Tipton, Ebenezar P. Love- 
land, M. W. Seely. 

At the March term following there were some State cases 
on record for betting, two for perjur}', one for violation of the 









<^ 



Zt^-z^^^A^^ 



BENCH AND BAR. 335 

estray law, and in addition to these were iive for contempt of 
court against John A. Graham, Wm. World, Jacob Stroup, Jere- 
miah Shaffer and Daniel Chrosuster. 

In September, 1S44, the suit of ad quod daiiDiiiin by the 
Peru Bridge Company, was brought to a termination b}' the 
granting of a right to erect and maintain a bridge across the 
Wabash river on Broadway street. In the award of the court 
in this cause there is the following : " That it will be of no 
damage to the several proprietors, and that the mansion houses 
of none of the several proprietors (along the river) nor the officers, 
curtitage, or gardens thereunto, immediately belonging will be 
oxerflowed by the erection of said bridge nor the abutments, toll- 
house nor causeways thereof ; and it appearing further to the satis- 
faction of the court that ordinary navigation of fish or passage 
will not thereby be obstructed, and that the health of the neighbor- 
hood will not be annoyed by the stagnation of the water occa- 
sioned by the construction of said bridge, abutments, toll-houses 
and causeways * * it is therefore ordered, etc., etc." 

At this term Z. W. Stewart was prosecuting attorney. It was 
at this term also that the first verdict, now on record, imposing the 
penaltv of confinement in the State Prison was returned. It was 
against James INI. Thompson who was convicted of grand larceny 
and sentenced to two years imprisonment and fined nineteen dollars 
for the benefit of the Miami County Seminar}-. Nathan O. Ross 
was allowed five dollars for defending him. This is the first case 
shown by the records, but there may have been others of this kind 
prior to the burning of the records in 1S43. 

At the Februarv term, 1845, W. M. Cadien was fined five dol- 
lars for violation of the election laws. It seems that the people 
were as eager to exercise the right of suffrage then as now. 

Phillip Hester was found guilty of grand larceny and sen- 
tenced to four years in the penitentiary. David Kistler was sent 
for one year on a charge of petit larceny. The Grand Jury re- 
port that the jail is sufficient for the safe-keeping of the prisoners. 
Josiah Watterson was given five years because he was guilty of 
forgerv. Hester and \Vatterson were defended by D. D. Pratt, 
and Kistler by E. P. Loveland, A. A. Cole and N. O. Ross. 

In August, 1845, Noah Allebaugh presented his commission 
as sheriff of Miami County and he proceeded to perform the 
duties of the office. 

In February, 1846, David M. Dunn presented a commission 
as prosecuting attorne}' of the Eighth Judicial Circuit of Indiana. 
At this time all causes that required publication were published in 
the Democratic Pharos^ of Logansport, that being the nearest 
newspaper. 

In 1847, at the March term, Hon. Horace P. Biddle came 



336 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

to the bench in Miami County as president judge. His com- 
mission was signed by James Whitcomb as Governor. For that 
term Wm. S. Palmer was sworn as prosecuting attorney. 
During this term Samuel Smith was tried on an indictment for 
murder, but the jury failed to agree. 

At the March term, 1848, Nathaniel McGuire assumed the 
duties of prosecuting attorney and at the same time Coleman Hen- 
ton was sheriff, and during the term James B. Fulwiler succeeded 
Benjamin H. Scott as clerk. In September, 1848, Albert Cole, 
who had been so long one of the associate judges upon the 
circuit bench, retired, and his place was occupied by Daniel 
Potter. 

William Potter became prosecuting attorney at the Septem- 
ber term, 1849. ^^ ^^'^ term Mary x\nn Reese and Jesse 
Washburn were prosecuted for murder, and a jury said they 
were not guilty. Both of these cases were brought to this 
County on a change of venue from Fulton county. 

In September, 1850, Caleb Fonce was found guilty of mur- 
der in the second degree. The gist of all the record that 
remains of it is contained in the following verdict of the jury: 
" We, the jury, find the said defendant guilty of voluntaril}^ 
killing said Godfrey, as charged in said indictment, upon a sud- 
den heat, without malice expressed or implied, and with delib- 
eration and premediation, and say and find that the said defend- 
ant is guilty of manslaughter, and that he be imprisoned in the 
State Prison, to be there kept at hard labor for the term of 
two years." 

Upon the convening of court at the March term, 185 1, it 
adjourned from the Presbyterian Church to the Methodist 
Church. At the. September term of that year John B. Clemens 
was acquitted on a charge of murder. This cause was on a 
change of venue from the Fulton circuit court. At that term, 
also, the court audited the accounts of this County against 
Fulton County arising on the trials of Mary Ann Rees and Jesse 
Washburn, who were also tried here on a change of venue. 
These two, with the Clemens case, amounted to $766, which 
amount Fulton County w'as called upon to pay. 

Judge Biddle was succeeded upon the Circuit bench at the 
September term, 1852, by Hon. Robert H. Milroy. John M. 
Wilson was at the same time special Prosecuting Attorney. 
Judge Milroy was destined to sit upon the Miami Circuit bench 
but a short time. It was during this year that Indiana adopted 
the new constitution, and thereby changed very much the man- 
ner of holding courts and the methods of practice. Before proceed- 
ing further with an account of the court proceedings, it will be 
well to take a retrospective view of the judges and attorneys w^ho 



BENCH AND BAR. • 337 

tigurt'd largel}' in the Miami Circuit Court up to this time. The 
Judges up to March, 1847, have, ah-eady been noticed. At that 
time Judge Wright was succeeded by Horace P. Biddle. In 
Judge Biddle Miami County had one of the most distinguished 
jurists. In 1852, he was elected senatorial delegate to attend the 
convention which met at the capital that }ear for the purpose of 
forming a new Constitution for the State Government. As a 
member of that convention he distinguished himself in the advo- 
cacy of provisions which experience has shown were wholesome 
and judicious, imparting additional dignity to the political and ju- 
dicial economy of the State. Resuming the practice of law dur- 
ing the interval after the conclusion of his convention service, he 
continued his professional labors until the fall of i860, when he 
was re-elected president judge of this circuit, designated at that 
time as the Eleventh. His commission was dated October 26, 
i860, and extended over a period of six years from the da}' pre- 
ceding. The circuit was then composed of the counties of Car- 
roll, Cass, Miami, Wabash, Huntington and Grant. Judge Biddle 
was re-elected in 1S66 for another term of six years, as judge of 
the Eleventh Circuit, composed of the same counties, and left the 
circuit bench at the close of the spring session in 1872. Two 
years later, however, he was elected one of the judges of the Su- 
preme. Court of the State, and served a full term of six years as 
such, leaving that high position full of judicial honors. Aside 
from his experience in the field of law as practitioner and judge, 
he has not been unknown to fame in the field of literature, hav- 
ing produced many valuable works in the department of science 
and general knowledge. He was then and is now a resident of 
Logansport. 

Robert H. Milroy was appointed the successor of Judge 
Biddle at the time of his resignation in 1852. Judge Milroy, 
prior to his accession to the bench, was a lawyer of consider- 
able abilit}% of wide experience and high integrity, and carried 
these qualities with him in the discharge of the duties pertain- 
ing to his more responsible position, leaving no stain upon the 
judicial ermine. His earh- life was spent chief!}- in Carroll 
Countv, Ind.. but having an inherent desire for distinction in 
the science of arms, he entered the militarv school at Norwich, 
Vt., where he became proficient in the theoretical details of 
militarv life. Upon the announcement of a declaration of war 
against Mexico, and a call for volunteers by Gov. Whitcomb, 
without delav he enlisted a companv for that service, of which 
he was made captain, and tendered his and their services for 
the strife alreadv inaugurated. Again, at the outbreak of the 
rebellion, he enlisted one or more companies for three months' 
service and was commissioned colonel of the re<jiment known as 



338 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

the " Bloody Ninth." He was subsequently promoted to a 
major-generalship and served with distinction during the war. 
He now resides in one of the territories of the great West. 

Early Attorneys. — The records for the ten years before the 
adoption of the new constitution showed that about thirty attor- 
neys were admitted to practice at the Miami circuit court. At 
the September term, 1843, there were these eight practicing in 
court: D. D. Pratt, A. A. Cole, Horace P. Biddle, Nathan O. 
Ross, W. Z. Stewart, Spier S. Tipton, Ebenezer P. Loveland 
and M. W. Seelev. Of this number D. D. Pratt is too well 
known to need an extended notice here. Suffice it to say that 
he was then a resident of Logansport and continued such until 
his death. Having completed the study of law with Calvin 
Fletcher, of Indianapolis, early in the year 1836, he went to 
Logansport, was admitted to the bar there on the 9th of Aug- 
ust of that year and immediately entered upon a very successful 
and lucrative practice. He was studious, careful and judicious 
in the preparation of his legal papers, painstaking and thorough 
in their presentation to the court, and frequently secured ver- 
dicts at the hands of a jury by skillful and elaborate arguments, 
which were presented with great magnetic force. Eminently 
popular in the practice of his profession he w-as equally so as 
a man and a citizen, representing the people of his county one 
term in the State Legislature and the State of Indiana in the 
Senate of the United States. In both these positions his char- 
acteristic energy and industry were everj^where manifest. He 
died on the 17th of June, 1877, at the age of sixty-four years. 

Hon. William Z. Stuart settled in Logansport at nearly the 
same time with Mr. Pratt, having partly completed his studies 
elsewhere. He was admitted to practice on the 20th of Febru- 
ary, 1837. From 1843 he served one term as prosecuting 
attornev in this circuit, and discharged the duties pertaining to 
that office with signal ability. During the period of his practice, 
which took a very wide range, he was ranked among the most 
thorough and logical lawyers in the Sfate. At the time of his 
death, and several years anterior thereto, he was principal attor- 
nev for the Wabash Railway Company. From 1853 to 1857 he 
served one term as judge of the Supreme Court of the State of 
Indiana w^ith distinguished credit to himself and the profession 
he honored. 

Alphonso A. Cole was for several years the leader of the 
Peru Bar. He was a man well educated and of irreproachable 
character. As a pleader he was unexcelled by any attorney that 
has lived in Miami County, and his papers were models of their 
kind. Although he did not excel as an advocate, he yet pos- 
sessed considerable abilitv in that direction. His speeches were 



BENCH AND BAR. 



339 



£feiierally delivered in a plain and unostentatious manner, and 
were couched in model sentences'. At times, howexer, he would 
mount to a convincing and une.xpected degree of eloquence that 
nearly alwaj'S carried his hearers with him. He was a man of 
much natural ability in addition to educational advantages. In 
the old time equity proceedings, his name appears as solicitor 
more than an\' of his contemporaries. 

Ebenezer P. Loveland had been practicing at the Miami 
County Bar since 1840. For a period of about fifteen years he 
continued in the active practice and from the frequency of his 
name in the records, it is presumed that he was one of the 
leading attorneys of that period. He later engaged in railroad 
speculation and other matters that required nearly all his atten- 
tion and compelled him to relinquish, to a large extent, the law. 
Later in life he returned to a some what more active practice. 
His death earlv in 187 1 was caused by an accident at the burning 
of the Howe Machine Works. The resolutions of the Bar upon 
his death were as follows: 

'■Ebenezer P. Loveland, Esq., an esteemed citizen of our 
Countv and one of the oldest member of the Bar, suffered a horri- 
ble death by being crushed beneath the ruins of the Howe Sew- 
ing Machine factor}-, which was destroyed by fire on the loth 
of February, 1871. At a meeting of the Bar of Peru, convened 
to take such action on the melancholy occasion as should be 
deemed fitting, the following resolutions were adopted: 

ResolDed, Th;it tlie siiddcu and fearful death of E. P. Loveland, Esq., has cast 
a srioom o\er the entire tonimuuity and wrapped his professional brethren in pro- 
found sorrow. 

Ixrsiilnd, Tliat by this dreaded visitation our County has lost a worthy citizen, 
and the Bar a memlier who had the aliility to liuve achieved its highest honors. 

Hrxiilri'd, Tliat we tender to the family of our deceased brother our earnest 
sympathy in their dee]) affliction. * 

liiKiih-cd, That the secretary of this meeting jiresent a copy of these resolu- 
tions to the bereaved family; also that he furnish copies to the press of the city for 
publication. 

Henohcil, That X. O. Hoss be apiiointed to present these resolutions at the next 
term of the Comnmn Pleas Court and Col. .loliii M. Wilson at the next term of the 
Circuit Court, with the request of this meeting that they be spread upon the records 
of said courts as a tribute to the memory of the deceased. 

N. O. Ross, ~] 

John JI. WrLsON, 

E. T. Dickey, ^Committee. 

IT. .T. Snn{K, I 

.1. L. Fakiiau, J 

Nathan O. Ross was one of the earliest resident attorn e3's of 
Miami Countx', and from that time to this he has been one of the 
leadinir members at the bar. Throuo-hout all he has maintained his 
standing as an able and successful advocate. He has had for his 
opponents the ablest men of the early bar in this portion of the 
State. In later years he has been the attorney for the C. St. L. & P. 



340 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Railway, and now spends a large portion of his time at Logansport 
in the practice. He has been a diligent student and has acquired a 
knowledge of statute laws and the court decisions that is probably 
unequaled by any attorney in this portion of the State. This has 
made him one of the safest of counsellors. He takes high rank as 
a lawyer, based entirely upon his knowledge of the law and not as 
a brilliant and showy orator. 

Courts Under the JTczv Constitution. — The courts of Indiana 
received a radical change under the new constitution. Thev were 
organized throughout the State in the early part of 1853. Hither- 
to the old common law methods had been in yogue, but under the 
new order of things the practice was much simplified and many of 
the long and tedious forms were done away with. The change 
brought about much opposition from some of the older members of 
the bar throughout the State. They had studied the common laws 
for years, imtil they had become imbued with its principles. To 
them it embodied the ijenuine wisdom of the ajfes that concerned 
law and liberty. They admired it for its grandeur and its equality. 
It had been so long the recognized channel through which justice 
had been sought that "the memory of man runneth not to the con- 
trarj-," and they were reluctant to give up any of its well known 
avenues. Indeed, to many of these older practitioners the common 
law practice had grown to be of such paramount importance, and 
had assumed, to them, such beauty and symmetry that they held it 
in awe and reverence. It was therefore little short of sacrilege to 
attempt the pruning of this system even in its smallest branches. 
To such an extent was this opposition carried that many never be- 
came reconciled to the change, while some even went so far as to 
abandon the practice altogether. 

One distinctive feature of the change was the abolishment of 
the office of associated jud§e. This was an office more for orna- 
ment than for utility. The circuit judge then held court in several 
counties, and in each he was assisted by two associate judges, who 
resided in the county. They were men that seldom, if ever, had 
any knoNN^ledge of the law and their decisions usually followed in 
harmony with the president judge. At this time, however, they 
folded away their ermine and took their final leave of the Indiana 
courts, leaving the task of supporting the scales of justice to a single 
judge. 

yolni Doc vs. Richard Roc. — The present code practice in 
Indiana has been in operation since May 9, 1853. Under the old 
system many relics of feudal times were still lingering. Several 
fictions of the ancient common law were still retained, but under the 
new code the methods of pleading were much simplified and the 
fictions were all abolished. Thencefort^h all actions were to be 
prosecuted and defended in the names of the real parties. It was 



BENCH AND BAR. 34I 

at that time that the famous m3'thical personages John Doe and 
Richard Roe were forever banished from the courts of Indiana. 
These were fictitious phiintiffs and defendants that were used in all 
actions to recover the possession of real propertv. This common 
law action of ejectment originated about the beginning of the 
fourteenth century on account of " the thousand nicities with which 
real actions are harassed and entangled." The readiness with 
which John Doe always came forward to assert the alleged right of 
the man out of possession, and the equal promptness of Richard 
Roe to maintain that the man in possession was the lawful owner, 
were such as to command the devotion and sincere attachment of 
all true lovers of the old system. It was with deep regret that the 
old practitioners took leave of these knights errant of the common 
law. 

The first term in this countj^ after the adoption of the New 
Constitution began March 14, 1853, with Hon. John U. Pettit as 
Judge; John Connell was Prosecuting Attorney, James B. Fulwiler 
and Jonas Hoover, Sheriff. Perhaps no man in the State was bet- 
ter adapted to the trying duties of reorganizing the Circuit Court 
under the new methods of practice than Judge Pettit. He was a 
resident of Wabash County. His mind was a storehouse of infor- 
mation on almost everv conceivable subject. A ripe scholar and a 
great reader, he was thoroughlN' acquainted w'ith the history, poetry 
and the current literature of the country. In law no man in Indi- 
ana had a more comprehensive knowledge. While sitting as judge 
but few appeals were taken from his decisions, and the Supreme 
Court rarelv reversed his judgments. Prior, to this time he had 
been a member of the Indiana Legislature, and had been United 
States Consul in Brazil. Beginning in 1854 he served four terms 
as a member of Congress, the first three as a Democrat and the 
last as a Republican. In 1862 he was commissioned colonel of the 
Sevent^'-fifth Regiment of the Indiana Volunteers, but was com- 
pelled to resign on account of feeble health. 

Adoption of Seal. — The first regular adoption of a seal that 
appears in the Circuit Court records was at the September term, 
1853. The order reads as follows: 

" I, .Johu Upfokl Pottit, .Judge of the Alianii Circuit Court, within and for said 
county and Stale, do hereby devise and adopt the followinjr as the seal of llie said 
court, to-wit: To be of metal circular, in its disk upon tlie face, of tlie exact dimen- 
sions of the impression tliereof at tlie lower left hand corner of this paye and so 
enirraved upon its face as to make the followinjr impression in relief, viz: A dotted 
circle around and at its maririn, just witliin, the words "Circuit Court Miami County 
Indiana," the word Indian.i sei>arated from tlie other words at both ends by lour 
leaved roses, said words in Roman capital letter and in direction parallel with the 
exterior and interior dotted circles, .lust within said words a second dotted circle 
in the same direction and in the open space within said circle a riijht hand huliliuir a 
pen in the position of writing, th^ lingers directed to the left, a true impression of 
which said seal, I certify the foregoing impression to be and leaving so devised the 



342 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

same, I Lerebj' declare the above and foregoins; to be a true discription thereof and 
to l)e henceforth the seal of the Miami Circuit ("ourt. 
"Done in oi)en session of this said court at Peru, in said county, this 13th day of 
"September A. 1). 1853. John Upfold Pettit." 

Accession of Judge Wallace. — At the September term, 1854, 
Hon. John Brownlee came to the Circuit Bench in this countj'^ 
in the place of Judge Pettit, who had been elected to Congress. 
Judge Brownlee was then and is now a resident of Grant county. 
He was commissioned by Joseph A. Wright as Governor. This 
was his onl}" term in Miami County, and at the March term, 
1855, he was succeeded b}- Hon. John M. Wallace. He too 
was a resident of Grant Count\- at the Bar of which he was at 
that time foremost. Judge \\'allace was a brilliant man, aad was 
a fluent speaker. As an advocate he was surpassed bv but 
few, and his knowledge of the law enabled him to become an able 
and efficient judge. At this same term Hiram Moore assimied 
the duties of County Sheriff. Isaiah M. Harlan, who had been 
Prosecuting Attorne}' one year, still continued in that office. 

In September, 1855, James B. Fulwiler was succeeded in the 
office of Clerk bv Alexander Blake, and John Wertz became 
Sheriff. 

It ma\' be worthy of mention that the sessions of court were 
still held in the Methodist Church. Since the fire in 1843 there had 
never been a suitable room prepared by the county for that purpose. 

Orris Blake became Prosecuting Attorney in 1856, R. P. De- 
Hart, October, 1859, W. S. Benham, October, i860, and M. H. 
Kidd, September, 1861. 

An order that was of some importance to Attorneys was 
placed on record at the March term, 1856. It was as follows: 

Inasmuch as the practice of attorneys testifying in behalf of clients 
is in many cases of questionable propriety, calculated frecjuent to give 
occasion for unfriendly insinuiitions and grave charges of a criminal character, 
and generally to prejudice that good understanding which should every where 
prevail among the members of the legal profession, it is ordered that in the 
courts of the Eleventh .Judicial Circuit the practice of attorneys testifying in behidf 
of their clients, at their own instance, or at the instance of co-counsel, will be re- 
garded uitli great disfavor, unless when it is absolutely necessary to jjrevent great in- 
jury to jiarties, and when the facts can be established by no other creditable witness. 

The October term, i860, was the last of Judge Wallace, and 
most of that was held by John Brownlee, under appointment. In 
April, 1861, Horace P. Biddle, after several years absence from the 
Miami Circuit Court, returned to the duties of Circuit Judge. 
Judge Biddle has alread\" been extensively noticed in this chapter. 

Important Criminal Cases. — Among the criminal trials of the 
county the following are specially mentioned. In September, 1853, 
Nathaniel Myers was tried on a charge of forgery, was convicted 
and sentenced to two years in the penitentiar\' and fined $100. At 
the same term James Williams was given two years and fined forty 



BKNCH AND BAR. 343 

dollars for grand larceny. In March, 1854, George Chesrown re- 
ceived two years and $100 for forgery. A large number of cases 
came on about this time in which the Logansport and Northern In- 
diana Railroad Co. was a party. They were mostly trials resulting 
oyer the right of way and for stock subscription. These were 
nearly the tirst railroad cases in the county. Nathan Kimble was 
acquitted of murder in September, 1S54. 

One of the most important criminal trials in the earh- daj-s was 
the case of the State of Indiana ys. Abner Dillon, for murder. 
This was tried at the March term, 1857- John M. Wilson assisted 
in the prosecution with much yigor. Dillon was charged with hay- 
ino- killed his wife, by beatin<r her with a shoyel. The e\'idence 
showed him to haye been guilty of a long course of cruelty to her. 
The jury found him guilty and fixed his punishment at imprison- 
ment for life. On an appeal to the Supreme Court the proceedings 
of the court below were fully sustained and the jurj- said to have 
been lenient with the pnsoner. 

In April, 1858, Wade Blackburn was giyen one year for lar- 
ceny, and on the same charge James W. Fitzgerald received two 
j-ears in Oct., i860. Chas. Warrenburg also was sentenced to t\\"o 
3-ears about the same time for recei\ing stolen goods. In April, 
1868, Charles Ager was sentenced to twenty-one }ears imprison- 
ment for murder. 

Later yudg-es. — The October term, 1872, was the last of 
Judge Biddle upon the Miami Circuit Bench. He was succeeded 
by John U. Pettit in March following who remained a full term pf 
si.\' years. 

In October, 1879, Lyman Walker assumed the duties of Cir- 
cuit Judge, and was the first and only resident of Miami County 
who had been elevated to that excellent position. It is probable, 
too, that none have ever discharged the duties of that office with 
more credit to themselves or satisfaction to the public than did 
Judge Walker. His abilities as a jurist are of a high order, and 
his education is liberal. Another has said of him : " He is a sup- 
erior man in eyer\' respect." His decisions upon the bench stood 
the test of the Supreme Court far better than the average of Cir- 
cuit Judges. He possesses a good judicial mind, and in the trial of 
a cause gave close attention to the evidence, and decided according 
to the natural equity, or the right of the case. In all cases involv- 
ing fraud he seemed intuitively to anticipate the minutia. Since 
his retirement from the bench in 1885 he has been actively engaged 
in the practice at Peru. As an advocate he has but few superiors. 
Being a good speaker and of commanding personal bearing, he has 
large influence with the jury. On the whole he can be deemed a 
brilliant lawyer and one of a still more promising future. 

The present Judge J. D. Connor, first performed the duties of 



344 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

that office in this county at the October term, 1885. He is a pains- 
taking official and one who is determined on administering justice 
without partialit}-. He is a resident of Wabash where he was for 
many years engaged in a successful practice, and where he earned 
the reputation of being an able lawyer. 

Later Attorneys. — It is not within the province of a work of 
this nature to make special mention of the attorneys now living. A 
considerable portion of them are now represented in another part of 
this volume. Such attorneys as H. J. Shirk, R. P. Effinger, Josiah 
and John L. Farrar, James M. Brown and John Mitchell, men who 
have nearlv all been in the active practice in Miami Countv for 
more than thirtv years, might perhaps be more extensively noticed 
here. But a sketch of each will be found elsewhere. Suffice it to 
saj' that they have taken front rank in their profession, and for 
many years have been foremost at the Peru Bar. Besides these 
the bar is well represented by a large number of \oung men, many 
of whom give evidence of eminence in their profession. 

Concerning the death of Albert J. Davidson, who was at one 
time a leader among the younger law3'ers of the county, the follow- 
ing record was made at the October term, 1S74: 

licKnUed, That in the suddoii, painful and nntiniely death of our brother, Albert 
.1. Davidson, we boar the loss of one who. by his natural talents, his aequireil endow- 
ments and many noble qualities had early olitaincd an enviable position in liis pro- 
fession and in society; and whose death in early manhood has destroyed the hope of 
future eminence and usefulness, of which his brief professional life gave such abun- 
dant promise. 

That wp tender to his stricken family and friends our sincerest sympathy and 
condolence in their terrible bereavement. 

That the court now in session be adjourned on the tV.iy of the obsequies of our 
deceased lirother. and that we attend the same in a body. 

That we will reipiest this memorial to be entered upon the records of the 
Miami Circuit Court. 

Death of Col. Wilson. — At the April Term, 1876. the fol- 
lowing record was made concerning the death of Col. John M. 
Wilson: 

Comes now R. P. Effinger, Esq., and presents to the Court the followinir resolu- 
tions passed by the members of the Har at a meeting of the Har on Monday, the 
20th day of March, A. D., 187 (i, and asks that they be spread upon the records of this 
court. 

HciKilved, That we, the professional associates of Col. .John M. Wilson, late a 
member of this Har, tender to his bereaved family our condolence and -sympathy in 
the affliction that has deprived them of a loved and honorable father, and his rela- 
tions and companions of a warm-hearted and faithful friend. 

ReKolrril, That in the death of Col. Wilson we recognize and deplore the loss of 
a brave soldier, an able lawyer and an lionost man. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resohitions be j^resented to the Sliami Circuit 
Court at its next ses.sion, with the request that the same be spread upon the record 
and a copy thereof, under the seal of the court, be presented to the family of the de- 
ceased. K. P. Effinokh, Chairman. 
Lyman Walker, Secretary. 

Judge Petitt then spoke at considerable length in praise of the 



BENCH AND BAR. 345 

deceased, in the course of which lie said: "In many respects Col. 
Wilson was a remarkable man. To his last he had the warmth, 
and cheeriness, and loving conlidence of a child. Here at this bar 
he is best known. He had, so to express it, a genius of speech — 
sentences not contrived, measured and modulated, clothed in the 
drapery of chosen language, warm with thought and feeling, and 
on proper occasions said with just resentment, were often full of 
eloquence. If he had any fault of mental character, it was that to 
natural resources, so ready and always at hand, they were relied on 
for the occasion, sudden, instead of being husbanded and trained 
and disciplined for great opportunities." As a further mark of 
remembrance, the bar secured a portrait of Col. Wilson and had 
it placed in the court room, where it now remains. 

Probate Courts. — Under the old laws the Associate Judges 
were ex-officio judges of the Probate Courts in the absence of a 
regular probate judge. What the exact method of conducting the 
earlv probate business of this countv cannot not now be surelv de- 
termined on account of the burning of the records in 1843. The 
first court of this kind of which there is any record began in May, 
1843, with Jonathan R. Smith, as judge. He continued in that ca- 
pacity until November, 1S48, when he was succeeded b}' Reuben 
C. Harrison. Judge Harrison remained upon the Probate Bench 
until that court was abolished by the adoption of the new constitu- 
tion in August, 1852. Up to that time it had jurisdiction in nothing 
but probate matters, although appeals could be taken to the Cir- 
cuit Court. 

The Common Pleas Court. — At its establishment the Court of 
Common Pleas was given exclusive jurisdiction of probate matters, and 
the old probate courts were abolished. This was another of the 
changes which the new practice brought about. It had the jurisdic- 
tion of all that class of offences which did not amount to a felony, except 
those over which Justices of the Peace had exclusive jurisdiction. 
State prosecutions were instituted by affidavits and information. 
Under certain restrictions this court had jurisdiction over felonies, 
where the punishment could not be death, and in no case was the 
intervention of the Grand Jury necessary. In all civil cases, except 
for slander, libel, breach of marriage contract, action on official 
bond of any State or County officer, or where the title to real estate 
was involved, this court had concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit 
Court, where the sum of damages due or demanded did not exceed 
$1,000, exclusive of interest and costs. It also had concurrent 
jurisdiction with Justices of the Peace, where the sum due or 
demanded exceeded $50. When the court was organized ap- 
peals could be taken from it to the Circuit Court, but that right 
was afterward abolished, but appeals could be taken to the Su- 
preme court, and its jurisdiction was from time to time en- 



346 



HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 



larged. The Clerk and Sheriff of the county officiated in this 
court as well as in the Circuit court, and the judge was ex of- 
jicio judge of the court of conciliation. This last had jurisdiction 
of causes of action for libel, slander, malicious prosecution, assault and 
battery, and false imprisonment, and extended to questions of re- 
conciliation and compromise only. No attorney was allowed to 
appear for his client before the court of conciliation, but the 
parties were required to appear before the judge apart from all 
other persons, except that an infant was required to appear by 
guardian, and a female by her husband or friend. This branch 
of the court was abolished in 1867. 

First Term. — The first term of the Common Pleas Court in 
Miami CountY began January 3, 1853, with Robert F. Groves 
as Judge. The first act of the court was the adoption of a seal. 
The various Common Pleas Judges, with their first terms in the 
Countj' after Judge Groves, were Samuel L. McFadin, Januarv, 
1857: "Kline G. Shryock, November, 1S60: D. D. Dykeman, No- 
vember, 1S62; T. C. Whitesides, Julv, 1865; James H. Carpenter, 
November, 1870; D. P. Baldwin, March, i87i;John Mitchell, De- 
cember, 1872. This court was abolished early in 1873, the last 
term in this countv being held in March of that vear. All matters 
pending in that court w'ere transferred to the Circuit Court. 

Roll of Attorneys. — In a hasty review of the court records it 
is next to impossible to obtain a complete list of all the attornevs 
as thev were admitted to the bar. In this countv of course it is 
impossible to give anv prior to 1843. The following list is given 
although it doubtless contains manv errors and omissions. 



ROLL OF ATTORNEYS, MIAMI COUNTY. 



D. D. Pratt. September, 184.3. 
Horace P. BidcUe, Sejrtember, 1843. 
W. Z. Stuart, Se|)tember, 1843. 

E. P. Lnveland, September, 1843. 
A. A. Cole, Seiitember, 1.843. 
Nathan O. H0S.-1, Septemlier, 1S43. 
Spier S. Tipton, September, 1843. 
M. W. Seelv, September, 1843. 
Williamson Wrisrlit, :Mareli, 1844. 
Wm. .T. Ilolraan,' March, 1884. 
Palmer, March, 1844. 

J. D. Connor, March, 1844. 
John F. Dodds. February, 1845. 
Mace i: Brand, .Vuiriist, "l84.i. 
Jos. B. Underwood, Felirnary, 184.5. 
John M. Wilson, Au.a'ust, 184."). 
Gregory ife Thayer, August, 184.5. 
John Bush, August. 1846. 
David M. Dunn, February, 1846. 
Nathaniel McGnire, ;March, 1848. 
Isaac Hartman, March, 1849. 
William Potter, Sejitember, 1849. 
Haryey J. Shirlv, September, 1849. 



Nicklin, April, 1861. 

B. F. William-s, April, 1861. 

Shuler, April, 1861. 

T. C. Whitesides. September, 1863. 
John Mitcliell, March, 1.864. 
Henry A. Brown, March, 18(>4. 
Nelson Perdham. .^larch, 1865. 
W. W. Sullivan, April, 1867. 
A. B. Charpie, September, 1867. 
W. E. Pew, September, 1867. 
Geo. H. AVilliams, April, 1369. 
Albert C. Ewing, March, 1869. 
Henry T. Underwood. March, 1869. 
Edwin Leas. October, 1869. 
Alexander Hess. Octolier, 1869. 
J. H. McNary, Octob.-r. 1870. 
Thos. B. Miller. April, 1871. 
John R. Parmelee, Ajiril, 1872. 
G. A. Osborn, April, 1872. 
F. M. ^Morgan, April, 1873. 
Stephen 1). Carpenter, June, 1873. 
Wm. :M. AVaters. October, 1873. 
Geo. W. Brizee, October, 1873. 



BENCH ANU HAR. 



347 



tAugustine O. Nelson, 1850. 
E. P. Dickey, prior to March, IS.'il. 
.Meredith II". Kidd, Septenilier, 1S")1. 
K. P. E(liii.';<r, pri(ir to March, ISoU. 
John .M. Connell, March, iy.")3. 

Heal, ])rior to September, 18r)3. 

Daniel M. Cox, prior to September, 1853. 
I. M. Ilarhm, Marcli, 1854. 
.J. A. lieal, March, 18r)4. 
E.Walker, .March, 18.55. 

Baird, September, 1855. 

Peters, Septendier, 185.5. 

.losiah Farrar, March, 1856. 
.J. r>. Farrar, March, 1850. 
Orris Blake, September, 1850. 
.Jas. A. Stretch, Seiitember, 1850. 
R. T. St. John, Sei)tenilier, 1850. 
J. Carvin, .March, 1857. 
J. M. Brown, March, 18.57. 

Christy, prior to September, 1857. 

R. P. Delhirt, April, 1859. 
John H. CoiTroth, April. 1859. 
W. S. Bciiham, April, 1859. 
James M. Talbott, October, 1859. 
Jolin .M. Washburn, October, 1859. 
Jas. X. Tyner, prior to Ajn-il, 1800. 
J. M. Kobinson. prior to April, 1800. 

Goodwin, October, 180O. 

S. W. Robertson, October, 1800. 
Lyman Walker, October, ISOO. 
Cidvin Cowgill, October, 1860. 
Peterson, April, 1801. 



'I'hos. A. Stuart, ^Mjireh, 1875. 
Hood Pratt I.oveland, March, 1875. 
Orlando .McNabb, .hnie, 1870. 
Ethan T. Keasouer, October, 1877. 
Spear S. Steele, prior to Jun<', 1877. 
Lyster T. Pitman, June, 1877. 
Jos. A. Faust, April, 1877. 
Chas. A. Cole, January, 1878. 
Thos. E. Sonnster, February, 1878. 
Abraham Diplioye, .April. 1878. 
AVm. J. Smith, .June, 1878. 
David W. Curtis, Jainiary, 1879. 
Wui. B. .McClintic, January, 1879. 
Henry T. Helm, January, 1879. 
Geo. E. Ross, January, 1879. 
Jay H. Xetr, .luno, 1879. 
Lynn Helm, June, 1879. 
Wm. E. Mowbry, jirior to June. 1879. 
Samuel F. Winter, October, 1879. 
C. M. Emeri<'k, prior to October, 1879. 
Clem J. Kern, December, 1879. 
Chas. S. DuiH!, .April, 1880. 
N. X. Antrim, prior to April, 1880. 
Robt. J. Loyeland, April, 1880. 
Geo. F. O'Byrne, April, 1880. 
Wm. C. Farrar, Ajiril, 18!S0. 
.los. H. Larimer, .April, 1880. 
Alfred II. Plummer, .\pril, 1881- 
Hiram S. Holt, October, 1881. 
.Alichael S. Etlinn'cr, October, 1881. 
Win Brentou, April, 1882. 
Charles R. Pence, June, 1882. 
Jabez T. Cox, May, 1883. 



Resident Attorney?,. — The Bar docket now contains these 
names of active resident attorne3'S of Miami County. 



LIST OF ATTORNEYS. 



N. O. Ross, 
H. J. Shirk, 
R. P. Elliuger, 
John L. Farrar, 
.losiah Farrar, 
James M. Brown, 
Lyman \\':dker, 
John Mitchell, 
W. !•:. Mowlirar, 
\V. W. Sulliyan, 
C. M. Kmeric k. 
Nott .A. .\ntrim, 
S. I). Carpenter, 
Henry B. Jamison, 
John W. Eward, 



Robt. C. Foor, 
Chas. A. Cole, 
A. J. Dipboye, 
Walter C. Bailey, 
Joseph A. Faust, 
Ethan T. IJeasoner, 
H. F. I'nderwood, 
AV. B. AlcClintic, 
William J. Snnth, 
Wm. C. Farrar, 
Robert J. Loyeland, 
Joseph 11. Larimer, 
Hiram S. Holt, 
Chas. R. Pence, 
Jabez T. Cox, 
Elmer S. Morris. 



348 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Schools — Early Educational Advantages — First Schools — 
Teachers and Their Methods — Schools of Peru — The 
Townships in Detail — The County Seminary — The Con- 
gressional Township Funds — Normals and Institutes, 
Etc. 

WHEN our forefathers, a century ago, declared in the ordi- 
nance of 1787 that knowledge with religion and moral- 
ity was necessary to good government and the happiness of 
mankind, thev struck the kev-note of American libertv. Science 
and literature began to advance and the enthusiasm began to move 
forward with the tide of emigration. The declaration of the con- 
stitution of Indiana gave new life to the cause within the borders of 
the new State. The first who came to find homes upon the banks 
of the Wabash and its tributaries were illy prepared to provide the 
necessary means for the education of their children. So impor- 
tant an object, however, could not be delaj-ed, and struggling 
through the pressure of poverty and privation, they soon began to 
plant among them these early institutions of learning. The schools 
for many years were in a condition corresponding with the 
advancement in all other public matters. The teachers were, as a 
rule, illiterate and incompetent and selected not because of anj- 
special qualifications, but because they had no other business. The 
only requirements were that the teachers should be able to teach 
reading, writing and " ciphering." The teacher who could " cipher 
all the sums" in Pike's arithmetic up to and including the single 
rule of three was considered a mathematician of no mean ability. 
With such a condition of things, no system and no discipline could 
have been expected. Among the teachers there was no concert of 
action and consequently no uniformitv in work. No appliances 
were provided without which successful work can not be accom- 
plished. Blackboards were unknown; wall maps were not in use; 
text-books were few, and those provided were illogicallv arranged 
and unsuitable for use; classification was unknown, the number of 
classes always corresponding with the number of pupils. For 
many years there were in most districts only subscription schools 
and these presided over bv incompetent and inexperienced teachers. 
Several years had elapsed, after the first settler came to the 
county, before a school was open to the public. This delav was 
due the sparseness of the population — there being in no one neigh- 
borhood a sufficient number of white children to constitute a school 



EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES. 349 

until 1833. William Smith, now a citizen of Peru, was, according 
to good authority, the first to assume the role of the pedagogue. 
He opened a school during the winter of said 3'ear in a cabin tiiat 
stood on the present site of the town of Mexico. The cabin was 
built of unhewn logs, with a mud and stick chimney in one end of 
the building, and a fire-place wide enough to receive a four to 
six-foot back log. For windows a part of a log was cut out and the 
aperature covered with paper, which, with an application of 
grease became quite translucent. The writing desks consisted 
of hewn slabs or heavy oak plank laid upon wooden pins 
driven in the wall. The benches and floor were of the same 
material — puncheons. With these equipments the first term was 
opened. Tlie children presented themselves the first morning 
well supplied with Webster's spelling books, from which spell- 
ing, reading, writing and arithmetic were taught. The attain- 
ments of Mr. Smith were probably superior to the average 
teacher of to-day, yet it is safe to say that the organization was 
unsvstematic and the teaching immethodical, for such was cer- 
tainly true of the teaching of every Hoosier school-master of 
that period. It is claimed by one of the pupils who attended 
this school that whenever there was any manifestations of a 
lack of interest or enthusiasm on the part of the pupils the same 
was restored by a vigorous application of the rod, which, it is 
said, was vary potent in its influence. This school was patron- 
ized by the families who resided in that neighborhood, among 
whom were the Wilkinsons, Beards, Connors, Cooks, Banes and 
others. 

The second school in Jefferson Township was taught by the 
same teacher the following year, in a house built for the pur- 
pose. This was a log building 15x20 feet, and in convenience 
of arrangement was superior to the first. A school was taught 
by William Suewalt in the winter of 1834-35. The house was 
a log dwelling which stood on the Wynkoop farm, near where 
John Stanton now lives. The township was soon organized and 
other houses were erected at public expense. 

At present there are two graded school buildings in the 
township — one at Denver the other at Me.xico, the former con- 
sisting of four graded schools and the lattter of three depart- 
ments. There are nine country districts, and altogether the 
township employs sixteen teachers. 

Sc/iools of Peril. — The common schools of every State or 
county are the foundation upon which the general system of 
education must be built. These are the colleges of the people, 
and if neglected the great mass must grow up in ignorance. 
Although manv of these primitixe schools were but little more 
than a place at which the pupils would gather to receive their 



350 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

dailv '• tannings " by a teacher who was selected because of his 
physical, rather than his mental procli\ities, yet there is no 
doubt but that the influence was good. The first institution of 
learning was a log building 18x24 feet, located on Third street 
and erected bv the venerable William Smith, at his own expense. 
This building was probably completed in the fall of 1834, '^"'^ 
the first term taught the winter following. Mr. Smith, who had 
previously taught at Mexico, was the lirst teacher, and taught 
three consecutive terms. This was a subscription school, each 
pupil being required to pay a fee of .$2.50. It is claimed that 
in some instances this amount was paid in coonskins and venison 
hams, which, at a still earlier day, is said to have been very 
generally used as a medium of exchange. The attendance 
averaged about ten pupils daily, which brought to the teacher 
about $25 per term, he furnishing both house and fuel. The 
.second house was a frame structure, located on Third street 
opposite the residence of Dr. Bloomfield. Another house which 
was used but a short time, was erected on Broadwav. The 
Presbyterian and Catholic churches were both used for school 
purposes during the latter part of the thirties. About the vear 
1S37, what was known as the Peru Collegate Insticute, was 
estabHshed. A Presb3'terian minister by the name of John 
Stocker, a classical scholar, was the first principal, and his wife, 
who was an accomplished lady, associate principal. The build- 
ing used stood on the present site of the Presbjterian church, 
and at times when the attendance was too larfje to be accom- 
modated in one building, an old log house on Second street was 
used by the academical department. The institute was largely 
patronized not only by the people of Miami, but adjoining coun- 
ties as well. Among others who served as members of the 
board of trustees, were Rev. S. Newberry, Wm. N. Hood, 
Richard L. Britton, James B. Fulwiler and Alfred S. Keiser. 
Prof. H. Waldo. A. M., succeeded Mr. Stocker as principal. 

Since the establishment of the Colle<jiate Institute the schools 
of Peru have steadily developed into a system equal in the re- 
sults obtained to those of an}- citv in Northern Indiana. For 
man}- years there was no supervision other than that afforded 
bv the Trustees or Directors, but early in the sixties the neces- 
sity becoming more apparent, as the attendance increased, Ly- 
man Walker, a young graduate from the east, was appointed 
City Superintendent. Under his supervision many of the methods 
that proved successful in the older states were introduced, and 
in a short time there w'as a manifest improvement in the work. 
D. Eckley Hunter, one of Indiana's best known educators, 
served in the same capacity until 187 1, when he was succeeded 
by the present incumbent. Prof. G. G. Manning. The best tes- 



EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES. 353 

timonial of the eminent titness of Manning, and the satisfactoiy 
results obtained under his management, is the mention of the 
fact of his re-appointment each year for fifteen consecutive years. 
The city has provided and conveniently located a sufficient num- 
ber of buildings to accommodate an enrollment of 2,ioo child- 
ren. The following teachers were employed in the schools in 
1886-7 'ind assigned as follows: High School — W. E. Henry, 
Mamie G. Taylor and W. A. Woodring. Seventh and Eighth 
Grades — Eileen Ahern, Ida Stutesman and Carrie C. Puter- 
baugh. Sixth Grade — Alice Stahl and Nannie Rees. Fifth 
Grade — Belle Watson and Madge Calvert. Fourth Grade — 
Mamie Smith and Clara Stoneberger. Third Grade — Alice 
Reisecker and Ma}' Servoss. Second Grade — Emma Davidson 
and Rose Seyfert. First Grade — Minerva Beckwith and Eva 
McFarland. Brownell School — W. D. Whisler and German A. 
Gehring. The work is divided into eight grades and a High 
School course of four years. The school has been commissioned 
by the State Board of Education which entitles the graduates to 
admission into the State University without examination. 

The school history of Peru would be incomplete without 
more than passing memtion of the name of the venerable Will- 
iam Smith. To his wisely directed energies the efficiency of 
the early schools of Peru are largely due. He came at a time 
when his services were needed and at once entered into the 
work with little promise of reward. He taught the first school, 
erected at his own expense the first house, and dedicated it to 
the cause. For the first thirty years of the county's existence 
he lead in every movement that promised an increase of the 
schools, and in all his actions he has shown an unselfish de\o- 
tion to the cause of education. 

The first school house to make its appearance in Jackson 
Township was in 1848, and was located on the farm of Benja- 
mm Davis. During the same year another was built on the 
farm of Mr. Gates. The first board of trustees was constituted 
of the following named persons: O. H. P. Masey, Samuel 
Draper and Thomas Moore. Prominent among the early teach- 
ers were David Stanfield, Elizabeth Cook, Mason Sharp, 
Thomas Reese and Harvey Cooper. Several years later a 
graded school was established in Xenia. The school is divided 
into four departments, viz: High school. Grammar grade, In- 
termediate and Primarjr grades, presided over, respectiveh', by 
M. H. Hester, Principal, Edgar A. Smith, Ida Armstrong and 
Anna Tue}-. There are at present fourteen teachers emplo\-ed 
in the scliools of the township. The schools of Amboy have 
taken high rank, and under J. Z. A. McCaughan the course is 
sufficienth- advanced to prepare pupils to enter the State Uni- 



354 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

versitv, and to that end the school has been commissioned by 
the State Board of Education. The schools of Harrison Town- 
ship had their inception in a small log hut, which had been 
abandoned as a residence, that stood on the farm of Jesse Lee. 
It was a subscription school, 'taught by Mr. Lee, and, although 
the attendance was small, it is said that much interest was man- 
ifested. The vear following, 1849, Irwin Murden taught in a 
house that stood on the farm of William Smith, Jr. One of the princi- 
pal characteristics of these schools was the freedom and vigor with 
w'hich the birchen twig was bent about the larger boys. "Whip 
the large ones and the small ones will not need it," was the 
maxim of the pioneer pedagogue. The Township has at pres- 
ent six district school houses and a township graded school with 
two departments, at North Grove. The people of Clay Town- 
ship began to provide means for the education of their children 
in the beginning of the forties. At first, instructions were gi\en 
in spelling and reading in the houses of several of the earlj- 
settlers by a traveling pedagogue, who w^ould make dail}- trips 
and impart his knowledge in a way that was not calculated to 
over-work the student. Feeling the necessity for increased fa- 
cilities for school work, people living in the vicinity of Z. Hos- 
tettle's erected a house on the farm of said Hostettle, and, in 
the winter of 1843, the first school was taught by Elias Ho- 
baugh. The next house was built on the Lewis Hoover farm 
in the fall of 1850, and the first term of school was commenc- 
ed in the winter of the same year. To Henry Murden is due 
the honor of dedicating the new building. The Township is at 
present divided into eight school^ districts, each supplied with 
commodious buildings. 

The earlv settlers of Deer Creek Township were not slow 
in giving their children all the opportunities for an education 
that the circumstances would admit of. The first settlers came 
to the territory now included within the boundaries of the town- 
ship, in 1844, and in the following year, 1S45, they had pro- 
vided a small log cabin on the farm of Mr. Haines, and earlv 
in December the first school was opened, with Henr}- Garrett 
in charge. The inconvenience of having to walk three and four 
miles was verv great, and especially at a time when for a con- 
siderable portion of the winter the ground was covered with 
snow. This was at once overcome by the erection of another 
house the following }'ear on the farm of Austin Herrel, where 
John Truax was installed as teacher. Among the earlv families 
who patronized these schools were the Millers, Pearsons, Hoff- 
mans, McCrareys, Davises, Lewises, Armstrongs, McConnels, 
Busbys, besides a few others. The Township, at present, has 
eight school houses and employs nine teachers. 



EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES. 355 

The early settlers of Pipe Creek Township were not lack- 
ing their appreciation of education although they were not so 
earlv in providing the necessary means. The first school was 
taught in a hastilj- constructed cabin on the farm of the tirst set- 
tler, Joel Julian, in the winter of 1843-44. The name of the 
first teacher has been forgotten, but, a few years later, Jacob 
Brandt and Eliza Barnett taught in the same district. What 
was known as the Marquis school house, in the northeast part 
of the Township, stood near the residence now owned by Joseph 
Sullivan, and was used for manj- years. Another of the early school 
houses was erected on the farm of Samuel Dewese, near Bunker Hill. 
Mr. Dewese, a Baptist minister, was the first to occupy this house. 
He is said to have been a very serviceable man, being an excellent 
hunter, a good preacher and a fair teacher, and if occasion demanded 
it, he could serve in any other capacity with about equal ability. 
Daniel Puterbaugh w^as one of the prominent early teachers, and 
taught in various parts of the township. i\ house was erected 
at an early day on the farm of Jacob Brandt. A few years ago 
a graded school was established at Bunker Hill, in which four 
teachers are now employed, viz : J. H. Neff, principal; J. E. 
Rinehart, grammar grade; Jennie Haggerty, second primar}- and 
Eva Wilson, first primary. There are six houses in the town- 
ship, not including the graded school building at Bunker Hill. 
The first house in which school was taught in Washington 
Township, was erected on the farm of John Allen, in 1842, and 
in the following year was dedicated to God by Rev. Johnson, of 
Peru. The house had been built for a dwelling, but being un- 
suitable for the purpose, was converted into a school and church 
building. The first teacher was a young lady from Peru. In the 
fall of 1843 this house was abandoned for a small round log cabin 
that was erected on the farm of Patrick Colgan. A small Buckeye 
cabin was built on the Peter Weckler farm the same year. In this 
house Lucy O'Brien was the first teacher, and she is remembered 
bv the old settlers as being one of the most competent pioneer 
teachers of the county. The township is now divided into ten 
school districts, and each is supplied with a well arranged house, 
some being of the most modern style of architecture. 

Of the early school history of Peru and Erie Townships but 
little can be said. The residents of the former for many j'ears 
availed themselves of the privilege afforded by the town of Peru, 
which was for manv years a part of the Township system, and in 
consequence but little was done outside of what is now the city. 
There are at present school houses in the Township. In Erie 
Township seventeen years had elapsed after the coming of the first 
white man, in 1827, before a school was organized. This was not 
due however, to lack of zeal in educational matters, but for want 



356 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

of a sufficient number of settlers to organize and support a school, 
and, in consequence, there was no school taught until the winter of 
1844. There were at this time two houses built, one on the Phila- 
baum and the other on the Peer farm. The rapid growth of the 
school from the date of their inception was largeh' due to the in- 
fluence of Pheobe Cox, Robert Ta}lor and James Corwin, who 
were pioneer teachers of the Township. In school enumeration, as 
well as area, the Township is the smallest in the County, and em- 
ploys but five teachers. 

Butler Township has eleven school districts and emploj-s twelve 
teachers. The Santa Fe school is what is known as a district 
graded school and consists of two departments. The development 
of the schools into their present excellent condition speaks well for 
the citizens of the Township, who have been zealous in the 
cause of education since the opening of the first school. This was 
in the winter of 1842-43, in a house that stood on what was known 
as the J. Long farm. It is uncertain as to who was tl.ie first teacher. 
The year following a house was erected near the present site of 
the Claj'ton cemetery. This was a \e\-y rudely constructed cabin, 
16.X16 feet. Jacob Elliott is said to have been the first to teach in 
this building. The school was made up of about an equal number 
of Caucasians and Indians, there being six of the former and eight 
of the latter. The patrons of this school were the Votaws, Sulli- 
vans, Millers, Claytons, and prominent among the Indian pupils 
were the children of Pymyotimah, a Miami Indian, who was con- 
spicuous among his tribe for the interest he manifested in educa- 
tion. Elliott was probably succeeded as teacher by Margaret 
Mackey, a native of Ohio and teacher of more than ordinary 
abilitv. John Bowman was also a pioneer teacher of the township. 
The Bradley school .house, in the northern part of the township, on 
the Wabash river, and the one on the land of John Miller, were 
also constructed at an earlv dav. Among those who wielded the 
birchen rod in a manner entireh' satisfactory to early settlers of the 
Township may be mentioned the name of Lewis Reeves. Union 
township was settled as early as 1835, the number of inhabitants at 
the close of the year being four. These were soon joined by new 
emigrants, and in 1S37 the township was organized. Churches 
were soon built, and in the winter of 1838 that most important fac- 
tor in the civilization of every communit}- — education — began 
to receive attention, and a school house was accordingly 
erected on the land erected of John Plaster. It was the same 
characteristic log house, with stick chimney, puncheon floor, paper 
windows that was provided for all the primitive schools. Mahala 
Scott was thought to be competent to perform the duties of teacher 
and was at once put in charge of the school. In literary attain- 
ments she was probably not equal to the requirements of the most 



EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES. 357 

fastidious. Yet slie was endowed b}- nature with good common 
sense, a qualification found wanting in many of tlie college bred of 
to-dav. The following year, 1S39, '^^^^ more houses were built, 
one on the farm of Mr. Kiplinger and the other near the residence 
of Mr. Cross. Other houses were built as soon as the}' became 
necessary, until there are now six houses in the township, which 
includes a township graded school building at Perrysburg. 

Probably to Robert Watson is due the credit of establish- 
ing the tirst school in Richland township. The house was built 
upon the land of said Watson in the fall of 1838, and in the 
winter of the same year he began teaching, It had been but 
two years since the first settler had erected his pioneer mansion 
within the limits of the township, and consequenth' in so short 
a time but few others had come. There were not to exceed 
ten enrolled during the term, and these represented nearly every 
family of the township at that time. The house was also used 
by the Methodists as a place of worship. The church was 
always given the right-of-way when appointments conflicted, for 
the reason any other course would have been considered sacri- 
legious in those days. The same year a house Was built on the 
farm of M. Martindale, and in the winter of 1838-39 the first 
term of school opened by M. Martindale. Jr. This was followed 
by the erection of a diminuti\e structure on the farm of R. C. 
Harrison, which was used for school purposes for several years. 
A house was built near Chili earh- in the forties. There are 
at present ten district school buildings and one township or dis- 
trict graded schojl building, making a total of eleven, requiring 
the services of twelve teachers. The school history of Perry 
Township begins with the winter of 1836-37. During said winter 
two buildings were erected, one on the land of Benjamin Landis, 
and the other three miles northwest of Gilead. The schools 
were attended by the children living in a radius of three and 
four miles and included nearly all settlers in the township at 
that time. The best informed now living differ as to who was 
the first teacher. Prior to 1840 there was a building erected 
near the present site of Gilead in which Samuel L. Thomas is said 
to have tanght the first school. Hiram Butler taught in the 
'southeast part of the township about the same time. These were 
followed b}' the location of houses in various parts of the town- 
ship. In the southwest part, at what was known as Paddytown, 
James Potter taught at an early day, John Gaerte taught in a 
log house that stood on the land of Jacob Hoffman. In the 
eastern part of the township, a log house was erected on the 
land of Joseph Grogg. Others who belong to the catalogue of 
pioneer teachers of the township, were Peter Smith, Alvin Dun- 
bar, Valentine Hobart, Amanda Doud, C. B. Ash, Joel Crum- 



358 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

packer, James Adams and John Whittenberger. The township 
is at present divided into thirteen districts and employ fourteen 
teachers. 

The first school taught within the present limits of Allen 
Township was taught by Sarah Brjant in 1839. '^^^ house in 
which this school was taught stood near the residence of Ma- 
thias Carvev, and had previously been used as a dwelling. She 
was succeed the following year by Betsy Bailey. This school 
was patronized b}- the Harveys, Baileys, Carveys, Bryants, Carrs 
and all the early families of that communitj-. The first school 
house was built in 1840, on land at that time owned b}- George 
Neese. George Wilkinson is said to have been the first to 
teach at the Neese school house. A house was built on the 
land of Mr. Wait, in the east part of the township, sometime 
in the fifties, and another about the same time at Five Cor- 
ners. S. S. Trac}- taught at an early day in a house that 
stood on the Fred. Beck farm. Joseph A. Howard taught in 
various parts of the township, and was one of the most success- 
ful of the earl)- teachers. In the township there are seven 
houses conveniently located, each well supplied with furniture 
and apparatus. The town of Macy is a distinct corporation for 
school purposes, and sustains a well regulated graded school of 
three departments of which A. M. Arnold is principal. 

Spelling Schools. — In many of the localities of Miami Coun- 
ty "spelling school" was the chief public evening entertainment 
for man}' years. Both young and old look forward to the next 
spelling-school with as much anticipation and anxiety as the 
people now look forward to a general Fourth of July celebra- 
tion, and when the time arrived the people for many miles 
around would flock together to witness the combat of the learn- 
ed individuals. If there was good sleighing the young folks 
would turn out. The wagon box would be placed on the "bob- 
sled," and with sufficient hay to secure a soft seat, the \oung 
"fellers" with the "gals" were off in great glee. 

When the appointed hour arrived the battle was com- 
menced by two of about equal attainments by "choosing 
up." The captains would then decide who should have first 
choice b}- guessmg at the number of a page of a book which 
the teacher held partly open before them. When this was de- 
cided each would choose alternately, always selecting the best 
speller, and the ultimate strength of the respective sides would be 
about equal. There were many methods of testing the relative 
strength of the opposing parties. One of the most popular in 
many sections of the county was for the captains to apen the con- 
tests. The}' would spell the words alternately until a word was 
missed — the person missing was required to take his seat, and 



EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES. 359 

the first chosen on the side of the defeated captain would be 
the next combatant, and so on until one side was defeated. It 
would occasionally happen that two or three good spellers would 
retain the floor so long that the exercises would become mon- 
otonous, when a few.difllcult words taken from the dictionary 
would break the monotony. A few minutes intermission which 
was usual!}' given was a time for all amusements common to 
the neighborhood, and was participated in by all present. While 
this method of teaching would not meet with the approval of the 
modern pedagogue there is no doubt but what much good resulted. 

County Seminary. — The old constitution of the State provided 
that all fines for the breach of the penal law and all commutations 
for military service be appropriated to the use of the countv semi- 
naries. Under the operation of this provision of the constitution 
monev began to accummulate at once. Upon the organization of 
a county, a trustee, whose duty it was to properly invest the 
money, was appointed bv the Board of Commissioners. The first 
to act in that capacity in Miami County was Wm. N. Hood, the 
proprietor of the town of Peru. Others who acted in that capacity 
prior to 1845 were Daniel Bearss, Eli Pugh, William Cole, E. P. 
Loveland, Albert Cole, I. R. Leonard and G. W. Goodrich. The 
accumulation of the fund was necessarily slow, and the growing 
demand for a school in which other than the rudiments of the ele- 
mentarv branches might be taught was so widely felt that private 
donations to the fund were solicted. The citizens of Peru donated 
in money, notes and building material $211.93. The people af 
Mexico, desirous of securing the location of a seminary, donated 
real estate and building material to the value of $1,000. The fund 
in 1843 aggregated about $1,700. 

In consideration of the donation made bv the people of Mexico 
and vicinitv, the site was selected at said place and the contract for 
the erection of a brick building, 35x45 feet, two stories high, was 
sold at public outcry. There was no halt in the work until the 
first stor}' was completed, when the donors failing to furnish the 
material promised, work was suspended. The money that had 
been invested was lost and whate\er of the fund was on hand was 
merged into the common school fund under the provisions of the 
new constitution. 

The Origi'ji of the Congressional Township Fund oj Miami 
Countv. — The congressional township fund originated from the sale 
of one section of land in each congressional township. This section, 
usually the i6th, was set apart b}' Congress for the purpose of 
creating a fund which might be utilized without delay. Miami 
count\- had ten of these sections, the sale and rent of which was 
managed by the School Commissioners; later by the County Audi- 



360 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

tor and Township Trustees. The following statement will show 
the origin of the fund in this count}-: 









No. 


Amount 


Township. 


Range. 


Sec. 


Acres. 


Received. 


37 


4 


16 


640 


^3,192.60 


27 


5 


16 


640 


■ 3,400.00 


28 


5 


16 


542 ■ 


4,100.30 


28 


4 


16 


639 


3,531.87 


29 


5 


16 


640 


2,729.80 


29 


4 


16 


640 


2,056.30 


2e 


4 


16 


640 


1,320.00 


26 


5 


16 


642 


2,270.60 


25 


4 


16 


634 


3,421.98 


25 


5 


16 


649 

....6,306 


2,758.54 


Total . 


*27,781.99 



A^ormah and Institutes. — During the summer of each year 
there is held, under the management of the County Superin- 
tendent, a Normal Institute. The usual length of the term is 
about six weeks, and the attendance varies from seventy-five to 
one hundred. The attendants are, as a rule, the voung and in- 
experienced teachers or those preparing to teach, who, as a re- 
sult, become better acquainted with the plans of the County 
Superintendent, learn more of the practical part of their work, 
increase their ability to orfjanize their schools and utilize their 
acquired knowledge. These normals are not without their so- 
cials features, which afford an opportunity for more intimate ac- 
quaintance among teachers of the county, thereby rendering uni- 
formity of work possible. The first institute was held in the 
summer of 1886, under an act of 1865, which provided for an 
annual appropriation of $50 to defray necessary expenses. There 
were about thirty-five teachers in attendance, and although there 
were no regular instructors — each teacher acting in that capac- 
ity — the institute was an acknowledged a success. Since that 
time institutes have been held annually, and with fee of $1.00 
(which each teacher voluntarly pays), the fund is sufficiently 
large to warrant the employment of instructors of experience and 
ability. The last institute, which was held in August, 1886, 
was attended by 116 teachers. Institutes were given by Profs. 
W. W. Parson, President of the State Normal; H. B. Brown, 
President of the Northern Indiana Normal, and R. I. Hamilton, 
of Madison, in all the branches appertaining to school work. 

The present method of teachers examining teachers was 
adopted earh" in the fifties. Under the provisions of the law, as 
it then existed, three persons were appointed to perform that 
duty. These examinations were conducted in an informal man- 
ner, usualh' oral, and were in no way a test of the qualifica- 
tions of the applicant. In 1861, the law was amended, providing 
for the performance of the duty by one examiner instead of three, 



EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES. 361 

as before. This change had little effect, however, in increasing the 
usefulness of the office; and it was not until the creation of the of- 
fice of Count)' Superintendent, in March, 1S73, that the school of- 
ficers of the county was given the general management of the school 
work. This marked the beginning of a new epoch in the school 
historj' of Indiana. The advancement in educational affairs since 
the creation of this office has been truly wonderful, and to no other 
influence may be attributed the growth and efficiency of the district 
schools of the State. Amon<j those who held the office of examin- 
er were H. H. Miller, G. I. Reed, and Prof. Dunham. The first 
regularly appointed to fill the position of County Superintendent 
was W. Steele Ewing, who was twice re-elected, serving in all six 
3-ears. N. W. Trissal became the successor of Mr. Ewing, and 
after serving one term was succeeded June, 18S1, b}' W. C. Bailj-, 
at present a member of the Peru bar. He was a practical teacher, 
and his experience of several 3'ears was proved to be one of his most 
essential qualifications and aided him much in the administration of 
his office. Mr. Bail}- carried into effect the plans introduced bv his 
predecessors, besides adopting better plans and introducing many 
new methods. In fact, an impetus was given to the cause of educa- 
tion, which has been followed bv fruitful results. The present in- 
cumbent, A. J. Dipboye, who succeeded to the ofiice in 1885, is 
a man of more than scholastic attainments, besides having had 
much experience in school work. He is a man of indomitable 
energy, and during his incumbency created much enthusiasm in 
school work. A manual, which was issued by the Countv Su- 
perintendent in 1SS5, shows that the work of the district schools 
has been divided into a primary, grammar and graduation di\i- 
sions or five district grades. The time fixed for the completion 
of the course is eight years, and those completing are presented 
with a certificate of <jraduation. The commencement or irraduat- 
ing exercise is held at some central point in the township, to 
which the people are invited to attend. The exercise consists 
of either an original essay or oration from each of the candi- 
dates for graduation. This brings prominentlv before the peo- 
ple the results of the pupil's work and has done much to popu- 
larize the svstem. 



362 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 



CHAPTER VII. 

BY FRANK FETTER. 

Peru — The Original Owners — Laying Out ok the Town — 
MiAMispoRT — Sale of Lots — Early Business — Na\iga- 
tion of THE Wabash — The Canal — Early Families — 
Incorporation — Addition.s — Fire Department — Water 
Works — Newspapers — Churches — Secret Societies — 
Literary Societies and Libr.\ries — Banks — Manufac- 
turing Enterprises. 

THE history of Peru is all within the lifetime of living men. 
No Indian Bancroft has handed down to us an older record; 
no Indian Byron has touched with poetic associations the woods and 
hills around. It may be said to begin with the treaty at the mouth 
of the Mississinewa river, Oct. 23, 1826, between the United States 
and the Miami Indians. By this much land was transferred to the 
government, but large tracts were reserved to the influential chiefs. 
In this way the section on which the original plat of Peru was laid 
passed from the common ownership of the tribe to John B. Richard- 
ville, one of the chiefs. The next year, August 18, 1827, a deed 
was made by Richardville and his wife Peme-se-quah, conveying 
this section to Joseph Holman for $500, and there is a half tradition 
that this was not all cash but a thrifty trade was worked in on the 
bargain. This conveyance was approved by John Quincy Adams, 
March 3, 1828. This land is now probably worth a million and a 
half dollars. Thus began the boom in Peru real estate. Jan. 7, 
1829, Holman sold 210 acres of the east end of his 640 acres to 
Wm. N. Hood for just what he had paid for the whole. Before 
ever the transfer to Holman was made, John McGregor had in Feb. 
1827, located in the western part of what are now the limits of 
Peru, and is considered to be tiie first settler within those limits. 
Joseph Holman laid out at that place March 12, 1829, the town of 
Miamisport, David Burr being the surveyor, and the plat was re- 
corded in Cass Count)', of which this was a part, July 15, 1830. 
This town of Miamisport and the later town of Peru, were platted 
regardless of meridian lines and in conformity with the course of 
the river at that point, being nearly the same trend in both towns. 
At the founding of Miamisport, the canal which even then, eight 
)-ears before it was completed to this point, was looked forward to 
as the great future thoroughfare, was counted on and planned for 
accordingh'. The lots were laid out large, and a market and 
public square provided for. The site of the town is now in- 
- eluded by about the following boundaries in Peru : On the 



Peru's original owners. 363 

south, the river; on the east, Lafaj-ette street ; on the north, 
Main; on the west, Hohnan. The little village grew and pros- 
pered, and with the hopes of youth, looked forward to becom- 
ing the capital of the count}', \\'hich was soon to be separately 
organized. Its business and population increased and Peru was 
still among the things not 3'et, perhaps not thought of. A tan- 
nery was built by Andrew Marquiss. G. W. Holman run a 
boot and shoe store; tavern was kept bv John McGregor. The 
licenses granted the first few meetings of the first commission- 
ers which probably represent the businesses — already settled there 
in 1834, '^'"^^ ^'^ Louis Drouillard, to keep a grocery and also a 
ferry; Nathaniel McGuire, grocery; Wm. Thompson, grocery; 
James T. Liston, tavern; Patrick Aiurphy, tavern. In addition 
to these may be added the names of such early settlers as Ben- 
jamin H. Scott, first County Clerk; Wm. M. Reyburn, first 
Countv Agent; Abner Overman, first Count}- Treasurer; Geo. 
W. Holman, Wm. N. Hood, Zachariah Pendleton and Walter D. 
Nesbit. While Miamisport's hopes were thus rising there sprang 
up a rivalry between the two probabl}' most influential men in 
the community at that time, Joseph Holman and Wm. N. Hood. 
The former, the proprietor of Miamisport, had been in the Legisla- 
ture from the district composed of Allen and Cass, while this was 
a part of Cass County; the latter, two j^ears later, 1836, was 
elected a member of the Legislature, the first man who represented 
this count}' after it was made a separate Legislative district. The 
contest was this : Hood determined to found in the unbroken woods 
on his land east of Miamisport, a town which should dispute with 
that village the prize of the county seat. Holman was indignant 
and personal and violent words were passed, and it must ha\'e been 
for a time the absorbing topic in that little community. Vigorous 
measures were necessary to within a few months, make a forest 
outstrip a flourishing \illage of five vears growth. But destiny was 
with Peru. Hood had the town surveyed some time in the spring 
of 1834, by Stevens Fisher, then an engineer on the canal. An old 
document in our possession says: 

"When Peru was laid out the site was entirely covered with 
heavy timber and a thick, impenetrable growth of underbrush. 
Not a rod square was cleared. I have frequently heard Mr. 
Fisher say that the men had to precede him and clear away the 
underbrush so he could sjet a sioht throuirh his instrument." 

The Commissioners appointed bv a special act of the Leg- 
islature, January 2, 1834, which organized this county, met June 
3rd at the house of John McGregor. To secure the location of 
the county seat, the proprietor of Peru executed to the Com- 
missioners on that date, a bond offering inducements, of which 
the fcillowing are certainly part and probably all: He donated 



364 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

the public square and agreed to erect upon it a brick court 
house and a log jail, to donate a lot to each of the congrega- 
tions, Methodist and Presbyterian, and to give $125, probably 
for a town librar}'. These promises were all fulhlled. He en- 
listed the friendship of the merchants then in Miamisport by 
donating to them business lots or selling them for a nominal 
sum. Some of the best lots on Broadway were sold for $50. 
These liberal and energetic measures, accomplished their purpose, 
and though the commissioners continued to meet in Miamisport until 
May 1835, its hopes of greatness had departed. June 9, 1841, it was 
vacated by the County Commissioners bv request of those interested 
and has became the county seat only by the limits of Peru 
growing beyond and including it. In Julv, 1834, taking advantage 
of the crowd attracted by the letting of the work on a portion 
of the canal, the first sale of lots is believed to have taken place. 
This fact can not be ascertained from the records, nor the names of 
the first purchasers, the deeds, whate\er they were being among 
the burned records of the court house fire of 1843. The sale is 
believed to have been satisfactory, the lots bringing the best price 
being those near the canal, on account of the advantages which 
were hoped to be, and were afterwards gained by its nearness. 
The same month Hood enlisted additional influence for his town. 
July 26th he transferred to Richard L. Britton a third interest in the 
original plat for $3,000, and July 28th to Jesse L. Williams another 
third interest for, as stated in the deed, the same amount, which 
deeds are among the restored records of this count\'. The former, 
who is always referred to by old settlers as "Dickey L," or "Old 
Dicky" had come, with considerable wealth, from Fort Wayne. 
The latter, an important fact, was civil engineer on the canal. A 
feeder dam was to be located, and it was deemed desirable for Peru 
that, on occount of the water power and other advantages, it 
should be located at that point just above Peru. Williams became 
a third owner of the town. The feeder dam was located there. 
The best idea of Peru in earlier times can be gained from descrip- 
tions of different earlv settlers. Writes one: "When I went to 
vPeru in 1835, it was a new and a verv small village of between one 
and two hundred inhabitants, many of whom were laborers on the 
canal." Another writing of the same year, says: "I looked 
around and what did I behold ? A living forest, with about fifteen 
or twenty log shanties, and some eight or ten rather respectable 
houses. The ^■illage was tilled with people working on the Wabash 
and Erie canal, from different States." Another, describing Peru 
as it was in the fall of 1837 : " Peru was new and small. Felled 
trees lay scattered over much of the place: all of the buildings of 
the town were then situated on and between Canal and Fifth streets, 
and on and between Broadway and Cass, except on Fifth street west 



Peru's original o\\ners. 365 

of Cass street, three dwellings; and on Fifth street east of Wabash 
street, two dwellings; on Fourth street east of Wabash street, one 
dwelling; on Canal street east of Broadway, one dwelling. On the 
east side of Broadway, including the old court house and the jail 
were just five buildings; on the corner of Broadway and Canal 
streets, one; the corner of Broadway and Second, one; and on Broad- 
way between Third and Main, one. Outside of these all was the 
dense primeval forest, except on the west were some cultivated 
fields." 

The canal trade, the settlers' needs and the Indian traffic 
attracted to this place, described by these witnesses, as so wild and 
rough, a swarm of enterprising merchants. Following the license 
mentioned abo^e as granted by the first Commissioners' Court, come 
rapidly a number, nearly all of which, probably, are for Peru. They 
are all for a 3ear from the date given; C. R. Tracey & Co., grocery, 
Oct. I, 1834; Lee & Cranor, same; John Prescott, same; Bearss & 
& Cole, merchandise, Oct. 3rd; Pike & Co., same; J. Evans & Co., 
merchandise, Nov. 4th; Alex. Wilson, merchandise, Dec. ist, 
I. Y. Sanger & Co., merchandise, March 3d, 1S35; James 
B. Fulwiler, same; Ezekial Cooper, tavern, March 3d; and 
so the}' came. The names of many others who either in these 
first years, or soon afterwards, engaged in business in Peru, have 
been preserved, but it is impossible to give them all. The methods 
of doing business differed widely from the present. The}' generally 
bought on long time and sold the same way, ever}' one in the com- 
munity counting the date of the Indian payment as the time of set- 
tling accounts. Before the canal was built, goods were brought 
here with much expense and trouble. One route, for instance, 
when the goods were bought east, was, by Lake to Toledo, by 
pirogues (boats pushed by men who walked from the front to the 
back of them, pushing with long poles) up the Maumee River to 
Fort Wayne, then by wagon over primitive roads to the destination. 
When J. B. Fulwiler brought from Leesburg, O., to Peru, the goods 
with which he stocked the store he named the " Emporium," he had 
five five-horse wagons, and one six-horse wagon. Some hopes were 
raised of the possibility of steamboat navigation up to this point on 
the Wabash. They were occasioned bv the arrival one dav in 
June, 1835, unexpected, of the little steamboat Science. The water 
was high, but already falling, and having thrown the whole com- 
munity into excitement, it steamed rapidly down the stream. The 
next spring the Tecumseh also reached this place loaded with goods 
from Cincinnati for the merchants. These experiments ha\e never 
since been succcssfullv repeated. The canal was pushed through 
very soon after the town was built, and it opened up a thoroughfare 
for comparatively cheap, easy and rapid transportation. The 4th of 
July, 1837, was the date announced, and the town was filled with 



366 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

people trom the surrounding country, come to see the wonderful 
sight. The boat " Indiana " reached the lock above, but on ac- 
count of the escaping water, was unable to get to Peru. The pas- 
sengers walked down, and joined by the citizens at the Stag Hotel, 
kept bv Mr. Cooper, had a jolly time. The canal continued until 
1854, '^he principal, until 1S75, a still important means of transporta- 
tion. 

The friendless traveler could get food and shelter of almost an)- 
of the hospitable settlers, but of regular taverns, the one just men- 
tioned, was one of the tirst. The Stag Hotel, or Buck Tavern, 
was on the northwest corner of Main and Canal streets. It was 
named from the decorations hung on it by successful hunters. It 
was kept by Durgan & Cox, and by Cooper, son-in-law of the for- 
mer, for several years. Luscious venison steaks from that animal 
which gave the tavern its name, may have occasionallv graced the 
board, but we have the testimonj- of one who boarded at the famous 
hostelry, that the bill of fare consisted of " hard bread and stale but- 
ter, with an old potato and an egg, sometim.es rotten." Patrick 
Murph\% who was licensed to keep tavern, September 3, 1834, was 
located a little to the west of this hotel. H. A. Tarkington, a local 
Methodist preacher, blended the duties of minister and host in a 
tavern, about where the Episcopal church now stands. Hugh 
Peoples, in whose house the September term of Court was held in 
1835, was near the corner of Cass and Second streets. James 
Ennis, C. Price and others are among the names of early " mine 
hosts." 

T/ic Peril Collegiate Institute, a bright promise of the early 
days of the town, was chartered by the Legislature. Rev. Samuel 
Newbury and Rev. John Stocker and wife, were the teachers from 
1836 to 1839. The school was attended by nearly all the children 
of the community. Two papers containing the names of scholars 
enrolled in 1839 is in existence still, worn and yellow, and the fol- 
lowing familiar names appear on them: J. Omer Cole, George 
Rettig, Caroline Zerne, George R. Barse, Jesse Zerne, David 
Hood, Joseph Re^burn. The college failed for lack of backing 
and is one of the things which will continue to be regretted. 

The histor)' of Peru, as a town corporation, begins about 
eight years after the town was platted. March 26th, 1S42, a 
mass meeting of the voters was held, and Joseph L. Reyburn 
elected president and James DeFrees, clerk, of the meeting. 
These two officers divided the town into five districts by north 
and south alleys, and the meeting elected one trustee for each 
district in the order named : John Lowe, Samuel Glass, J. L. 
Reyburn, John Coulter and Isaac Robertson. The trustees at 
their first meeting made permanent the president and clerk of 
the mass meeting; at its second meeting elected Wm. R. Mow- 



367 

bray, treasurer; Samuel Hurst, lister, and John H. Griggs, 
marshal. A number of ordinances were passed, then for nearly 
a year the board did not meet. When it did it was to "pro- 
vide measures for the purpose of arresting ravages of fire," 
which will be referred to under the head of fire department. 
The board met once more. May 8th, 1843, and elected John 
Low its second president, then for nearly five years Peru gov- 
erned itself. The board never met again. March ist, 1848, the 
councilmen named in a special act of the Legislature, who were 
Albert Cole, Jacob Fallis, James M. DeFrees, George W. Good- 
rich, and Edward H. Bruce, met and elected Albert Cole, Ma}'- 
or, Ira Mendenhall, Recorder, and C. R. Trace}-, Treasurer. 
The first election was held March 13th, at which 'Wm. A. Mc- 
Gregor was chosen Mayor. For nearly two years the legal 
learning, the broad statesmanship and the burning eloquence of 
our cit}' fathers boiled and seethed around the question of hogs, 
to impound them or let them run. Ordinance after ordinance 
was framed, but there alwaj'S seemed a crack through which a 
pig could crawl. The no-hog party seems finally to have con- 
quered. The total revenue the first year, March, 1848, to March, 
1849, ^^''^ $341-79' '^"d the balance in the treasury at the end 
of that time, was $221.17. The most important question which 
has been continually before the council is that of the streets. 
The second month of the incorporation a grade of Broad- 
way, by S. Coleman, was adopted, and during the next j'ear 
the work was done at a cost of $387.59. In 185 1, Broad- 
way was partly paved, and so 3'ear after year the improvement 
went on. The city was incorporated by a vote of the electors, 
Feb. 25th, 1867 — 350 ayes and 37 noes. The city was divided 
into four wards. Major Orris Blake was the first Mayor or the 
new corporation, elected at the special election and succeeded by 
Josiah Farrar, elected at the first regular election. Peru has 
been from the first well governed. The names of the old, sub- 
stantial citizens appear as councilmen and corporation officers, 
and they seemed to have put the same thought into it as with 
their private business. The Water Works (treated of separate- 
ly) was an expense met by the sale of city bonds which are now 
outstanding. Aside from that the city is free from debt and 
with excellent credit. The following is a complete list of the 
Mayors: Under the town the term was for one year; under the 
city, two years. The date given is that of the election. Under 
first incorportion : Joseph L: Reyburn, March 26, 1842; John 
Low, May 8, 1843; the}' were called presidents of the board. 
Under the new incorporation: Albert Cole, March 1, 1848; 
Wm. A. McGregor, March 13, 1848; N. O. Ross, '49, D. C. 
Dryden, '50; Samuel Coulter, '51; D. C. Dryden, '52; N. O. 



368 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Ross, '53; Jno. A. Beal, '54 and "55: E. T. Dicky, '56: Chan- 
dler C. Moore, '57; E.. T. Dicky, '58 and '59; James M. 
Browne, '60, '61, '62, '63; resigned Sept., 1S63, and E. T. 
Dicky tilling balance of term; N. O. Ross, '64; Alex. Blake, 
'65: Jesse Higgins, ^66. Under the city: Orris Blake, March 
to Mav, '67; Josiah Farrar, '67; Wm. A. McGregor, '69, '71, 
'73; W. B. Revburn '75, '77, '79, '81, died March, 1882; Jno. 
A. Graham '82", '83' '85. 

Additions to Peru have been steadily made. Those by the first 

proprietors were made a part of the original plat. Then 

follows that which was made bj' the will of Frances Godfrey, War 
Chief of the Miamis, who died in 1S40. It provided for the lay- 
ing out of 160 acres of his section of land situated in the Five 
Mile Reserve, which extended from the Wabash to Eel river. 
This quarter adjoined the Richardville Reserve on the 
east. It was to be so platted that the fractional lots 
would supplement and complete the fractions left along 
the section line of the original plat. This plat was entered for rec- 
ord bv Allen Hamilton, executor of Chief Godfroy, in June, 1840. 
The north and south streets named in that plat are St. Claire, Cal- 
houn, Clay, Adams and Columbia. The name of Clay only is re- 
tained. The next addition was Ewing's, east of Broadway from 
Sixth to Eighth, in 1845. Hood's addition in 1S49, between Hood 
and Lafayette, Canal and Main. Whistler's subdivision from Sixth 
street north, between Miami and Broadway, in 1862. Shirk's ad- 
dition, a portion of the old Hood farm, on w'hich one of the first brick 
houses in Peru was built, where the old residence of E. H. Shirk 
now stands, was made in "1863, from Hood to Lafayette and from 
Main to Eighth. Ewing's partition addition, from Fifth street north 
to Reserve line, east to Cass, between Fifth and Sixth, to the 
school grounds and the grounds north of Seventh to the railroad, in 
1S64. Brownell's addition, from Canal to one tier of lots north of 
Main and from Holman, which was the west line of Miamisport, to 
Forest, was laid out in 1866. Shirk's second addition in 1S68. Smith's 
addition, between Lafayette and Hood, Eighth and the railroad 
grounds, was laid out January 8, 1869. Duke's addition from Grant 
to old Logansport road, and Seventh to railroad ground May 5, 1870. 
Smith's second addition east of Grant and north of railroad, De- 
cember, 1870. Sterne's addition, from Grant two squares west and 
Main to Seventh, February, 187 1. Shirk's third addition, between 
Seventh and Eighth, Fremont and Hood, December, 1871. Duke's 
second addition, west of Grant and north of Boulevard, June, 1872. 
Smith's third addition from Canal street north to railroad, east of 
Godfrovs section, 1872. Run3-an's addition north of Boulevard to 
Thirteenth and between Runjan street on the west and Fremont on 
the east, June, 1873. Besides these additions of territory platted 



FIRK DEPARTMENT AND WATER WORKS. 371 

and sold, numerous sub-divisions of out lots have been made at 
\'ai"ious times as the growth of the town demanded additional build- 
ing lots. Some of the persons whose names appear in the records 
of sub-divisions are Ross & Fennimore, Fallis, Mendenhall, G. W. 
Ewing, Ross & Talbot, Whistler & Mitten, Brandon, Shields, Davis 
and Shirk, J. VV. Ellis, J. JM. Brown and O. P. Webb. The sub- 
urban corporations are South Peru and Ridgeview, the former hav- 
ing a population of perhaps two hundred. 

The Population of Peru at different dates was as follows: 
In 1850, 1,266; in 1854, as taken by the town, 2,351; in i860, 
2,506; in 1867, as taken by the town, 3,227; in 1870, 3,617; in 
1880, 5,280; at present, 7,000. 

The Fire Department had a humble origin. The first town 
board of trustees had a special meeting, March 25th, 1843, "to 
provide measures to arrest the ravages of fire." The means 
pro\'ided \\'ere, five ladders, twenty-four feet long; five ditto, 
fourteen feet long; five roof ladders, fifteen feet long; three hooks 
wdth poles twenty-two feet long. Alexander Porter furnished the 
lot for $52. These were distributed to the different districts, and 
were the only fire apparatus for years. One of the first acts of 
the new government organized 1848, was to set the Marshal to 
hunting this "fire departipent." After considerable search he 
found three long and six shorter ladders and two hooks. In 
1856, a number of incendiary fires occasioned the appointment 
of special policemen who served for a short time, and of a com- 
mittee "to take steps to secure a suitable fire engine." Anoth- 
er committee was later appointed to inquire as to the cost of 
the best hooks, ladders and fire buckets, and Jan. 1857, a small 
lot was ordered, but probably ne\-er obtained. It was not un- 
til March, i860, that a petition presented by the citizens induc- 
ed the council to send F. S. Hackley, as their agent, to Day- 
ton, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis, to examine engines and appar- 
atus. In May, the old hand fire engine was bought from the 
City of Indianapolis, and in September the contract for the en- 
gine house was awarded. The cost of engine, hose and other 
apparatus was about $2,300, of the engine house $1,100. The 
expense of the fire department was about $50 to $75 a A'ear, 
during the next twelve j-ears. The energetic citizen would grab 
his hat at the first alarm of fire and streak it for the engine 
house. Arriving at the conflagration he would give a few 
strokes on the levers of the hand engine, get knocked in the 
head, his arm jerked out of joint, and then retire and tell the 
fellow who took his place how it ought to be done. In November, 
1872, an ordinance was passed to establish a fire department, and 
a new steam fire engine was purchased. Geo. Crowell was the 
first chief. The present department is very effective. It consists 

8 



372 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

of three companies and Alex. Appel is chief. The electric fire 
alarm was added about the time of the water works. 

The Water Works were first agitated in 1871 but public 
sentiment opposed them. In 1876, Messrs. Shirk, Dukes & Co. 
proposed to build works under a franchise, the city to rent fire pro- 
tection, but no action was taken on it. The discussion continuing, 
the council, to test the wishes of the people, ordered an election, 
July, 1877, at which ballots "For Water Works" and "Against 
Water Works" were voted, resulting two to one in favor of them. 
The council at once took steps toward the work, in October, the 
same year, the contracts for the different parts of the work and 
materials being let to a number of different parties. The pump 
house is situated on the river near the east end of the city, corner 
Canal and Wayne streets. The ground contains nearly three acres. 
The building is brick, handsome and modern in appearance. The 
pumping machinerN' consists of two engines, run by steam, which ha\'e 
a combined capacity of 2)^2 million gallons per day. The length 
of pipes laid is nearlj^ twelve miles. There are loi hydrants. An 
important feature in the safety, convenience and economy of the 
works is the reservoir, situated on the south side of the Wabash 
river on the hill, a little less than half a mile from the pump house. 
Most fortunately the elevation of this point, so convenient, is just 
what is needed to provide the force found the best means for ef- 
fectiveness and economy, the reservoir being 93 feet above the 
pumps. Five streams from 50 to 75 ^^^^ in height can be thrown 
b}' reservoir pressure alone. 

The engines were ready for operation March, 1879, '^"'^ '^'^^ 
reservoir completed August 3rd, the same year. Since then they 
have been uninterruptedly in operation. The enterprise of the city 
has been eminently satisfactory. The net cost of construction was 
$109,549.93. The funds to met this was mostly raised by the sale 
of city bonds. The cost of operation of the works being from the 
first less than the income the city is already prepared to redeem a 
portion of them, but unfortunately, although they were mostly sold 
at a discount, they are now held at par and cannot be redeemed 
for some j-ears. This, however, speaks well for the credit of 
the city. In addition to the net profits of the operation of the 
works, the city has had full amount of fire protection, which at the 
lowest rates usually charged by private companies, would be about 
$8,000 a year. 

Until May, 1880, the works were under the control of a com- 
mittee of three of the council. At that time, under a legislative en- 
actment, a board of Water Works Trustees, consisting of James M. 
Brown, Andrew Fasnacht and C. H. Brownell, were elected, and 
since then this Board of Trustees, elected by a direct vote, have had 
control of the works. 



NEWSPAPERS. 373 

The Gas Works were undertaken by the firm of H. E. and 
C F. Sterne & Co., the owners of the woolen mills at that time. 
Work was commenced June, 1S74, and they were first readv for 
lighting November 15, 1874. A contract was made with the cit}- 
to run 25 3-ears from date of lighting. Three and a half miles 
of mains were laid. The gasometer has a capacity of twenty 
thousand feet. The amount of gas made increases each vear, 
and last year it was about six million feet. July 27, 1S86, it was 
sold to the Peru American Gas Companj^ of Philadelphia, and 
Wm. Tracy is now superintendent. Since taking the works tiie 
comjianv has laid a half-mile of mains and intend laying three 
miles more, bringing the gas to many residences for which it 
was hitherto not ayailable. 

The Electric Light was added to the improyements of Peru 
October, 1885. The Thompson-Houston Company of Boston, 
Mass., put in a twenty-tiye light machine as a trial plant, operat- 
ing it with power furnished by Miller's mill. July i, 1886, V. 
Q. Iryine, of Crawfordsyille, purchased the plant and the ground 
and building, where now located on the canal next to the canal 
mill. He put in an 85-horse-power engine, a 112-horse-power 
boiler, and two nominal twent\'-tive light d\'namos, with an actual 
capacity of 55 lights. They are now running near their full ca- 
pacity, lighting stores, the depot and part of the streets. 

JVezi'spapcrs. — The press dates its existence in Peru from 
1S37, when an association of citizens was formed, the press and 
material purchased of the Richmond Palladiinii, and Samuel 
Pike, of Fort Wayne, put in charge. From Jul}' 22, 1837, to 
January, 1839, it continued, and then followed, one after another, 
and printed with the same press and materials: Peru Gazette, 
James B. Scott and Augustus Banks, a Whig paper, July 20, 1839, 
to April 16, 1842; Peru Gazette Veru Democrat, a double pa]5er, 
half Whig and half Democrat, James B. and John H. Scott, 
editors from the last date to October 15, 1842; the Cork Screiu, 
humorous: the Peru Observer. Whig; the Peru Herald, Demo- 
cratic, and finally June 28, 1848, the JMianii County Sentinel, the 
oldest paper, still in existence here. Its publication from that time 
has not been uninterrupted, it being continuous until 1861, when it 
suspended for about two j'ears. During this period was pub- 
lished in 1854 fo'" ''^bout a month a daily edition, the first daily 
published here. Graham was succeeded by W. B. Loughridge, 
he in turn "by McDowell, Loughridge again in 1867. The next 
few years ; the changes of firm ayeraged nearly one a year. The 
Daily and Weekly Times, started by T. J. McDowell & Sons, 1874, 
was for a time consolidated with the Sentinel under the name 
Times-Sentinel, then again separated and continued for a few years. 
The Sentinel was run by Ewing & Maxey, and they \\ere sue- 



374 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

ceeded by S. F. Winter, who continued for about three years. 
For the past six j-ears Fulwiler & Cole have been the editors and 
proprietors. To go back to the time just following the establish- 
ment of the Sciit/iiel, and we begin with the second printing press 
ever brought here. Its products w'ere all Whig — J^rce Press^ 
1852; IVdhas/i Olio, 1853; Rcfiihlicau Ar<;yts, 1854: Peru Aezvs, 
1855, all forerunners of the Peru Rcpuhlicau. That paper, still 
published, was started b}- E. P. Loveland October 9, 1856, and un- 
' furled above its columns the motto, " Liberty and Union, One and 
Inseparable, Now and Forever." where it remained until the con- 
clusion of the war. Other proprietors followed before one of the 
present owners became interested in it as one of the tirm of Reed 
& Brown, March, 1868. After Mr. Reed had been for a few years 
alone, Mr. Sinks became a partner in 1873. His place was taken 
bv W. W. Lockwood, the lirm being now Reed & Lockwood. 
Besides the pioneer dailv of 1856, there was published in 1874 a 
daih' edition of the Times. This and a later daih' enterprise failed 
to find sufficient support. In the summer of 1884 the Daily your- 
nal was started by Crowder & Miller, continued by C. F. Crowder, 
who was joined bv Ezra Roe. Richard Kilgore continued the 
paper, and January i, 1887, C. F. Crowder, one of the founders, 
and Wm. Brenton, purchased the office. 

T/ie Catholic Church, first in point of members to-dav, was 
first to build a church edifice. The first services were occasionally 
held bv Priests who came from Bardstown, Kv. Father Badin vis- 
ited Peru from 1834 ^^ ^^37. During this time, in 1835, the first 
church was built on two lots, donated by the proprietors of the 
town. In the summer of this year the Rev. John Corcorass, on one 
of his visits, died after a brief illness and is buried in Revburn's 
grave\ard. Rev. M. Ruff, priest of the diocese of St. Mncennes, 
visited Peru in 1837. From 1837 to '42 Father M. J. Clark was 
the first resident pastor, but only for a time. After him the occa- 
sional visits were resumed bv Maurice St. Palais, and continued dur- 
ing the time from 1842 to 1845. He was one of the pioneer Priests 
and his territory embraced-three States, from Vincennes to Chicago 
and Detroit. He had been ordained priest 1836, appointed 
Vicar General, Administrator 1848, Bishop of Vincennes 1849 
(now diocese of Indianapolis), and died from apoplexv June 28, 
1877, at St. Mary's of the Woods, near Terre Haute, where he 
was attending commencement. 1846 Father Fisher, '48 to '52 
Father McDermot, '52 to '57 Father F. A. Carius, '57 to '60 Father 
C. A. Zucker, April 15, i860. Rev. Bernard Force took permanent 
charge of the congregation, building the parsonage, at a cost of 
$2,000, and under him the Catholic cemeterv was bought and con- 
secrated. January i, 1864, Re\\ Bernard Kroeger succeeded him. 
Under him was built the present brick .church in 1865, at a cost of 



THR CHURCHES. 375 

$21,000. He was followed by Father Lamour Oct. i, 187 1, to 
Sept. 8, 1875. , The lirst frame church, erected in 1835 which had 
been for years used as the Catholic school house, burned during 
his incumbency and was replaced by the present brick building 
at a cost of $16,000. Father Lamour was succeeded b}' Rev. 
Ilenr}- Meissner. the present pastor. Owing to the large outla\- 
necessary to rebuild the school house, and the hopes frustrated by 
the financial crisis through which the country had just passed, 
the congregation on his arrival was in debt to the amount of * 
$16,350. Through the liberal and united efforts of the people 
the last note was paid December 23, 1886, and Father Meissner 
had the pleasure of announcing to them New Year's Day 1887, 
that the church was free from debt. Besides the recrular con- 
gregation Father Meissner has spiritual charge of the Sisters of 
Providence at the school, seven in number, and of the Sisters 
of St. Francis, five in number, who are emplo\'ed as nurses at 
Peru Hospital of the Wabash Railroad. The total membership 
of the church is about 1.500. The church property, embracing 
a quarter of a square, is on the northwest corner of Miami and 
Fifth street. 

A school has been for vears connected with the church. 
As earl}' as the pastorate of Father M. J. Clark (1837-42), a 
school was established. The Reverend Father was a cultured 
gentleman, revered bv the entire communitv and children of all 
denominations attended the school. The school was then, for a 
long time, discontinued. Prior to the pastorate of Father i'"orce 
a school was taught for a few months bv G. Volkert, a Badin- 
ese student, in a house on 5th street, opposite the residence of 
Rev. W. L. Huffman. Father Force opened a school in the 
church building, Mr. Franz Edtler being the first teacher. He 
was a great favorite with both parents and children, leading his 
pupils on delightful excursions into the woods and entering into 
their enjoyment. Many non-Catholic children attended the 
school, especiallv on account of the instruction in German. The 
school increasing. Miss Mary Force, sister to Father Force, 
became an assistant. Prof. Edtler left Peru to accept the position of 
organist in the Fort Wayne Cathedral, which place he held until 
his death, a period of nearly twentv-five 3"eara. He was suc- 
ceeded as teacher by \'ictor Stevens who continued after Father 
Kroeger took the place of Father Force, being assisted until this 
change by Miss Force, who removed with her brother, after 
which Mr. Stevens was unaided. When under Father Kroeger the 
new church was built, the old building was used exclusively as a 
school. The desks were remodeled, a little later the school-room 
enlarged, singing made obligatory and the list of students increased. 
When Mr. Stevens resigned his position Mr. Theo. F. Wolfram was 



376 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

engaged, an excellent and systematic teacher. About Hie begin- 
ning of 1S67 he gave up the school and was succeeded by Miss M. 
Kinney, late of St. Mary's, Notre Dame. Other teachers about 
this time, in rapid succession and in part co-jointly were Thomas 
Miller, a Peruvian and an almunus of Notre Dame, Mr. John Schenk 
of North Vernon, Ind., and the imperishable Prof. Dr. Rudolph 
Ladislac Mueller, of Zanizow, the most popular teacher of the 
old regime, whose life reads like a romance. The second son of an 
• ancient baronial famil}- of Pomerania, the playmate of Pi'ince Otto 
Von Bismarck, at sixteen he bore a commission as lieutenant, at 
eighteen was professor in ordinary of mathematics in a Prussian mili- 
tary acadeni}-, at twenty lilled the chair of history, and at twent\'-one 
disinherited for professing the Catholic faith, enlistefl in the 
the English army, and bound for the Cape, in consequence of a 
mutiny was cast bj' fate upon these shores. He engaged in min- 
ing speculations in \'irginia and Pennsylvania, lost all he possessed, 
including a private library of 5,000 volumes, accepted a professor- 
ship in St. Vincent's College, Westmoreland County, Pennsyhania, 
taught the languages, in which he conversed fluentlv to th& number 
of fifteen, lectured on Geology and Ethnology, and became eccentric 
in his manners. He sought Father Kroeger. who had at one time 
been his pupil, and offered to teach the parish school, which he did 
for the space of foin- years, when Bishop Dwenger who esteemed 
highly his vast erudition, besought him to accept a professorship in 
the chief college of the Bishop's own order, which he did, and died 
there recenth', 1S85, in the habit of a monk, full of years and in 
great peace of soul. The doctor was the last teacher, of both girls 
and boys under the old system. Under Father Kroeger^ about 
1870, the Ursuline Nuns of Louisville, Ky., took charge of the 
girls' school and were succeeded in 1S74 by the Siste-rsof Provi- 
dence. They took charge of the boys' school also, Sept. I, 1881, 
the last lay teacher of the boys being Mr. Frank Horn. In the 
school at present are 300 pupils and seven teachers engaged in 
teaching, including the musical and painting departments. 

The Prcsbxtcrlan Church was organized Thursda\', November 
26, 1835, 'It the house of William N. Hood, and consisted of thir- 
teen members. Rev. Samuel Newbur\-, the first minister of the 
church, presided. For a time the meetings were held in the house 
where orf^anized, then in a double loEf cabin, remodeled into one 
large room on West Fifth street: then in the Smith school house on 
West Second street, the first school house in the county. Rev. 
Newbury divided his time between Peru and Wabash. During 
the year 1836 a church building was erected on the present church 
lot. John W. Timberlake and Henry Robinson being the carpenters. 
This was probabh" the first Protestant house of worship in the county, 
although the Methodist Church was in process of erection at the same 



THE CHURCHES. 377 

time. During this time uas organized a Sabbath School, tiien, and 
for several years, the onh- one in the county. October, 1837, 
Re\\ Asa Johnson, the second pastor, took charge of the 
church, the Rev. Newbury giving all his time until Jul}', 1838, 
when he removed to the interests of the " Peru Collegiate Insti- 
tute." For a time Mr. Johnson preached on alternate Sabbaths, 
di\iding liis time over foiu" counties. In the winter of '42 and 
'43 a successfid protracted meeting was held. The Court House 
burning March, 1S43, court was for two 3'ears held in this 
church. From its erection to 1850 the church served the pur- 
pose of a town hall. Rev. Asa Johnson was succeeded with a 
few months' interval by Rev. Milton Starr, July 15, 1849, ^"^ 
he continued in charge of the chinxh two years. During this 
time the building was moved from the blocks of wood back on 
the lot and placed on a solid foundation. The store box steps 
and store box pulpit, covered with calico and green baize, were 
replaced, lamps took the place of tallow candles, and the church 
generallv improved. Mr. Starr ceasing the summer of 185 1, the 
pulpit for a vear was vacant. Rev. S. F. McCabe commenced 
his ministry Jul\' 10, 1852, and remained for fifteen years. The 
membership of the church when he began was about tifty. 
The salar}' was a little over $250. In the fall of 1854 '^'^^ pres- 
ent church was begun, and dedicated July 4, 1S5S. During his 
ministry in Peru Mr. McCabe preached 1,277 sermons in his own 
pulpit, baptized 177 persons, othciated at 282 funerals, and received 
into the church 210 persons. Mr. McCabe resigned May 20, 
1867, and removed to Illinois, thence to Topeka, Kansas. Rev. 
Everett B. Thomson commenced February 2, 1S68, and continued 
one year. April i, 1869, the Second Presb^'terian Church formed 
a union with the First, the history of which has thus far been 
followed. September 5, 1869, Rev. Henry L. Brown began, 
continuing one \ear. During this year unusually sticcessful reviv- 
als were held in this and the other churehes of the city, result- 
ing in 62 additions to this church. Rev. Samuel Wyckoff entered 
upon his duties Nov. 4, 1870, and continued until July, 1874. 
During this time the church was enlarged and improved and the 
lecture room built. The church was re-dedicated January 19, 
1873. Rev. J. B. Parmelee began his service October i, 1874. 
In April, 1876, he resigned, procured a letter of dismission from 
the Presb)-tery, and was the first minister of the Congregational 
Church, which continued for some years. Mav i, 1877, Rev. 
Matthew M. Whitford accepted the call of the church and was 
installed a few months later, being the only installed pastor. He 
continued to December 31, 1882. Rev. L. P. Marshall entered 
upon his duties July i, 1883, and continued to the present time. 
Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27, 1885, was held the 



378 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Jubilee, or tiftieth anniversary of the church's organization. The 
meetings were largely attended and were full of interest. G. I. 
Reed, editor of the Rcfuhlican, read a sketch on the history of 
Peru and J. H. Fetter a verv complete history of the Presbyter- 
ian Church, from which most of these facts are taken. A remi- 
niscence meeting was held, participated in by many, and letters were 
read from a number of the ex-pastors. The church is now entirely 
out of debt and in vigorous condition. The membership of the 
church is 256: of the Sunday School, about 180. 

The Methodist Church.— In 183 1 Col. Wm. M. Reyburn re- 
turned from Ohio and settled near Miamisport. He was a local 
preacher and at the request of Mrs. Dalla Moore, Mrs. Pendleton, 
Mrs. Jackson, Mr. Ilurst and a few others he organized a class 
meeting, and occasionally preached and held prayer meetings. With 
this organization in view the Methodist church would be entitled to 
the priority of age in Peru. In 1S32 this little band was reinforced 
by George S. Fenimore and wife, and several others. It was prob- 
ably this same year that the society was officially recognized by 
Rev. Miles Huffaker and reported to the annual conference. When 
Miamisport was deserted for the new town of Peru this little class 
was known as the Methodist Societ\' of Peru. It held its meetings 
at Matthew Fenimore's and besides Col. Re\burn, A. A. Tarking- 
ton, another local preacher, held services in this tavern. At the 
same time that the Presbyterian church was building, fall of 1835 
and spring of 1836, Geo. Fenimore and John Garrol put up the first 
Methodist church on Third street. It was ceiled with boards, and 
neither plastered nor painted. A wooden chandelier, on the arms 
of which candles were stuck, hung suspended b}' a rope which ran 
up through a hole in the ceiling. Through this hole and down the 
rope the playful mice would come and dine on the savory tallow. 
The country around was now organized as Peru Circuit, and the 
era of circuit riding began. An approximately correct list of the 
preachers in this period is as follows: Miles Huffaker, '35-'36; 
Burris Westlake, '36-'37; September 24, 1836, Rev. Jacob Col- 
clazer, so long identified with this communit}-, was licensed, in the 
little Third street church, to preach, by the Rev. Richard Hargrove 
and recommended for admission into the traveling connection; — 
Merchon '37; — Reed '38; John F. Truslow '37; Wm. Wheeler, 
Wm. Stonax, and Nelson Green, '42-'44; — Beach '46: E. Hold- 
stock '47: John F. Donaldson '48. In 1849 '^'^ the country appoint- 
ments were stricken off and Peru was made a station. Re\'. W. 
L. Huffman was sent as the first station preacher and organized the 
first station. Steps were at once taken towards the erection of a 
new church and the present Main street church was erected. The 
subscription for that purpose was contributed to b\- citizens of all 
denominations and paid in wood, plaster, work, brick, '-shoemaking," 



THK CHURCHES. 379 

groceries, or cash as most convenient. At this time the lirst large 
revival was held, and lOO were added to the church. About i860 
the charge was di\ided by the conference, and Third street church 
was formed. A nCUt brick church was built, which proved too 
small, and the Second Presbyterian church, corner Miami and Main 
streets, was purchased and remodeled. The name of the charge 
was then changed to St. Paul's, in 1870, Rev. C. W. Miller 
being pastor at that time. He was followed bv W. F. Walker 
in 1872-3-4, who departed from here to the North China mis- 
sion. Charels E. Disbro, the last pastor of St. Paul's, was here 
in 1874-5. To return to the Main street church; it continued to 
prosper under the following ministers: C. W. Miller '51; F. A. 
Hardin '53; H. B. Beers '55; H. Phillips '56; T. Habler '57; 

A. S. Lakin '59: D. F. Stright '61; W. R. Kisder '64; J. Col- 
clazer '66; W. J. Vigus '68: W. E. McCarthy '70; R. Toby 
'71; Augustus H. Tevis '72; W. R. Jordan '74. It wiis at this 
time that the two charges were united, neither of the old. minis- 
ters returning and J. C. Makin being the lirst minister of the 
united church. The ministers since have begun their work on the 
following dates: H. J. Lacey '77; J. Colclazer '78: C. H. Brown 
'80; W. H. Daniels '83; A. S. Wooten '85. The value of the 
present church propertv is $10,000. The membership of the 
Sunday Scliool is 275, that of the Church 350. 

T/te J£piscopal Chttrch was organized hrst 1846 under the 
name of St. James parish. Every evidence pointed to a vigor- 
ous church. The Rev. Mr. Brown, a man very popular with 
the people of the community, had charge of the congregation, 
and the services were held over store rooms. Unfortunately he 
was called home to the East, and, his place being unsupplied, 
the organization was abandoned. In 1870 the people of the 
church began regular meetings under the charge of Rev. W. N. 
Dunham in the rooms in second storv, northwest corner Main 
and Broadwav, and December 9th an organization was made 
under the name Trinity Church. Ma\-, 187 1, the present lot 
was purchased and steps taken for the erection of a building. 
October, 1872, the building was opened. May i, 1873, Mr. 
Dunham's place- was taken by Rev. John Henry Weddell, who 
continued to May, 1875. He was in September followed by 
Rev. Andrew Mackie, and he, with some interval, bj- Rev. 
David L. Trimble, who served this parish, in connection with 
Delphi, until Februar}-, 1881. The church was vacant until 
November, 1882, when Rev. J. E. Martin was employed. The 
church was doing well under his charge, but January-, 1884, he 
resigned with the consent of the vestrj-. July, 1884, Rev. W. 

B. Burke was emploved and continues to the present time. 

The Jtvaii^rlicii/ Lutheran Church. — As early as 1849 ^'^''" 



380 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

vices were held here by Rev. Sturken, then of Loyansport. 
The congregation being, however, too small, he discontinued for a 
year, when he again began, and Re\'. Jungle also preaclied here. 
The church was regularly organized in 1859' and Rev. II. Ilorst 
called to the pastorate. He, after a short time, receiving 
another call, Rev. Sturken again preached to the congregation, 
and it was at this time that the first church was built, a small 
brick building on Second street, near Hood. In 1864, Mr. 
Sturken receiving a call to Baltimore, the services were held b}' 
Rev. Jox, also of Logansport, and his assistant, Rev. G. A. 
Hinkle. The latter received a call from Sturgis, Mich., in 1869, 
and the former, on account of too much work, could not attend 
to this church, so. Rev. Stricter was called and became settled 
pastor, remaining until 1873, when he responded to a call from 
Proviso, Illinois. In August of the same year. Rev. C. A. Ger- 
man became pastor. Under him was built, in 1875, the present 
church, corner of Main and Fremont. It is a fine brick build- 
ing, 40 feet wide, 75 long and with a spire 125 feet high. The 
bell is the largest in the city, and a fine pipe organ adds to the 
interior. The cost was about $11,000. The old church has 
since been used as a school building, where Mr. Feussner 
teaches about seventv children. Rev. German, in 1883, received 
a call to Utica, N. Y., and March, 1S84, Rev. H. Diemer, the 
present incumbent, began his work. The membership has increased 
from eight or ten to seventy-five \oting members, which repre- 
sents about 175 communicants. The Church is in good financial 
condition. 

The Baptist Chtirch. — A meeting July 18, 1866, of those 
interested, organized a Baptist conference preparatory to organiz- 
ing a Baptist Church. Those participating were: F. M. Bacon, 
M" H. Waters, David DeLawter, E. H. Shirk, Moses Mercer, 
Rev. A. Virgil, H. J. Shirk, George Geves, Sarah Bacon. M. 
T. Waters, H. S. DeLawter, Mary Shirk, H. A. Mercer, Min- 
erva Shirk, Ellen Geves. 

Oct. 3, 1 866 a council met, pastors of a number of churches in 
Northern Indiana being present and formally recognized the newly 
established church. Rev. A. Virgil was in charge from organiza- 
tion until May, 1867, Rev. John Trennamon July 1867, to July 
1869, during which time the church building and parsonage were 
undertaken. The lecture room being occupied Jan. i, 1869. The 
meetings before this had for a time been in rooms over a store on 
Broadwav, opposite the court house, and then in the Presbyterian 
Church building then vacant on Main street. Rev. F. D. Bland, 
of Indianapolis, began Julv, 1869 and found the church membership 
28. six of whom were non-residents. He was a man of enthusiasm 
and verv successful as a revivalist. During his first vear 108 were 



SECRET SOCIETIES. 38 1 

baptised aiul 142 were added to the church. The church building 
being completed during this j'ear was dedicated the first Sabbath in 
1870. The cost of the church, parsonage and grounds was $22- 
000, In Xo\ember, 1870, Rev. Bland resigned. In response to a 
repeated call, Rev. Geo. E. Leonard came, taking charge of the 
church Ma\' 5, 1871 and continued until Jan, i, 1882, at which time 
he accepted the position of Secretary of the Ohio Baptist State Con- 
vention, where he still is. March 5, iSS2,the Rev. B. F. Cavins, 
then from New Albany, preached his first sermon and has since re- 
mained with the church. A fine pipe organ has been put in, the 
church and lecture room frescoed and carpeted, and the church gen- 
erallv has prospered under his care. The Sundav School is well at- 
tended ever Sundav morning. The church membership at the close 
of the church year, May, 1886 was 327. 

The A. AI. E. Church had as its first minister. Elder Patterson 
and meetings were held in the engine house. The present church 
on Third street was dedicated, August, 1874, ^"^ which time Rev. 
Robinson Jeffries was pastor. The only stationed minister ever 
here was the Rev. Wm. Knight in 1875. The congregation being 
small has generallj' been served in connection with some other 
charsre. Alto<rether there have been i 'X ministers here. The 
present one, J. W. Collins, is everv second week at Wabash. The 
church propert^• is worth about $2,500. 

In Secret Orders Peru is well supplied, there being 24 lodges, 
chapters, &c., at present here. The first in point of time was the 
Miami Lodge, 67, F. & A. M. It was organized about June iS44in 
upper storv of of the brick building used as the toll house at the 
bridge. It was instituted bv Logansport and Tipton lodges and 
worked under dispensation until the claarter was granted, May 29, 
1848. The names of the earliest members were; Col. Wm. M. 
Reyburn, the first Master; Isaac Marquis, the first Senior Warden; 
Richard L. Britton, the first Junior Warden: Geo. L. Dart, Secre- 
tar}'; John M, Jackson, Treasurer; John Bush, Senior Deacon; 
James Douglass, Judge Potter, Albert Cole, Peter Long and 
Matthew Fennimore. The earliest members taken in were: first, 
Moses Falk; second, Aaron Scott; third, A. Keiser; fourth Michael 
Lang. Thev occupied the room where they organized three or 
four years, then rented of the Odd Fellows. The}- fitted up a 
room in a new three storv building on the south-west corner of Second 
and Broadwav which burned six months later. They then again 
used the Odd Fellows hall, situated then where Deibert's grocery is, 
about three vears, then fitted up a room across the street now 70, 
south Broadway. About 12 years ago they fitted up the present 
lodge room. Their numbers have increased steadilv. They furnish 
most of the members who organized the Peru Lodge. The masons 
in Peru besides the two lodges named have for vears maintained a 



382 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

chapter and the council of Royal and Select Masters organized Feb. 
9, 1886, with Lvman Walker, as Illustrious Master. 

Miami Ldiiu^c, jVo. 32, I. O. O. /\— The oldest lodi,re of 
the order in Peru, was organized JanuarY 13, 184S, with the follow- 
ing charter members : DaYid Charters, James M. Reyburn, Brown 
McCIintic, John Reid, Augustus Hunter, John Pasmore and M. R. 
Crabill. Since its organization the lodge has admitted 396 mem- 
bers, and its present membership is 94. The lodge owns its own 
hall, has money enough to pa)- all demands, and has $1,250 loaned 
on good security. From January i to NoYember i, 1886, the lodge 
paid $750 for six benefits and charitable purposes. The Peru 
Lodge and Peru Encampment are later growths of the Order. The 
Lessing, a German lodge of the Order, was organized April, 1873. 
The Daughters of Rebekah, maintained bY the ladies, is in a flour- 
ishing condition. 

The Patriarch Militant, uniformed rank of Odd Fellowship, is a 
new degree. Peru Canton, No. 20, was organized August 25, 
1886, with 26 charter members, W. K. Armstrong, Captain. 

VV. B. Rcvlmrn Post, jVo. jd, Dcpartmcut of Indiana, G. 
A. R., was organized in Kumler's Hall, April 10, 1882, with a char- 
ter membership of 57. J. R. Carnahan. Department Commander, 
officiating. The tirst commander installed was Louis B. Fulwiler. 
The present membership is 144, who represent eleYen states. 
Michigan, Connecticut and West Virginia haYe each one regiment 
represented: New Jersey and Missouri each one caYalry regiment; 
Iowa, two; New York, three; Penns\lYania, tive: Illinois, one bat- 
tei'}' and six infantrY regiments; Ohio, sixteen, and Indiana, sixty- 
three, fifty-two of which are infantry-, seYcn caYalry and four bat- 
teries. The 99th Regiment lias eleYen representatiYes; the 13th, 
eleYen; the 151st, nine: the 155th, seYcn. The Post has taken part 
in four decoration ser^•ices, four camp-tires, and, as a bodY, has 
attended re-unions at Miami, DenYer, Macy, Bunker Hill and 
Wabash. The Post has furnished one Junior Department Com- 
mander, W. F. Daly. 

Hercules Lodge, Xo. 127, Knights of Pythias, instituted 
August 14, 1885, with 84 charter members. At the institution 
were present representatiYes of the Huntington, Kokomo, Marion, 
Logansport and Indianapolis lodges. They at once fitted up a 
lodge room oYer the Postoffice, 62 S. Broadway. The present 
membership is OYcr 100. The uniform rank, K. of P., was organ- 
ized in Peru, August 17, 1886, with 38 members. Louis N. 
Andrews, Captain. Many were present from a distance and a ban- 
quet was giYen in Bradley's Hall. 

The Knights of Honor, Knights of Maccabees, Royal 
Arcanum, two Councils of the National Union, two assemblies of 
the Knights of Labor, and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engin- 



MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS. 3S3 

eers are maintained here, besides a number of benevolent organiza- 
tions not belonging to secret orders. 

Militarv Organizations. — The lirst company was the Peru 
IMues, organized almost the first j-ear of the town, A. M. Higgins, 
Captain, and Vincent O'DonakL Sr., First Lieutenant. The com- 
pany consisted of most of the young men of the community. Its 
notable exploits seem to have been two in number. The first was 
taking" part in the patriotic celebration July 4, 1836, the day's festi- 
vities ending with the explosion of a gun in the hands of O'Donald, 
the first Heutenant, only slightly injuring him, but resulting in lock- 
jaw and death in about two weeks. The second exploit was march- 
ing to the scene of difficulty with some Indians on the Pottawattomie 
payment grounds on the Tippecanoe, near Rochester. Not a mo- 
ment faltered they, but the campaign was bloodless as either their 
presence or the efforts of diplomacy quieted the difficulty. This 
was the famous battle of Chippewanoc, the cause of many a smile 
to our older citizens. The next military company for peaceful pur- 
poses was the Reyburn Guards, organized February 25, 185S, G. 
A. Crowell, Captain, J. M. Reyburn, First Lieutenant, C. M. Wal- 
ker, Second Lieutenant. The}- at once uniformed handsomely in 
blue, and the same year organized, and conducted a big 4th of July 
celebration and ball which was largely attended from a distance, and 
at which they cleared $500. Cro\vell resigned and Reyburn 
became captain immediately after this. The next year, July 4th,' 
they, with the Teutonic Rifle Corps, now to be mentioned, attended 
a big encampment and celebration at Lafayette, at which were pres- 
ent eleven companies. The Teutonic Rifle Corps was organized 
about the same time as the guards with Julius Kloenne, Captain, 
Henry Kranskoff, First Lieutenant, Wm. Rassner, Second Lieuten- 
ant. The uniform was dark green with light green trimmings. 
They numbered between 50 and 60 members, all Germans. They 
were preceded by two pioneers, Philip Gahs and Jake Louis, wear- 
ing big drum-major hats and carrying axes. When wrought up 
by the martial spirit they sang a song the chorus of which ran : 

• "De Dutch coinpanee is de best coiniianee, 

Dat ever come over from the ohl coiiiitree." 

At the Lafayette encampment the\' had the glory of an award 
for tiieir excellent drill and soldierly bearing. These companies had 
nearly if not quite ceased their ineetings some time before the open- 
ing of the war, and the demand for their arms, and the enlistment 
of many of their members, was the end. Just after the war Cap- 
tain Wm. Wallick organized the Peru Zouaves, uniformed in red, 
and continued for a ^■ear or two. The Peru Grays, Captain Jack, 
was organized in 1875, spent a week in camp at Put-in-Bay, 
responded to a call by Gov. Hendricks in 1876 to quell some 



384 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

troubles in the southern part of the State, but only went as far as 
Indianapolis. In 1S77 they disbanded. The Peru Light Infantry 
organized December 1SS2, H. F. Bolev, Captain, continued for 
about two years. The Peru Zouaye Cadets organized Noyem- 
ber 1884, with 56 members, boys^from 14 to 20, Ed. Maxwell, 
Captain. They \vent to the 3d regiment encampment at 
LaPorte, August, 1885, and took first honors in the regiment. 
Disbanded Noyember, 1886. Gatling Gun Detachments Nos. i and 
2 were organized in the fall of 1885, and July, 1S86, respectiyely. 

Literary Societies and Public Libraries haye to some extent 
shaped the deyelopment of the communitv. The first "Lyceum *' 
was in the yery infancy of the to\\ n, being organized August 10, 
1837. It continued its discussions for some years, dealing with the 
highest questions of goyernment and philosophy. Of the members 
who still suryiye are N. O. Ross, L. D. Adkinson, John A. Gra- 
ham. J. B. Fulwiler and J. S. Fenimore. For some time after it 
ceased its meetintrs, there seems to haye been nothinsr of the char- 
acter indicated by the heading of this paragraph. It consisted of a 
good selection of standard books, which were for years kept in 
the Recorder's office. On the page of the yellow, dusty record 
can be traced the tastes and character of many a prominent Peru 
citizen. The books became scattered, the library fell into disuse, 
and in 1881 the remnants, consisting of a few yaluable books and 
a great many agricultural reports, were gladly handed oyer to the 
Peru High School, where they now are. The Miami County 
Workingmen's Institute was organized the latter part of 1856, the 
Town Council pursuing inquiries through a committee as to what 
had become of the " Corporation Library " ( never before men- 
tioned in the record ), after publishing notices and hiring " a boy — 
Ira Myers " — for three days to gather books, succeeded in getting 
together 140 yolumes. These were turned oyer to the Peru 
Township Trustee to add to the Township Library. The record 
of the latter begins with that year, 1S56. 

Taking adyantage of the terms offered by the will of Mr. 
McClure, of New Harmony, Posey County, who proyided that Jf 
an institute should be formed of " persons who labor with their 
hands and earn their liying by the sweat -of their brow," and con- 
tribute 100 yolumes, he would donate them $500. The earliest 
remaining record of a meeting is February 17, 1857, and for about 
three years they maintained semi-monthly and monthly meetings, 
the discussions partaking somewhat of the nature of a Hterary 
society. The constitution proyided for lectures, and at one time 
the society authorized the secretary, J. W. Shields, to correspond 
with Bayard Taylor, and how near this distinguished literary 
man came to addressing a Peru audience may be seen from the 
following reply. 



LITERARY SOCIETIES AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES. 3S5 

ViNCKXNKs, FcliniMry 10, IS.")'.). 
DE.\n Sir: It is quite impossililo. All nij' time up to the end of April \v;is 
engaged near three months ago, and I have since lieeu obliged to decline 150 
additional invitations. Very tndy yours, B.vvard Tayi.ok. 

The Institute made no further attempt to secure lecturers. 
The hist recorded meeting was March 2, i860, and, in the exciting 
years which followed, the organization was abandoned. Just be- 
fore the last meetings, the library was removed from the special 
room to the gallery of H. G. Fetter, and some jears later by 
him handed over to Dr. W. H. Gilbert, who has kept it in 
exxellent condition and still has it. The legal status of it is that 
it is the property of no one unless the old members, many of 
whom are still here, should reorganize the institute. The char- 
acter of the books was excellent, and the record shows a veiy 
dilligent use of them. Among the names, with the occupation 
stated by which they "sweat to earn their bread," are: Jonathan 
Statesman, wagonmaker; John W. Timberlake, carpenter: Peter 
Keegan, shoemaker, John Mitchell, tailor; J. M. Stutesman, sad- 
dler; C. Griggs, harnessmaker; John H. Jamison, cabinetmaker. 

For a number of years we find no literary organizations. 
In the winter of 1877-78 f course of lectures was successfully 
carried on by some enterprising citizens, which encouraged the 
fortnation October, 1S78. of the Peru Lecture Association, with 
capital stock of $5°° '" ^^ty shares of $10 each. The first 
president was R. P. Efhnger, the first secretary G. E. Leonard. 
The organization was maintained until Januaiy, 1883, during 
which time were furnished twenty-eight lectures and musical and 
literary entertainments, including Helen Potter, Theodore Tilton, 
Marj' A. Lixermore, J. W. Riley and other noted lecturers. 
The Opera House being completed December, 1882, philosophy, 
music, and literature went down before the popularity of the 
funny play and high tragedy, and the Association discontinued. 
Early in 18S4 in the study of the Presbyterian church was organ- 
ized a society for the study of literature, Rev. L. P. Marshall 
president. That spring and in the winter of 1884-85 the orig- 
inal plan was strictly pursued. In October, 1885, it was reor- 
ganized as a Chautauqua reading circle, under tlie name "The 
Hoosier C. L. ^. C, of Peru." It is now in its second year, 
with a membership of twenty, Miss Eileen Ahern, president. 
During the winter of 1884-85 the society, generally known as 
the Episcopal Literary Society, was organized, Rev. Wm. Burke 
president, and studied Shakspeare, the next winter studied gen- 
eral history and the present winter are studying general liter- 
ature. The society meets at the houses of members. October, 
1886, was organized the Vincent Cliautauqua reading circle, com- 
posed mosth', but not exclusivel\-, of members of the Methodist 



386 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

congregation, with a membership of twenty, Ed. T. Gregg, pres- 
ident. The same month was organized the Philomathean ^^lovers 
of learning) Chautauqua circle, through the efforts of Rev. B. 
F. Cavins, and though the youngest, is now the largest circle, 
numbering thirty members. They meet at the Baptist church, 
the meeting nhrht of all the circles beintr Monday. In the matter 
of musical ortranizations there has been little outside of the reor- 
ularly maintained church choirs. During the war musical and 
dramatic entertainments were frequent, but the Peru Choral 
Union, about 1872, with J. W. Shields, director, was the tirst 
regular organization. It was maintained about a year, giving an 
entertainment and old folks concert. In January, 1886, was or- 
ganized the Peru Musical Association, with W. E. M. Brown as 
director. For a half year it did good work, its abandonment at 
present being due to the removal of the director. 

T/ic J^/rst JWjtioiial Bank was organized April, 1S64, under 
the law of February 25, 1863, authorizing national banks. E. H. 
Shirk was the first president and continued until his death, 1886. 
The first directors were E. H. Sha-k, Robt. Miller, James Hol- 
lenshade, Jacob Kreutzer, Geo. L. Dart, W. M'. Constant, Abra- 
ham Leed\. The capital stock was $75,000, afterwards increased 
to $100,000. The first building occupied was a small frame 
building located between Third and Main, on West side of 
Broadway, but soon after organization removed to present loca- 
tion opposite public square. There is at present a large surplus 
fund in addition to capital stock. The officers are: President, 
Milton Shirk; Vice President, Elbert W. Shirk; Cashier, R. A. 
Edwards; Teller, G. R. Chamberlain. 

The Citizens^ A^aticnial Bank was the outgrowth of the pri\ate 
bank of Bonds, Hoagland & Co., organized February, 1S67. 
This in July, 187 1, was changed to the present corporation and 
present name, under the national banking laws. It was composed 
of nearly the same parties as the former bank, with some addi- 
tions. The first Board of Directors was: D. C. Darrow, A. C. 
Brownell, Wm. Smith, N. O. Ross, C. D. Bond, R. F. Donald- 
son, M. S. Robinson. Dr. Darrow was President until July, 
1883, when, he resigning, Chas. Brownell succeeded him. M. 
S. Robinson has been cashier continuoush'. The capital stock is 
$100,000, and the surplus $16,000. The room now numbered 6 
South Broadwa}' was occupied from first until September, 1S86, 
when the bank moved into its own new building, opposite the 
Court House. 

TJtc Tclcorafh bound Peru with the \\orld before the first 
railroad reached it. The canal line ran from Toledo through 
Lafayette to Indianapolis via Crawfordsville. The first operator 
was G. L. Daniels, who serving only a month, was succeeded by 



* 




i S'ni^/K 



/ 



VARIOUS INDUSTRIES. 389 

J. T. Henton, who served until January, 1853, beinq- succeeded by 
J. G. Dickey. In 1855, the Wabash Une along the railroad was 
established and the canal line abandoned. Jas. S. Duret was the 
first operator of this line and was succeeded by K. H. Wade, who 
is now General Superintendent of the Wabash Railway. The office 
was removed into the Citizens' Peru Bank building, Nov. 1886. Miss 
Alice Dunlap has been for some years the operator, and her ser- 
vices have been eminentlj- satisfactory to both companj^ and public. 

The Telephone Exchange was established June 13, 1881, the 
number of subscribers being 45. At present the number of sub- 
scribers is 70. Connections can be made with all Exchanges 
within 75 miles, and, under favorable circumstances, conversa- 
tion has been carried on with Louisville, Ky. The Exchange 
from the first has been in the telegraph office, removing with it 
to the new location. The present manager in Peru is Miss 
Bessie LaBonta. 

The Railroad Shofs were established in 1853, when this 
was the northern terminus of the Peru & Indianapolis R. R., 
then just building. The average number of men emploved in 
these shops was 40. In 1873, the shops, then under the man- 
agement of the I. P. & C, were removed to the present loca- 
tion, and the force increased to 130. When the road and shops 
passed into the hands of the Wabash, Sept., 1881, the force in- 
creased to 250. The shops on present location consist of Round 
House, capacit}- 15 stalls, area 33,210 square feet; Machine 
and Car Shops, 150 b}' 135 feet; Paint Shops, 153 by 45 feet; 
Blacksmith Shops, 105 by 36 feet: Freight Repair Shops, 200 
by 60 feet. The round house and main shops are brick, the 
repair shops, frame. There are in addition a number of build- 
ings and sheds for lumber, coal, ice, etc. Together the shops 
occupy an area of about ten acres. The business of these shops 
is the building, rebuilding and repairing of engines and cars. 
They are the most important industrv in Peru. 

The Woolen ]\filh have been, since their establishment in 1865, 
one of the important industries of Peru. The firm of H. E. & C. F. 
Sterne consisting of the two named and Henr}- Sterne, built the first 
mill on the canal. It was a "five set mill" consisting of five sets 
cards and about 1,500 spindles. They made flannels, jeans, blankets 
and yarns, and did custom work for farmers, a class of work no 
longer done. They employed from eighty to a hundred hands and 
were building up a prosperous business, mostly in the Western 
States. One afternoon in January 1868, the entire building and con- 
tents burned, being a loss of $100,000, on which the insurance was 
$30,000. It was probably caused by spontaneous combustion. 
With M. Oppenheimer added to the old firm as the "companv" 
they erected on their present location a building 300 by 66 feet and 



390 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

two Others which together are 300 by 44. This was a four set mill, 
now enlarged to a six set. In January, 1874, -'-'• Mergentheim 
became associated in the business. Feb. 1877, Henry Sterne went 
out and a new firm was organized, Harry W. Strouse taking his 
place. The mHl was enlarged to five sets cards and 1,900 spindles 
and looms with a capacity of 70 pieces at a time, no hands were 
employed and the trade was extended east and west. Of that firm 
H. E. Sterne died February, 1878, in Cincinnati, C. F. Sterne 
died August, 1879 in the same city, and M. Oppenheimer August, 
1885 in Philadelphia, where he had gone for his health. The 
present firm was organized June, 1886 and consists of L. Mergen- 
theim, II. W. Strouse and the estates of H. E. and C. F. Sterne. 
During the past fall the mills have been enlarged to six sets of ma- 
chinerv and 2,400 spindles. The fiim has always been financiallv 
in excellent standing and never missed a pay daj*. 

The Inciiaua Maniifactnriiig Coiiipaiiv, one of the most 
important industries of Peru, dates from 1870, when the Howe 
Machine Company, looking for a location for a factor}- for wood 
work, was induced to locate here. The name under which it 
began and continued for five years, was the Howe Factory. The 
first buildings had been completed but a short time when a fire 
occurred, destro3ing them almost entirely and occasioning the 
loss of two lives, E. P. Loveland and John Cummings, who wei^e 
caught by the falling roof while assisting to save the property. 
The shops were rebuilt in six months and, as before, some 500 or 
550 men were employed. In 1S75 a new compan\- was organ- 
ized under the name of The Indiana Manufacturing Compan}-. 
In 1 88 1 it passed into the hands of a receiver, Mr. A. N. 
Dukes, who has successfully conducted it since. Not connected 
especially with any machine company, sewing machine woodwork 
is made for 16 different companies. A large amount is shipped 
direct to foreign countries. The number of men employed is 
about 300 at present, and the value of the yearly product 
$200,000. 

T/ic Basket Factory was built in 1872 by Gardiner, Blish & 
Co., who removed from Antioch in consideration of a donation 
by our citizens. This place was considered especially well sit- 
uated on account of the great plenty of elm timber found in this 
locality. In 1878, for some reason, the firm failed, J. M. Brown 
was appointed receiver, and it then passed into the hands of the 
Citizen's Bank. After standing idle for two years Lewis Benedict 
rented the building. April 18S2, Henton & Talbot purchased 
the interest of Benedict, and after eighteen months Henton with- 
drew and Frank M. Talbot continues to the present time. At 
the opening sixt}^ men were employed, the highest number at 
any time was 150, the present number ninety. The present 



VARIOUS INDUSTRIES. 39I 

product is exclusively baskets which are shipped to all parts of 
the country'. The daily capacity is 600 dozen. 

The Dow Factory, which promised to be so important an 
addition to the city, was established by B. F. Dow & Co., who 
had been manufacturing farm implements in Fowlerville, N. Y. 
The citizens donated ten thousand dollars to secure it. The 
buildings were erected in 1S80, and in Ma}' i88r, work was 
begun. The product was principally portable engines and thresh- 
ing machines and all kinds of repairs for farm implements. They 
were sold over a large territory, but collections being slow 
under the general depression of business at that time, the firm 
became deeper involved, and November 27, 1883, J. G. Blvthe 
was appointed receiver. He completed his last report the first 
■day of 1887. The buildings are well situated for manufacturing 
purposes and no doubt will be used in some way before long. 

The Mineral Waler Factory of A. Reed & Co., was 
established the Fall of 1880, by A. Reed. The product con- 
sists of the cooling drinks of Ginger Ale, Champagne Cider, 
Birch Beer, Cream Soda, and all kinds of pop. The territory 
supplied extends well over the State, the amount made being 
1,200 boxes (about 25 thousand bottles) a 3'ear. Five men are 
employed for this and the beer agency run in connection with it. 

Shearerh Ware House was established 1866, and is a building 
with the liberal capacity of 40,000 bushels of grain. It was 
built on the canal by which most of the shipping was at that 
time done. 

Wilkinson'' s Planing Mill was started by Dan. Wilkinson, 
who in i860, moved to Peru with a saw mill. This was located 
in the southwest part of the town; in 1865 was burned, mmedi- 
atel\- rebuilt, and sold in the Fall of 1867. The only planing 
mill then in Peru was that of Wampler & Kranzman, who suc- 
ceeded Coucher & Jamison, and which was located east, near 
the canal. Wilkinson erected a frame building on the lots at 
present occupied; in 1867 and 1872 it was burned, being a 
total loss, no insurance. The present brick building \\as 
immediately erected. The work done is mostly local, embrac- 
ing, however, the surrounding counties and some city work. 
In the spring of 1883, Walter Wilkinson became associated, and 
the tinu name is Wilkinson & Co. In building season ten men 
are employed. 

BrovjnclVs Planing Mill was started by John Mulhfield in 
connection with the lumber business and in partnership with 
New York parties, during the fall of 1879. In May, 1885, C. 
H. Brownell became owner, on the failure of the former man- 
agement. Charles Cox was made manager, and the mill is now 
doing an excellent business. From 12 to 15 men are employed. 



392 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

The First FoiDtdry was built by F. S. and George Hack- 
lev about 1843. Just before the war the present building was 
erected by the former, who continued the business until his 
death. It was then continued by his son Levant, then by 
Thomas Lovett. The firm of Lovett & Rettig, formed later, 
branched out extensivelv into the manufacture of agricultural 
implements. Last vear the foundrv was bought by A. J. Ross 
and now conducted bv him. 

M. F. Smith's j\Iachiuc Shop, Brass and Iron Foundry 
was established 1873. It is located corner Canal and Clay 
streets, and emplovs about nine men. 

Isaac Millers Roller Mill, on the railroad, is a descendant of 
the first mill in Peru, built on the feeder dam at the time 
the canal was made. The water power was exxellent, and for 
years the old stone burrs ground out the support of a good 
part of the countv. Having passed through various hands, Mr. 
Miller obtained it 1870. In 1876, the dam washed out and the 
mill was removed to the present location, more convenient for 
shipping, and is run b}- steam. In 1882-3 the improved roller 
machinery was put in. The capacity is lOO barrels per day, 
shipped mostlv in Indiana and Illinois, some however going as 
far as New York City. 

The Canal Roller Mill has been under the present man- 
agement of Jackson A. Neal onlv since February, 1886. He 
succeeded Collintine & Jackson. The mill is not a new insti- 
tution, but latel}- has put in the latest roller machinery and has a 
capacity for 75 barrels per day. 

The Peru Flax, Tow and Bagging Mill was started by 
John Coyle, spring of 187 1. Mr. Torrey, of New Jersey, joined 
him in 1872, and the bagging miU was built. A stock company 
purchased the mill some vears ago, and, with some changes, still 
run it. The product is mainly sold in the South, being used for the 
cotton crop. The mill affords employment to a number of men, 
women and children. 

In addition to these factories described are Ulrick's Wagon Fac- 
tory, Sullivan & Eagle, and Ellis Stiles & Co.'s Carriage Factories, the 
Cigar Factories of the Keeners, Webb and Arnold, and various 
shops, which together represent in the aggregate as great a por- 
tion of manufacturing interests as any city in the State. 

BIOGRAPHICAL, SKETCHES. 

HON. LEWIS D. ADKISON, a prominent citizen and 
pioneer of Peru, is a native of Fa\ette Countv, Indiana, born 
about eight miles wt^st of Connersville, May 26th, 1816. His 
parents, Robert and Rebecca (Henderson) Adkison, were born 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 393 

in North and South Carolina respectively, of Irish lineage. The 
father in 1829 moved to Fountain County, where his death 
occurred one year later. The mother was born in the year 
1776, and departed this life on the 27th of August, 1846. 
Lewis D. Adkison, when thirteen years of age, accompanied 
his parents to Fountain Count}-, where for two years he worked 
on his father's farm. His early educational advantages were 
limited, being only those derived from attendance at the indifferent 
county schools of that period for about three months each year, 
until he arrived at the age of eighteen. He left home in the 
spring of 1S35, and went to Logansport, were he worked at 
brick making until the following Fall, at which time he came 
to Peru and secured employment on the Wabash and Erie 
Canal, then in progress of construction. After one year spent 
as workman on the canal Mr. Adkison accepted a clerkship 
in the mercantile house of D. R. Bearss, and later was engaged 
in the same capacity by Mr. Bearss' successor, Jacob Lindsey, 
acting as clerk in all about three years. In 1838, he was 
appointed by Governor Wallace Sheriff of Miami County to till 
the unexpired term of Asa Leonard, who died in office, and at 
the ensuing election in 1840 was chosen Sheriff, the duties of which 
position he discharged for about four years. On leaving the office he 
engaged in the plasters' and brick laying trades and after continuing 
the same for some four years, opened a general store in Peru, which 
he conducted with good success for sometime. He subse- 
quently abandoned that line of trade and for some ^■ears was 
engaged in the lumber business, which he carried on quite extensively 
in connection with a general hardware trade. In 1855 he dis- 
posed of his mercantile interests in Peru and emigrating to 
California opened a general store at Oak Valley, in the mines. 
He was subsequently elected Supervisor of Yuba County, that 
State, an office similar to that of County Commissioner in 
Indiana, and after serving one and a half years was chosen 
Sheriff, the duties of which office he discharged for about four 
years. In 1868 he returned to Indiana and settled in Fulton 
County, where, until 1874, ^^ ^^''^^ engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits, disposing of his farm at the end of that time and return- 
ing to Peru. In 1874-5 he was Assistant Doorkeeper of the 
Indiana State Senate, and in 1882 was elected State Senator 
from the counties of Miami and Howard. He took an active 
part in the deliberations of that body and served on some of 
the most important committees, among which were these: 
Banks and Banking. Public Printing, Public Buildings, Swamp 
Lands, Fees and Salaries, etc. Since the expiration of his 
term as legislator, Mr. Adkison has been engaged in the 
insurance business and loaning money at Peru. On December 



394 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

1 6th, 1840, he married Mrs. Lucy Davis, daughter of the late 
Judge Albert Cole, of Peru, by whom he had four children, only 
one of whom, Lucv A., wife of James H. Fetter, is living. Mr^. 
Adkison was born in the year 1820, and died March nth, 1885. 
Mr. Adkison was originally a Whig, but since the organization of 
the Republican party, he has been an ardent supporter of its prin> 
ciples. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and belongs 
to the Odd Fellows fraternity. 

NOTT N. ANTRIM," a prominent member of the Miami 
County bar and fourth son of Benjamin and Frances (Grey) 
Antrim, was born in Cass County, Indiana, on the 25th day of 
March, 1847. Left motherless at the age of four yeai-s and fath- 
erless at ten, he was early in life obliged to reh" almost wholly 
upon his own resources, and until attaining his majority worked on 
the farm, obtaining a common school education in the meantime. 
Possessing a desire to make law his life work, Mr. Antrim, in 1872, 
began his legal studies with Messrs. Mitchell & Shirk, of Peru, 
under whose instructions he continued until his admission to the bar 
in 1873. He began the active practice of his profession, April, 
1874, and within a short time thereafter won for himself a con- 
spicuous place among the lawyers of Miami and adjoining counties, 
having been elected the same year to the office of State's Attorney 
for the circuit composed of Miami and Wabash counties. He was 
re-elected to the same position in 1876, and in 1882 was chosen to 
represent Miami County in the General Assembly of Indiana. In 
1 88 1 he effected a copartnership in the practice with James M. 
Brown, Esq., and the firm thus formed still continues. As a law- 
yer, Mr. Antrim is painstaking and methodical, and has already an 
extensive and lucrative practice in the.courts of Miami and other 
counties of Northern Indiana. His official, as well as private life -is 
above reproach, and he enjoys in a marked degree the esteem snd 
confidence of the community around him. In politics, he is a Repub- 
lican, and, as such, has rendered valuable service to his party in this 
countv. Mr. Antrim on the nth day of February, 1875, was 
united in marriage with Miss S. Marilda Adkisson, of Crawford 
County, Illinois. 

DANIEL R. BEARSS (deceased) was born August 23, 
1809, in Geneseo, Livingston Countv, New York. His parents 
were Truman and Sabrina (Roberts) Bearss. His grandfather 
was a major in the Revolutionary Army, under General Wash- 
ington, and his father served in the war of 181 2. .\bout the 
}'ear iSii,the family removed to Painesville, Ohio, and in iBjJ 
to Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Bearss' boyhood was spent on a 
farm and his education was acquired in a log school house. In 
1828 he went to Ft. Wayne where he became a clerk for W. 
G. and G. W. Ewing. His employers soon opened a branch 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 395 

Store in Logaiispovt in whicli Mr. Rearss was engaged until 
1832. He then spent .two years in mercantile business on his 
own account in Goshen. In August 1834 with his young wife 
he settled in Peru where he resided the rest of his life. During 
his first year's residence here he carried on a general mercan- 
tile business in partnership with his father-in-law, Judge Albert 
Cole, whose biography appears elsewhere. This connection 
being disolved Mr. Bearss continued the business until 1844, 
when he formed a co-partnership with Charles Spencer under 
the firm name of Bearss and Spencer. Mr. Bearss being occu- 
pied with outside matters, Mr. Spencer took charge of the 
business, hi 1849, ^^- JE^earss sold his interest in the store and 
^nally retired from mercantile life, after a prosperous business 
career of about twent\--one years. With perhaps one exception 
Mr. Bearss was the largest tax payer in Peru. He owned con- 
siderable cit\' property among which were. the Broadway Hotel 
and a number of business blocks. He also owned several val- 
uable farms one of which just north of Peru he made his home. 
Mr. Bearss was one of the leading politicians of his county but 
was never known to resort to political trickery' in order that his 
party might triumph. No one in his locality labored more earn- 
estly for the promotion of Henry Clay to the Presidency. From 
the organization of the Republican party he was one of its 
warmest friends and through his great popularity succeeded in 
carrying many elections when said party was in the minority. 
Through his influence Hon. Schuyler Colfax was first placed 
before the people as a candidate for Congress. Mr. Bearss 
served his count}' in various minor public offices. He was in 
the slate Legislature twenty years, eight years as Representative 
and twelve as Senator. During the memorable and exciting 
period of the late civil war when many legislators seemingly in 
sympathy with the south sought to tie the hands of Governor 
Morton and prevent the state from furnishing support to the 
Union, no member of the Senate was more faithful to his country 
than Mr. Bearss. His age prevented him from entering the 
army but he did his duty in the halls of Legislation. He took 
an active part in the railroad enterprises of the countj^ and for 
a while served as director of the I. P. & C. and Wabash roads. 
With his family he attended the Congregational church and gave 
liberally towards its support. Mr. Bearss was a man of com- 
manding stature and in his prime possessed great physical 
strength and endurance. Few men were more favorably or 
better known not only in the county but throughout the state. 
He died April iS, 1884 at Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he had 
gone for the benefit of his health. January 14, 1834, ^^ Goshen, 
Indiana, he married Emma A. Cole, daughter of the late Judge 



396 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Albert Cole. The following are the names of the children born 
to Mr. and Mrs. Bearss: George R., William, Albert, Oliver, 
Homer, Frank, Emma and Ella. 

ALBERT C. BEARSS, a native of Peru, was born April 
I, 1838, and is the third son of Daniel R. and Emma A. (Cole) 
Bearss, the sketches of whom appear elsewhere. Receiving his 
primarv education in the city schools of Peru, at the age of 14 
he entered the preparatory department of Kenj'on College at 
Gamfier, Ohio, where he pursued the studies of that institution 
for a period of four years, and then returned to Peru. In 1859 
he traveled westward and located in California, where he secured 
the position of salesman for a firm in the northern part of that 
State, and in 1862 he returned east as far as Nevada, where he 
engaged principalh' in silver mining and politics. In the year 1867 
he came back to his native State and established himself in the 
mercantile business in the town of Rochester, Fulton County, where 
he continued until 1875, and then again made Peru his home con- 
tinually since that time, devoting his attention to farming and also 
to public affairs. During his stay in Nevada he was three times 
elected to the lower house of the Legislature, and when he re- 
turned to Indiana, received the nomination on the Republican 
ticket for the same position and was elected in 1878, and in 1879, 
was by his very intimate friend, James N. Tyner, postmaster 
general, appointed postotfice inspector, which he filled in a cred- 
itable manner until his resignation took place — March, 1885 — - 
and since that time has been looking after his farm of 550 acres, 
situated in Peru township. Mr. Bearss was married to Miss 
Madeline V. Lamb, of Coshocton, Ohio, March 20, 1867. This 
union has been blessed with two children, Fannie Emma and 
Nellie Cole. Our subject is a staunch Republican, and believes 
in the Jacksonian motto: "To the victors belong the spoils." 
He was made Chairman of the Republican central committee of 
Miami county, and at present occupies that position. 

JOHN H BECK, City Treasurer, was born in Miami county, 
Indiana, October 23, 1845, and is the eldest son of Adam and 
Teresa Beck, parents natives of Germany. Adam Beck was 
born in 1816; was united in marriagfe with Miss Teresa Trefferd 
in 1844, and the year following emigrated to the United States, 
coming direct to the cit\- of Peru. Joiin H. Beck was raised in 
Peru, obtained a practical education in the city schools and at the 
age of 16 commenced the tinner's trade, at which he served a 
three year's apprenticeship. In 1879, in partnership with Edward 
E. Riley, he opened out in the business for himself. He still 
carries on the business in connection with the retail hardware 
trade, and is one of the successful merchants of the city. In 1883 
he was elected City Treasurer, re-elected in 1885 and is the present 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



397 



incumbent of the office. He was married April, 1866, to Miss 
Catherine Silberman of Peru, a daughter of F. B. Siiberman. 

NER. BLACK was born in Peru township May 3, 1837, 
and is the eldest son of Samuel and Mar}- (Haines) Black, natives 
of Virginia and Connecticut, who were of English descent. His 
father came to Peru township in 1834, and followed farming the 
whole of his life. Born in 1800 and died in 1880. The subject 
was raised on the farm and has always pursued the occupation 
of farming. His wife was Margaret Honan, daughter of Solomon 
and Mary Honan, who came to this country in 1832 or 1833, 
and remained until death, which occurred in 1852. The subject 
was the father of four children, whose names are Nellie A., 
Charles E., Milton W., and Fred G. He adheres to the prin- 
ciples of the Republican partv. 

EDMUND BLOOMFIELD, M. D., prominent physician and 
surgeon of Peru, is a native of Ohio, born near the city of 
Eaton on the 29th day of December, 1841., His father, Reuben 
Bloomfield, was born in Preble County, Ohio, in the year 1S09, 
and his mother, Ann (Hopkins) Bloomrield, was a native of the 
same state also, and died there about the year 1856. Dr. Bloom- 
field's early educational training was received in the schools of 
his native city, supplemented by a course in the Miami Universit}-, 
Oxford, Ohio, in which institution he pursued his literary studies 
for nearly two years, making substantial progress during that 
period. His early tastes leading him to a choice of the medical 
profession, the Doctor, in 1866, commenced preparing for the same 
by a course of reading with A. L. Dunham, M. D., of Eaton, under 
whose instruction he continued until the fall of the following year. 
He then entered the medical department of the Universit}' of Michi- 
gan, at Ann Arbor, completing the prescribed course in 1869, and 
graduating the summer of the same year in Pharmaceutical chemis- 
try. Having thus thoroughly familiarized himself with the profes- 
sion, he began the active practice in 1870 at Peru, Indiana, where 
his superior professional abilit\' soon won for him a conspicuous 
place among the successful medical men of the county. Dr. Bloom- 
field, as a skillful physician and surgeon takes high rank, possess- 
ing many of the elements of popularity, and, since locating in Peru, 
his practice has been eminently successful, both professionally and 
financially. His extensive acquaintance in this and adjoining coun- 
ties, together with his well known integrity and ability, has brought 
him a large an^ lucrative business, while his standing as a citizen is 
such as to make him popular with a large circle of friends and 
acquaintances. In politics he is a Democrat, but in no sense of the 
word a partisan : although firm in his convictions and intellectually 
qualified to till official position he avoids the strife of political con- 
tests, preferring to give his entire time to his profession. Dr. 



398 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Bloomfield's marriage with Miss Helen Davenport, of Peru, was sol- 
emnized April 26, 1 87 1. They have three children, viz: Mary G., 
Guv D., and Nellie B. Bloomfield. Mrs. Bloomtield is a member of the 
Episcopal Church of the city. Dr. Bloomfield is a member of State 
Medical Society, American Medical Association and Countv Medi- 
cal Society. 

JOHN P. BOWMAN, a native of Montgomery County. Vir- 
ginia, was born September 2, 1826, to John and INIarv (Cromer) 
Bowman, natives of \'irginia, but of German descent. His father 
emigrated from Virginia to Tippecanoe County when the subject 
was only about twelve years old, and they then came to Peru 
Township. John C. was reared on the farm and received a medium 
education. His occupation has ahvavs been that of a farmer. He 
was married in 184S to Miss Catharine Meyers, a daughter of 
Nicholas Meyers. To them were born ten children, viz: Sarah J., 
Emeline, William R., Julia A., Noah, Amanda, Daniel, Phoebe, 
Charles and George W. (deceased). Mr. Bowman is the proprietor 
of 277 acres of fine land in Peru Township, and also 291 acres in 
Cass Countv, all of which is under good cultivation. His 
politics are Democratic. 

PHILIP H. BOYNTON, the immediate subject of this 
sketch is a native of Miami and son of Joseph D. and Hannah 
Bovnton. Captain Joseph Bovnton, the paternal grandfather, was a 
son of Joseph and Sallie (Goss) Boynton, who were early resi- 
dents of New Hampshire, the former born in Stratham and the 
latter in the town of Greenland, that State. Captain Joseph 
Boynton was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, was at the 
capture of Burgoyne and Cornwallis, and also took part in the 
celebrated eampaign against Quebec imder General Arnold. He 
was two years adjutant of the New Hampshire Division — died 
June 25. 1831, aged 76 years. Joseph D. Boynton was born in Cor- 
nish, Maine, June 4, 1793: was raised a farmer and wiiile \oung 
familiarized himself with several trades, among which were those of 
shoemaking, carpentering, tanning, plastering, etc., in all of 
which he became a skillful workman. He married November 
30, 1S15, Hannah Chick, daughter of Thomas and Sarah 
(Lord) Chick, who were members of one of the oldest and 
most respectable families of Maine. Mrs. Bovnton was born 
at the town of Parsonsfield, Maine, January 24, 1794, and died 
at Freeport, the same State, Februaiy 12, 1882. Mr. Boyn- 
ton departed this life earlv in the' eighties, exact date unknown. 
The following are the names of the children born to Joseph 
D. and Hannah Boynton, to-wit: Mary P. (deceased), Hannah, 
Frances A., Ammi L. (^deceased), Alvira P., Harriet O., Lucy A., 
Joseph W., Elizabeth B., Caroline N., Philip H. and Martha E. 
S. Bovnton. Philip H. Bovnton was raised to agricultural pursuits. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 399 

received in the district schools the rudiments of an Enj^lish education, 
and later attended the Cornish high school where he acquired a 
knovvledtje of the higher branches of learning. When nineteen 
years of age he accepted a position in a cotton factory at Saco, 
Maine, and after working at the same for one year, went to 
Rochester, New York, and engaged as repairer of track on the 
Rochester & Niagara Falls railroad. In August, 1852, he came 
to Indiana, and for three years thereafter was engaged in the 
construction of what is now the Wabash railroad. At the end 
of that time he went to Indianapolis where, for a limited period, 
he worked in the freight office of the I., P. & C. railroad, and 
later engaged as brakeman for the same company. For about 
one year he had charge of the freight oflice in Peru, Indiana, 
and then took charge of an engine, running freight and con- 
struction trains for about three j-ears. In December, 1862, he 
began running a passenger engine on the I., P. & C, a position 
he has since filled, being at this time one of the oldest and most 
reliable engineers in Indiana. An estimate of his mileage since 
engaging as engineer would be difHcult to determine, but an 
approximation of the distance traversed in his engine would be 
equivalent to over forty trips around the earth. Mr. Boyn- 
ton has been twice married, the first time on the 4th day 
of July, i860, to Miss Elizabeth Livesay, of Virginia, 
who died July i6lh of the following year. He married his 
present wife. Mar}' J. Todd, daughter of H. S. and Agnes 
Todd, of Rockville, Indiana, in Januarv 1863, a union blessed 
with one child, Charles J. Boynton. Mr. Boynton is a 
member of the Masonic and K. of H. fraternities and belongs to 
the Baptist church. Mrs. Boynton is a member of the Presby- 
terian church of Peru. 

DR. WILLIAM H. BRENTON, M. D., eldest son of Francis 
and Mar)- (Giltner) Brenton, is a native of Clarke County, Indiana, 
born May 2, 1828. His grandfather, William Brenton, was one 
of the pioneers of Indiana, moving as earlv as the beginning of 
the present centurv to Clarke Countv, of which part of the State 
Francis and Marv Brenton were natives. The Doctor was raised 
on a farm and his earlv educational privileges were such as the 
public schools of that day and locality afforded. During the pro- 
gress of this primar\- course he decided upon the medical pro- 
fession for a life work, and at the age of 16 began preparing for the 
same, under the able instruction of Dr. Frank Taylor of Westport, 
Kentucky. He subsequently took a course of lectures in Memphis, 
Tennessee, and in 1852 graduated from the medical department of 
the Indiana Asbury University. Prior to that time [in 1849) '^^ 
engaged in the practice of his profession at Ta^ylorv-ille, Indiana, and 
after having completed his collegiate course went to Metropolis, 



400 



HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 



Southern Illinois, where he continued until 1857. In the meantime, 
with a laudable ambition to increase his knowledge of the profession 
he, in 1853 and '54 attended the St. Louis medical college, and sub- 
sequently in 1866 graduated with honor from Belle vue Hospital medi- 
cal college. New York, one of the largest and most thorough medical 
institutions in the United States. In 1862 he joined the Seventy- 
third Indiana volunteer infantr\- as first assistant surgeon, in which 
capacity he continued until his resignation in 1863, acting as surgeon 
during the greater part of his period of service. He came to 
Miami Countv, Indiana, in 1857 and on leaving the army resumed 
his professional duties in Peru, where he has continued to enjoy a 
well merited reputation in his calling. He is a member of the county 
and district medical societies, and also belongs to the State and 
American Medical Associations. His professional career has been 
singularlv successful, the reputation being awarded him as one of 
the most skillful surgeons and thorough practitioners in Miami 
Count}-. Although a Democrat in his political affiliations, the Doc- 
tor has not been an aspirant for official honors, preferring to give his 
entire attention to the practice of his chosen profession. He was 
married December, 1851, to Miss Elizabeth T. Bills, a native of 
Louisiana, but at that time a 'resident of Bartholomew County, In- 
diana, by whom he had two children, both deceased. Mrs. Brenton 
died September, 1856. In 185S he married his second wife, Lucinda 
Marsh, who bore him two children, viz., Etfie M., deceased, and 
William M., who is at present in the employ of the Wabash railroad 
companv at Peru. The Doctor's third marriage was solemnized in 
the vear 1879 with Miss Loantha Search, of Peru, a union blessed 
with the birth of three children, viz., Emma E., Mary M., and John 
H. Brenton. 

JAMES M. BROWN, prominent member of the Miami 
County bar, is a native of Union County, Indiana, born October 
16, 1826. He is the son of Walter Brown who was born in 
Hamilton Countv, Ohio, and Keziah (Laboyseaux) Brown, a 
native of New Jersey. His paternal ancestors were English and 
on the mother's side he is descended from the French. Walter 
Brown was a prominent pioneer of Union County, moving to 
that part of the State in 1S20, where he was wideh' and favor- 
ably known for his many excellent qualities. James M. Brown 
was reared on a farm, and in earh' life attended the common 
schools. At the age of eighteen he entered Beech Grove 
Academv, an institution under the control of the Friends and 
conducted at that time by one William Haughton. Until he 
was twentv-two Mr. Brown was varioush" occupied in attending 
school, farming and teaching. In the fall of 1848 he married 
Emilv C. Willis, also a native of Union County. For five j-ears 
he continued teaching, farming and studying, spending eighteen 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 40! 

months of the time in preparing to enter upon tlie practice of 
the law. hi the meantime he held the otfice of Township Trus- 
tee for one year in Preble County, Ohio. He removed to Con- 
nersville, Indiana, in 1854 ^°'' '^'^'^ purpose of completing his 
studies, and there entered the law office of Hon. Nelson Trusler 
and was soon after admitted to the bar. In October, 1855, Mr. 
Brown removed to Peru, Indiana, where he began the practice 
of his profession, and one year later effected a co-partnership in 
the law with Orris Blake, Esq. From 1859 ""''^ 1862, witli 
some intermission, he was associated in a law partnership with 
Hon. James N. Tyner, ex-Postmaster-General. In the spring of 
i860, Mr. Brown was elected Mayor of Peru, and being three 
times re-elected served for four successive terms. Immediatelv 
after he was elected City Engineer, the duties of which position 
he discharged for a period of about eight years. He also served 
as School Trustee two years, and from 1877 until 1879 ^^'^^ '^ 
member of the Peru City Council. He has always been identi- 
fied with the Republican part}-, and in 1868 was connected with 
G. I. Reed as part owner of the Peru Rcpiihlican, continuing 
as associate editor of the same the greater part of the succeed- 
ing three years. Mr. Brown is recognized by all who know 
him, as one of the most useful and upright citizens of the com- 
munit}' in which he lives. Possessing an extraordinary fund of 
exact information on many subjects, his qualifications to discharge 
with ability the duties of each official trust to which he has been 
called are unquestioned. A close student of history, science 
and ancient literature, he is also a genial, companionable gentle- 
man, beloved by his family, and honored and respected by his 
friends. His marriage has been blessed with the birth of two 
children, viz: Benjamin and Mary E. Brown. 

GEORGE W. CHAMBERLAIN, contractor and builder and 
son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Johnson) Chamberlain, natives of New 
Jersey, was born in that state on the 13th day of June, 1S22. He 
was reared in the state of his nativitv until his fourteenth vear, at 
which time (1836) he removed with his parents to Seneca Count}-, 
Ohio, where one year later he began working at the carpenter's 
trade. He soon acquired great proficiency in his chosen calling 
and worked at the same at different places until 1S51, when he 
' came to Peru, where he has since followed the trade with success 
and financial profit. He is at this time engaged in contracting and 
building principally in Peru and Miami County, and some of the 
most elegant residences and business houses in the city and adja- 
cent country were erected under his personal supervision. Mr. 
Chamberlain is an intelligent mechanic, and, with his family, pos- 
sesses in an eminent degree the respect and confidence of his fellow 
citizens. His marriage with Miss Margaret Morrison, a native 



402 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

of the State of Pennsylvania, has been blessed with the birth of 
two children, viz: George R., and Nellie Chamberlain. 

GEORGE R. CHAMBERLAIN, teller First National Bank, 
was born in Peru, Indiana, August 4, 1854, son of George W. and 
Margaret (Morrison) Chamberlain. He was educated in the city 
schools, which he attended until his sixteenth year, completing the 
High School course in 1870. He then engaged as clerk in the 
mercantile house of J. S. Hale, Peru, in which capacit}- he continued 
one year, severing his connection with the dry goods business at the 
end of that time and engaging February 17, 1872, as book-keeper 
in the First National Bank. In Mav, 1881, he was promoted teller, 
the duties of which responsible position he has since discharged 
in a manner eminently satisfactory to his employers. Mr. Cham- 
berlain is an accomplished business man, enjoys the confidence and 
respect of all with whom he comes in contact, and has before him a 
future fraught with much promise. He is a member of the K. of 
P. order, and politicallv votes with the Republican party. 

DAVID CHARTERS (deceased) was a native of Lewis- 
ton, Pennsylvania, and son of William and Elizabeth (Comfort) 
Charters, parents natives of the same state. The family moved 
to Miami County, Indiana, in 1846 and settled on a farm two 
miles west of Peru, where the mother died in 1873 and the 
father in 1865. David Charters was born, January- 24, 182 1, was 
reared a farmer and followed agricultural pursuits all his life. 
He came to Miami County in 1846 and from that time until 
his death lived upon the beautiful home place west of Peru. 
He was a man of much more than ordinary intelligence as is 
attested by the fact that he was several times chosen by the 
people of Miami to positions of trust, in all of which he acquit- 
ted himself with such commendable fidelity that no one was 
ever known to utter a breath of suspicion against his oflicial 
record. During the war and for several years thereafter, he 
served as County Commissioner and in 1874 was elected to rep- 
resent Miami in the State Legislature. In his business trans- 
actions he was uniformly successful and as a farmer he stood 
among the first in the county. On the 24th da}' of October, 
1852 he was married to Eliza Long, daughter of John and Elizabeth 
Tingle) Long, of Delaware. Mrs. Charters was born in Eaton, 



^ 



reble County, Ohio, and is the mother of nine children, seven 
of whom are living, to-wit: William, Juniata, Mifflin, Emmet, 
Margaret, Lafayette and Charle Charters. The deceased mem- 
bers of the family were Sarah and Catharine. Mr. Charters 
died on the nth day of March, 1882. His widow and several 
of the children still reside upon the home place, which is one of 
the best improved farms in Peru Township. 

JOSEPH C. CLYMER, County Treasurer, was born in Jef- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 4O3 

ferson Township, Miami County, March 15, 1847. His pater- 
nal ancestors were Pennsjlvanians, his grandfather. Christian 
Clymer, emigrating from that State in an early day to Warren 
County, Ohio, where he lived until his removal to Miami County, 
about the 3-ear 1834. He, with his son Levi Clymer, father of 
subject, settled near Mexico, Jefferson Township, and was among 
the earliest pioneers of that section. He was a farmer by occupa- 
tion and died sometime in the latter part of the forties. Levi Cly- 
mer was born in Warren County, Ohio, January 15, 1811. He • 
was a resident of Jefferson Township, this county, until the year 
1848, at which time he removed to Clay Township, where he has 
since resided. He is one of Miami County's representative farmers 
and a man widely and favorably known for his manj- sterling quali- 
ties. Subject's mother, Elizabeth Clymer, was the daughter of 
Henry Kirby, one of the earl\- and substantial citizens of Warren 
Coun'tv, Ohio. She departed this life at her home in Clay Town- 
ship, in the year 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Clymer, were the parents of 
nine children, four of whom are living, Joseph C, being the 
voungest son of the family. He was reared on his father's farm in 
Cla\- Township, acquired in the common schools a practical education 
and subsequently attended the Peru High School and the Valpa- 
raiso Normal College. He began life as a farmer and followed 
agricultural pursuits until 1881, at which time he accepted the posi- 
tion of Deputy County Treasurer, under E. Humrickhouse, and 
continued in that capacity for a period of four 3'ears. In the mean- 
time, 18S4, he was nominated by the Democratic party as a candi- 
date for that office, and at the ensuing election received a large 
majority of the county vote, a fact which attested his great popu- 
larity with the people. He having discharged the duties of the 
responsible trust in a manner highly satisfactorj' to all he was 
in 1 886 re-elected and is now entering upon upon his second term. 
Mr. Clymer is an intelligent, thoroughly well posted business man, 
and his career has been a marked success. He was married January 
21, 1885, to Miss Emma, daughter of Isaac and Maria Miller, of 
Miami Count}-. 

JUDGE ALBERT COLE (deceased) was born May 13, 
1790, at Berlin Connecticut. He was the son of Stephen and Lucy 
(Deming) Cole. His father was a farmer and died in 1801. 
Albert, then eleven years old, went to live with his oldest brother, 
who was also a farmer, and until the age of fifteen attended the dis- 
trict schools during the winters. He spent the interval between fif- 
teen and twent}' in learning tanning and shoe-making at Meriden, 
Connecticut, illness obliging him to give up his trade, he engaged 
one year in selling notions through the country. In 181 2, he decided 
to go to Mississippi, where he had an older brother living. He hav- 
ing reached his destination he remained one year, a part of the time 



404 



HISTORY OF MIAMI COLXTV. 



assisting his brother in a saw mill — on account of sickness, which he 
could not throw off, he purchased a pony at New Orleans and 
started Xorth by land — there being at that time only one steamer 
on the Western Waters. After a long and tedious journey, during 
which he passed through the possessions of the Choctaw and 
Chickasaw Nations, he reached a white settlement near Columbia, 
Tennessee, where, owing to a severe illness, he was obliged to 
remain four weeks. In the fall of 1813, he reached Cincinnati, 
Ohio, and remained there until the following spring. In the mean- 
time news came that peace had been declared between the United 
States and Great Britain. After leaving Cincinnati Mr. Cole 
returned to Connecticut. There in September, 1814, he married 
Mary Galpin, and started for the west. He purchased a farm of 
eighty acres in Zanesville, Ohio, where as a farmer, tanner and 
shoemaker, he remained until 1833. That year bv means of a four 
horse wagon — probable among the first seen in that section, he 
transferred his family tirst to Goshen, Indiana, and afterwards, July, 
1834, to Peru, in the same State. Miami County had then been 
recently organized and Peru selected as the County Seat. Con- 
siderable enterprise had, however, been manifested in the 
construction of the Wabash and Erie canal, the laying out of 
town lots, etc. Soon after going to Peru Mr. Cole formed 
a partnership w'ith Mr. D. R. Bearss, carried on a general 
mercantile business for one year and erected a store house. At the 
end of that time the firm dissolved. Mr. Cole taking his share of 
the goods to Lewisburg on the canal where he put up some log 
buildings, and sold goods for another year. He then returned to 
Peru and was engaged in mercantile pursuits for about six years, 
after which in 1848 he was elected postmaster, which office he 
held till 185 1 and then retired to a farm which he purchased in an 
early day just north of the city. After the death of his wife who 
had been a faithful companion for forty years, he returned to 
Peru, having disposed of his farm, and invested his capital in city 
property. Judge Cole w-as a Whig during the existence of that 
party and after its dissolution identified himself in the Republican 
party, voting the latter ticket until his death. He was elected 
Judge at the August election in 1840, when the circuit \vas com- 
posed of a President judge, elected by the Legislature and two 
associate judges, from each county, chosen by the people. He was 
United States Commissioner under President Harrison, for distribu- 
tion of Surplus Revenue. In 1857 he married Mrs. McCleary, of 
Zanesville, Ohio. Judge Cole had six children by his first wife, 
namely : Emma A., now Mrs. D. R. Bearss, Alphonso A., deceased, 
Lucy, wife of Lewis D. Adkison, Mary L., the late Mrs. James T. 
Miller, James O., and Ellen, wife of H. G. Fetter. Mr. Cole died 
November, 1878. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 4O7 

RICHARD H. COLE, of the Miami County Sciilincl and one 
of the proprietors of the Cole Block, was born in this city, Nov. 
26, 1S53; son of Hon. Alphonso and Sarah H. (Henton) Cole, and 
is of English extraction. His father was born near Oberlin, Ohio, 
December, 25, iSi8. He came to Miami County in 1834. Bv oc- 
cupation he was a lawyer and one of the earl}- members of the 
Miami County Bar. In 1847 and '48, and in 1849 ^""^ '5°' '^^ '"'^P" 
resented this county in the Indiana Legislature. He was one of 
the early prominent men of this county. His death occurred 
August 4, 1862. Our subject is the elder of two living children. 
After graduating at the Peru High School, he was a student for 
two years at the University of Illinois, located at Champaign. In 
1876 he was elected Surveyor of Miami County, and in 1881 was 
elected City Engineer of Peru. In 1879 he purchased a half 
interest in the Miami Count}' Sentinel, and with which he is now 
connected. In politics he is a Democrat and is a member of the K. 
of P. fraternit}- of this city. He was married November 15, 1882, 
to Miss Belle M. Talbot, of this city, born March 15, i860. Mr. 
Cole is a representative of one of the early families of this county. 

HARVEY COMER, gunsmith, was born in Allen County 
Indiana, May, 30, 1846 and is the fifth child of James and Sarah 
E. (Somers) Comer, natives of Virginia. James Comer moved 
to Indiana in an earl}- day and settled in Allen County prior to 
the founding of the City of Ft. Wayne. He was a cooper by 
trade but after moving to Indiana engaged in farming which he 
carried on until his death in 1875. Mrs. Comer is still living on 
the home place in Allen County having reached a ripe old age. 
Harvey Comer was raised on a farm, enjoyed such educational 
advantages as were afforded by the common schools and at the 
age of nineteen began life for himself in the employ of the I. 
P. & C. rail road companj- at Peru. He worked in the shops 
here until 1S73 at whicfi time he took up his present trade, that 
of gunsmith and after following the same for some time in 
Peru, went to Terre Haute. He soon returned to Peru, where, 
since 1874, he has ceen actively engaged at his vocation, and is 
now in the enjoyment of a verj^ prosperous business. He is a 
member of the I. O. O. F. and National Union Orders and is in 
every respect an honorable and trustworthv citizen. On the 15th 
day of April, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Emma 
Marshall, daughter of John Marshall, of Peru. 

GODLOVE CONRADT, native of Wurtemburg, Germany, 
and son of Henry and Catherine Conradt, was born on the loth dav 
of July, 1834. When four years of age he was brought by his 
parents to the United States, and from 1840 until 1845 lived in 
Springfield, Columbiana County, Ohio. The family moved to Miami 
County, Indiana, the latter year, and settled in Peru, where the 

10 



4t)8 



HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY, 



father for a number of years carried on a successful tannery busi- 
ness. The parents both departed this Hfe in the year- 1870. God- 
love Conradt received in the common schools a practical education, 
and at an early age learned the tanning trade, which he followed 
until his twentieth year. He then engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness, opening a leather and shoe-tindings store in Peru, which he ' 
carried on in connection with the tannery, operating the latter with 
encouraging success until 1884. In addition to his private enter- 
prises, Mr. Conradt has at different times been called to hll positions 
of trust, the first of u'hich was that of Township Cleik, to which he 
was elected in i860. He was subsequenth- chosen a member of 
the City School Board, the duties of which position he discharged 
in a manner highly satisfactorj- to all concerned for a period of nine 
years. In his business ventures Mr. Conradt has been successful, 
and at this time, in addition to other propert}-, owns a valuable tract 
of 200 acres of land in Deer Creek township. On the 27th day of 
December, 1857, he married Miss Mar}' Smith, daughter of Chris- 
topher Smith, of Germany, a marriage blessed with the birth of four 
children, three of whom, Matilda, Fred and Albert, are living. Mr. 
Conradt is liberal in his political views in State and National affairs, 
voting the principles of the Democratic party, and in local matters 
voting for the man best qualified for the position. Mrs. Conradt is a 
member of the Lutheran Church of Peru. 

JONATHAN D. COX, was born in Butler 
December 9, 1818, being the third son of David 
(Bake) Cox, native of Monmouth County, 
The father of Mr. Cox emigrated to Ohio, 
came to Decatur Count\-, Indiana. He was born in 1792 and died 
in 1837. The mother of Mr. Cox died in 1836. The subject of this 
biography, received a common school education. He came to Miami 
County in 1837, and for some years worked on a farm and later 
clerked in a store. In 1840 he, in partnership with Richard Miller, 
started a general store at Pawpaw. He continued this business for 
four years and then engaged in farming. February 2, 1842, he 
married the daughter of Richard Miller, who died in 1848. By 
that marriage were born two children, Wm. H. and Alphonso C. 
Mr. Cox was married again February 12, 1850 to Miss Caroline, 
daughter of Col. William M. Reyburn, (deceased), who was one 
of the pioneers of Miami County. They have two children, viz: 
Charles R. and Horace G. Mrs. Cox died in 1856. Mr. Cox was 
married again in 1859 ^^ Miss Jennie Thornburg, a native of Wayne 
County. Indiana. By this union they have one child, Jessie B. Mr. 
Cox removed to Peru in 1856. In 1857 he engaged in the stove, 
tinware and lumber business. This business he continued one year 
and then again engaged in the agricultural pursuits which he con- 
tinued until 1885, when he retired from active life. In 1867 he was 



County, Ohio, 
J. and Rosina 
New Jersey, 
and in 1826 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 4O9 

appointed Assessor for Miami County of Internal Revenue. In 1868 
he was elected to represent Miami County in the General Assem- 
bly of Indiana. He was re-eleeted to the same office in 1870. He 
is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic fraternity. 

HON. JABEZ T. COX. The gentleman whose biograph- 
ical sketch is herewith presented, was born in Clinton County, 
Ohio, January 27, 1846. His parents, Aaron and Mary (Skeggs) 
Cox, were natives respectivel}' of Ohio and Kentucky, the father 
of English-Welsh, and the mother of German lineage. Jabez 
T. Cox, in earl)' life attended the common schools and subse- 
quently entered the Westfield Academy, an educational institu- 
tion under charge of the Society of Friends at Westfield, Ind., 
in which he pursued his literarj- studies for a period of 
four years. Having early decided upon the legal profession as 
his hfe work, he, in 1865 entered the law office of the late 
Hon. N. R. Overman, of Tipton, Indiana, under whose instruc- 
tions he continued until his admission to the b;ir, a little later, 
and with whom he formed a partnership in the practice which 
lasted from 1867 till 1869. In the latter year he abandoned 
the law for a time and entered the field of journalism as editor of 
the Frankfort Crescent, of which paper he was proprietor until 
187 1, when he returned to Tipton and again took up the legal 
profession with his former partner. Judge Overman. From 1871, 
till 1875 ^'^ practiced with marked success in the courts of Tipton 
and adjoining counties, but in the latter year owing to his wife's 
ill health disposed of his interests in Indiana and removed to Hutch- 
inson, Kansas, In that state he soon acquired more than a local 
reputation, as is attested by the fact that in 1878 he was nominated 
on the Democratic state ticket for the office of Attorney General. 
Although defeated at the ensuing election, the Democratic party in 
Kansas being in a hopeless minorit}-, yet, when the vote was canvassed 
it was found that he had run 3,500 ahead of his ticket. Owing to 
continued ill heath of his wife he shortly afterward left Kansas and 
went to Colorado where he remained until 1883 when he returned 
to Indiana and located in Peru, where he has since been actively 
engaged in the practice of his profession. In politics Mr. Cox has 
always been a pronounced Democrat, believing earnestly in his politi- 
cal convictions. In 1886 he received the nomination for Representa- 
tive to the Lower House of the State Legislature and after a bril- 
liant canvass defeated his competitor by a very decided majority. 
Mr. Cox's legal career presents a series of continual successes and 
his acknowledged familiarity with the principles of law, and thor- 
oughly independent cast of his mind make him a safe and trusted 
counselor. He has a military as well professional career, entering 
the service of his country in 1864 as private in Company B, 136th 
Indiana Infantry, and serving with the same until honorably dis- 



4IO HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

charged at the close of the war. He is prominently identified w ith 
the G. A. R. and the Odd Fellows fraternities. He married his first 
wife, Miss Jennie Price, of Tipton, Indiana, in 1S67. She died in 
Colorado in the spring of 1882. Two children were born to the 
marriage, viz : Edward E. and Inez. His second marriage was 
solemnized in the year 1884 with Miss Lizzie Meinhardt, of Peru, 
who has borne him one child. Carl M. Cox. 

GEORGE A. CROWELL, retired business man and promi- 
nent citizen of Peru, is a native of Jefferson County, Virginia, born 
there June 25, 1820, the son of Samuel and Mary (Link) Crowell, 
natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectiveh', and of English- 
Scotch and Irish-German ancestr\'. His early school experience 
embraced the studies appertaining to the educational course pre- 
sented by the usages of those days in Sandusky County, Ohio, to 
which he moved with his parents when but seven years of age. 
He was raised to agricultural pursuits and remained with his parents 
on the farm until after attaining his majority, when he began life for 
himself as clerk in a mercantile house in the town of Fremont, Ohio. 
He continued in the capacity of salesman at the above place until 
1843 and in 1845 came to Peru, Indiana, to take charge of a stock 
of goods for Sanford E. Main, in whose employ he remained for a 
period of about one and a half years. From the time of severing 
his connection with Mr. Main, up to 1850, he clerked for different 
parties, but in the latter j'ear effected a co-partnership in the general 
mercantile business with William Smith, which lasted until 1855. 
He purchased his partner's stock that year and conducted a suc- 
cessful business until 1876, at which date he retired from active fife, 
having by diligent and judicious management accumulated a hand- 
some competence in the meantime. In addition to his large busi- 
ness interests, Mr. Crowell always took an active part in all the 
enterprises for the city's welfare and was several times elected its 
treasurer, the duties of which position he discharged in an eminently 
satisfactory manner. He was largely instrumental in inaugurating 
the street improvements of Peru, in which he encountered much op- 
position, and also brought the first plate glass store front to the city, 
besides introducing a number of other modern improvements. He 
took an active interest in the internal improvement of the country, and 
to him, more than to any other man, is due the credit of securing and 
building up of the present efficient turnpike system of Miami County. 
At this time he is Superintendent of the following roads, to-wit: 
Peru and Mexico, Peru and Santa Fe, and Peru and Mississinewa 
Turnpikes, and their present superior condition is largely owing to 
his careful and judicious management. In the year 1869 he w^as 
appointed special Indian agent for the Miamis of Indiana and the 
Eel River bands of Miamis, and discharged the duties of 
the same until 1876. Mr. Crowell was married in May 185 1, to 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 4II 

Mary A. Steele, daughter of Joseph S. Steele, one of the pioneers 
of Miami County. Mrs. Crowell was born in the State of Ohio, 
and is still lixing. Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Cro- 
well, but one, Alice O., is living at this time. The following are 
names of the of the children, deceased, to-wit: Mary C, George 
G. and Byron F. Throughout a long and active life, during which 
he passed through many vicissitudes, Mr. Crowell's ruling ele- 
ments have been industr}- and honesty, qualities which have made 
themselves apparent to all with whom he has been associated in a 
business capacitj- or otherwise. And now in the sixty-seventh 
^•ear of his age, he is still an energetic, wide awake citizen, in pos- 
session of all his faculties and enjoying the full confidence and 
respect of all his friends and acquaintances. His portrait will be 
found elsewhere in this volume. 

PHILIP Q. CURRAN, merchant tailor, was born in the. 
City of Quebec, Canada, Jul}' 12, 1829, and is the third son of 
Patrick and Marv Curran, natives respectively of Ireland, and 
Scotland. Mr. Curran's early life was passed in his native cit\-, 
in the schools of which he received the rudiments of an Enirlish 
education. It may be said with .propriet\- that he is not an edu- 
cated man in the accepted meaning of that term, 3'et thoroughh- 
skilled in the details of practical business, such as is acquired 
only by the experience of years and the active observations of 
well developed common sense. At the age of twelve he appren- 
ticed himself to learn the tailor's trade, and after serving for a 
period of three years, during \\hich time he acquired great pro- 
ficiency, began working for himself in the city of Troy, New 
York. From there in 1848 he went to Massachusetts, and 
located at the citv of Cheshire, where he opened his first shop, 
and where he continued with encouraging success for a period 
of three years. He subsequentlv worked in various places, and, 
in 1854, experiencing a desire to move bevond the boundaries of 
the Eastern States, went to Detroit. Michigan, in which city he 
was cutter in a large tailoring establishment until the spring of 
1858. He then removed to Peoria, Illinois, where he followed 
cutting principally until 1866, at which time he located in Ander- 
son, Indiana, where he carried on a successful business until he 
removed to Peru in 1873. On locating in this city he at once 
took high rank as a cutter, and continued that branch of the 
trade until 1878, in the spring of which vear he opened a 
business of his own, which he has since successfuUv operated. 
Mr. Curran is a wide-awake, energetic man, alwavs alive to the 
interests of his business and the general prosperit}' of the city. 
He has a large and lucrative patronage, and the business, now 
conducted under the firm name of Curran & Co., is the leading 
tailoring establishment in the city. Mr. Curran has a military as 



412 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

well as a business record, of which he feels deservedly proud. 
He entered the army August, 1861, enlisting in the Forty-sev- 
enth Illinois Infantry, and served with the same until honorably 
discharged October, 1864. He went into the service as first 
sergeant, but early in 1S64 was promoted captain, a position he 
held at the time of his discharge. In politics Mr. Curran is an 
ardent supporter of the Republican party, but has never asked 
official position at the hands of his fellow-citizens. He belongs to 
the I. O. O. F. and Masonic fraternities, having taken a number 
of degrees in the latter, including that of Sir Knight. On the 
30th day of April, 1850, was solemnized his marriage witli Miss 
Ellen Brazee, of Canada, a union blessed with the birth of six 
children, only two of whom — Philip H. and James W. — are 
living. Mr. and Mrs. Curran are members of the Methodist 
Church of Peru. 

WILLIAM F. DALY, lumber inspector for Indiana Man- 
ufacturing Company, was born in North Bridgeport, Fairfield 
County, Connecticut, on the 25th dav of September, 1842. His 
father, Dennis Daly, was a native of North Ireland, and his mother, 
Alvira (French) Daly, was born in the State of Connecticut. 
Mr. Daly's parents dying when he was quite young, earlv threw 
him upon his own resources and he made his first start in life as 
a boot black. This employment he subsequentlv abandoned for 
mechanical pursuits, engaging at the age of fifteen, to learn the 
trade of carriage making, which he followed in his native city 
until the breaking out of the war. In September, 1861, he en- 
tered the army, enlisting in Company I, Sixth Regiment Connec- 
ticut Infantry, with which he served until honorabl}- discharged 
three years later. During his period of service Mr. Daly took 
part in a number of engagements, among which were the follow- 
ing: Fort Wagner, Mackey's Point, siege of Port Pulaski, 
seiges of Forts Walker and Beauregard, all the battles around 
Charleston, Alosta, Fla., and Drury Bluff, Cit\- Point, Deep 
Bottom, Pittsburgh and others of the Virginia campaigns. On 
leaving the army he returned to Bridgeport and resumed liis trade 
until 1 866, when he accepted a position with the Wheeler & 
Wilson sewing machine companv, in their shops in that city. Two 
years later he took charge of the wood-work department in the 
Howe machine shops at Bridgeport, and continued as foreman of 
the same until promoted superintendent of the company's shops 
at Peru, Indiana, in 187 1. He was identified with the shops here 
until 1875, when he became foreman of the Muhltield wagon 
and dimension works, Peru, the duties of which position he dis- 
charged until 1880. In the latter vear he ensjajjed with the In- 
diana manufacturing companv, with which he has since been 
identified, holding at this time the responsible position of lumber 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 413 

inspector. Mr. Daly is a public spirited citizen, takes an active 
interest in politics, and has been his party's candidate for different 
official positions. He served in the Common Council of Peru, 
and in the deliberations of that body bore a conspicuous part. 
He belongs to the G. A. R., Masonic, Roval Arcanum, and K. 
of H. orders; in politics, votes the Republican ticket. On the 
25th of September, 1873, he married Miss Hattie M. Scott, 
daughter of Aaron B. Scott, a union blessed with the birth of 
two children, one of which, Nellie, born September 23, 1877, is 
living. 

^GEORGE W. DEIBERT, assistant general foreman of the 
Wabash shops, came to Miami County in May, 1S54. Was born Octo- 
ber 28, 1833, in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, and is the second son 
of Jacob and Rosanna (Zimmerman) Deibert, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, ^yho migrated to Indiana in 1854 and located in Peru. The 
father, who was b\' trade a carpenter, died in March, 18S1, and the 
mother and brother — Albert — in 1854, soon after their arrival in 
Indiana. The subject returned to his native counts', and on the 14th 
of February, 1857, was married to Miss Henrietta Wervert, a native 
of Schuylkill Count\-, Pennsylvania, of German origin. They were 
blest b}- the birth of five children, four of whom are now living — 
John, Frank, Florence, Georgie (girl), and Philip (deceased). 
In May, 1867, the subject returned to Peru and worked at the car- 
penter trade, which he learned when a boy. In the fall of 1868, 
engaged with the I., P. & C. R. R. in the car department, and con- 
tinued until June, 1872, when he assumed charge of that depart- 
ment. He is a Knight of Pythias and also an Encampment Odd 
Fellow, and was elected by the Republicans to the City Council, serv- 
ing from iSSoto 1884. 

REV. HERMAN H. DIEMER, pastor St. John's Luthern 
Church, Peru, and son of Christain Diemer, is a native of 
Wurtemberg, German}-, born on the 26th day of October, 
1851. When he was ten years of age his parents 
left their native country for America, but before the com- 
pletion of the voyage the mother died and was buried in the 
waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The father died shortly after reach- 
ing the United States, and Herman, thus early left an orphan, 
was sent to Perr\- Count\-, Missouri, where, until his thirteenth year, 
he attended school at the town of Altenburgh. In 1869. he entered 
Concordia College, at Fort Wayne, Indiana, in which institution he 
pursued his studies for a period of six years with the object of the 
ministry in view. After securing a thoroughly classical education 
he entered Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, 
which he attended three 3ears, completing the prescribed course in 
that time. In 1874 he entered upon the active duties of his sacred 
calling at Elkhart, Indiana, being the first minister of the Lutheran 



414 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Church to proclaim the gospel in that city. He remained at Elk- 
hart until 1877, at which time he went to Fulton County, Ohio, 
where he was actively engaged in pastoral work until 1S83, moving 
to Pomeroy, Ohio, the latter year and remaining there until the 
spring of 1884, when he accepted the pastorate of St. John's Church, 
Peru, Indiana. Rev. Mr. Diemer is a popular pastor and eloquent 
and forcible pulpit orator, and since locating in this city has made 
many warm friends irrespective of church and creed. He was mar- 
ried July 6th, 1876, to Margaret Schuster, a union blessed with four 
children, viz. : Emma, Gerhart, Paul and Martin. 

AARON N. DUKES. The gentleman whose name intro- 
duces this sketch is a native of Randolph County, Indiana, and 
son of William and Matilda (McKim ) Dukes, the father born. in 
Maryland, and the mother in the State of Ohio. On the father's 
side he is descended from English ancestors, his grandfather, 
Isaac Dukes, emigrating from England to the United States in an 
earlv dav and settlintj in Marvland. William Dukes in earlv life 
moved to Randolph County, Indiana, where for a number of 
years he was alternately engaged in merchandising, milling and 
agricultural pursuits. He subsequentlv disposed of his interests in 
that part of the State, and in 1846 moved to Miami County, 
locating near the village of Gilead, where he lived until he re- 
moved to a beautiful farm adjoining the city of Peru, several 
years later. He was a prominent farmer and stock raiser, and 
deserves mention as one of the successful men of his adopted 
county. His death occurred in the year 1S78. His wife, Matilda 
Dukes, was the daughter of William and Jane McKim, who came 
to the United States from Ireland about the beginning of the 
present century. It is related that on the voyage to the new- 
world, the vessel on which they sailed encountered a terrific 
storm, which for a time threatened the complete destruction of 
all on board. The sails were riddled and torn by the fierce gale, 
and in order to mend them Mrs. McKim spun threads on a little 
spinning wheel which she was bringing over with her, the Cap- 
tain holding the wheel and Mr. McKim holding the chair in which 
she sat. By this means the sails were repaired, and in due time 
the vessel was enabled to proceed on its course in safet\-. Wil- 
liam McKim settled near Chillicothe, Ohio, but subsequently 
emigrated to Randolph Count}-, Indiana, where he lived until 
his removal to Miami County, about the year 1855. He was a 
farmer by occupation and died in the county in 1862. His wife 
survived him about eight years, departing this life in 1870. Mrs. 
Dukes, the mother of our subject, died at her home near Peru 
in 1874. T^he following are the names of the children born to 
William and Matilda Dukes, viz: A. X., Levi, Lydia, wife of 
Oliver Wilson, Jane, wife of John McRea, Mary, wife of Mr. 



BIOGRAl'IIKAL SKETCHES. 415 

Parmley, Emma, wife of James Pugh, John, and Priscilla, wife of 
Dr. Frank Black. Aaron N. Dukes was born on tlie 27th day 
of October, 1S34; accompanied his parents to Miami County in 
1846, and has been one of its most successful and highly esteemed 
citizens ever since. He attended the public schools during winter 
seasons, where he acquired a good practical education, and when 
out of school improved his time working on the farm, early 
acquainting himself w^ith the details of that useful occupation. 
He remained with his parents until his seventeenth year, at which 
time he abandoned agricultural pursuits and accepted the position of 
salesman in the mercantile house of E. H. Shirk, Peru, in which 
capacity he continued one year, effecting a co-partnership with his 
employer at the end of that time, in a general store at the town of 
Gilead. After remaining in the latter place about two years he dis- 
posed of his interest, and in 1S56 removed to Mankato, Minnesota, 
where until 1S62 he was engaged in merchandising, milling and 
dealing in real estate, retaining his connection with Mr. Shirk in the 
meantime. He returned to Peru, Ind.. in the latter year and from 
that date until 1865 was a partner of Mr. Shirk in the general mer- 
cantile business, their house during that period being one of the 
largest and most successful of the kind in Northern Indiana. He 
withdrew from the firm in 1865, and in partnership with J. H. 
Jamison engaged in the grocery and pork packing business, which 
branches of industry were conducted with financial protit until 1868, 
Mr. Dukes purchasing his partner's interest that year. Two years 
later he sold out and purchased what is knovyn as the Holman farm, 
adjoining the city of Peru, a part of which he subsequently laid off 
in town lots, known as Dukes' first and second additions. In the 
meantime he began dealing in real estate, a business he carried on 
quite extensively until 1881. In 1877 he was appointed assignee 
of the Ulrich wagon works of Peru, the duties of which position 
required the greater part of his time, until the satisfactory arrange- 
ment of the business in iSSi. In the latter year he was appointed 
receiver of the Indiana Manufacturing company of Peru, one of the 
largest manufacturing enterprises of the State, to which he has since 
devoted his entire attention. Mr. Dukes took an active part in the 
Sioux war of Minnesota in 1862, having been for some time in com- 
mand of the militar\- post of Mankato. His has been a very active 
business life, throughout which he has discharged his duty with 
commendable fidelity, proving himself worthy the confidence of his 
fellow citizens and competent to fill responsible positions intrusted to 
him. He is a Republican in politics, and a consistent member of 
the Presbvterian church, with which he has been identified since 
about the year 1854. In September, 1859, he was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Mary A. Thompson, daughter of Rev. James Thomp- 
son, the projector and one of the founders of Wabash College, at 



4l6 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTV. 

Crawfordsville. Mr. Thompson was a man of deep piety and 
scholarlj- attainments, and was actively engaged in the work of the 
Master for over half a century. He died in Minnesota in the year 
1876. To Mr. and Mrs. Dukes have been born two children, 
to-wit: Elbert, born in i860, and William, born in 1862, died in 1871. 
JAMES S. DURET, Deputy Auditor Miami County, was 
born in Logansport, Indiana, Alarch 9, 1841, and is the second 
son of John B. and Elizabeth (Bell) Duret, natives respectively of 
Canada and Kentucky. John B. Duret accompanied General Louis 
Cass from Michigan to Indiana about the year 1824, and subse- 
quently in 1827 located permanently in Logansport. He took an 
active part in the organization of Cass County, and at the tirst elec- 
tion was chosen Clerk of the same, the duties of which position 
he discharged for a period of twenty-nine 3ears, or until his"death 
in 1855. He was married in 1828 to a daughter of Major Daniel 
Bell, who was the tirst person to make permanent settlement on the 
present site of Logansport, locating there as early as the year 1826. 
John B. Duret was a man of fine abiHty, and is remembered as one 
of the most accomplished officials of the county, in the welfare of 
which he took such an active interest. James S. Duret passed the 
years of his youth and early manhood in Logansport, attended the 
schools there until twelve years of age, when he entered Notre 
Dame University, in which institution he pursued his studies for a 
period of two years. Subsequently in 1857 and in 1858 he studied 
telegraphv, and for two years thereafter worked at the same. In 
Ma}-, 1863, he entered the army, enlisting in Company H, Eighty- 
seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and in August of the same 
^•ear was commissioned second lieutenant of his company, and as 
such served until honorably discharged. Previous to the war in 
1859 he came to Peru, and subsequently, in 1863, was appointed 
Deputy Treasurer of Miami Count}-, the duties of which position 
he discharged for a period of six years. Then for a number of 
years he was employed in the railroad business, and held several 
important positions in that capacity until his appointment as Deputy 
County Auditor in 1881. He is still connected with the ofiice, 
and being deservedly popular and possessing unusual ability, may 
yet serve the public in a wider and more extensive sphere. He has 
led a remarkably industrious life, full of energy and of great force 
of character, and as an accomplished business man none in Peru 
stand higher than he. In January, 1861, he was united in marriage 
with Mi'ss Mary Miller, adopted daughter of James T. Miller, of 
Peru. He is a Democrat in polities, and in religion adheres to the 
creed of the Roman Catholic Church. 

HENRY DUTTON, was a native of Schoharie County, N- 
Y.; was born June 25, 1824, and was a son of Julius Dutton. a native 
of Connecticut. At the a<re of fifteen he came to Fort Wavne and 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCIIHS. 417 

secured an engagement as clerk in a dry goods store, where he 
secured the greater part of his education. He then engaged in the 
retail dry goods business, in which he continued until the latter part 
of his life, when he emerged into the business of private banker 
and broker, which avocation he pursued during the eighteen years 
preceeding his death, which sad event occurred in July, 1877. 
Mr. Button was elected Count)- Treasurer on the Democratic 
ticket and was re-elected to the same office. He manifested 
a deep interest in the success of his party. Remaining at Fort 
Wayne for a number of years, he then came to Peru and resumed 
his former occupation — the dry goods business — in 1847. Was 
married in New York City July 20, 1847, to Miss Nancy M. Moore, 
daughter of John and Nancy (Wicks) Moore, natives of Duchess 
County, N. Y. To this union there were born four chil- 
dren, two of whom are living, viz: Mrs. Emma McWhinney, 
now residing at Richmond, Henry D. D., born November 
9, 1855, now a resident of St. Joseph, Missouri. Those 
deceased are: Mary M., born September 9, 1849, and died 
in 1877; Lillie D., born February 10, 1868, and died 1877. 
Mrs. Dutton was born in Schoharie Count)-, N. Y. The sub- 
ject of this sketch was a delegate to the National Con- 
vention at Baltimore which nominated Stephen A. Douglas for the 
Presidency, and was also for many years chairman of the Demo- 
cratic Central Committee for the County of Miami. 

RICHARD A. EDWARDS, cashier First National Bank, 
son of Prof. Richard and Betsey (Sampson) Edwards, was born in 
Bridgewater, Massachusetts, November 9, 1851. Richard Ed- 
wards, Sr., was born in Wales, and came to the United States in 
1832, settling originally in Ohio. He subsequently moved to Mas- 
sachusetts, where for a number of years he was principal of the 
State Normal School at Salem, in the organization of which institu- 
tion he took an active part. In 1859 he went to St. Louis, Mis- 
souri, to take charge of the City Normal School, a position he re- 
tained until 1862, at which time he .iccepted the presidency of the 
Illinois State llniversity. He held the latter position for a period of 
sixteen or eighteen j-ears, and was for some time pastor of the 
First Congregational Church at Princeton, Illinois. In 1886 he 
was elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction of Illinois, 
and is the present incumbent of that otllce. Prof. Edwards is a 
man of brilliant attainments, and as an educator ranks among 
the first in the country. He is the father of eleven children, nine 
of whom are living, the subject of this sketch being the second in 
number. Richard A. Edwards received his elementary education 
at Normal, Illinois, and subsequently attended Princeton and Dart- 
mouth Colleges, graduating from the latter in 1876. His literary 
education then completed, he accepted the position as instructor 



4l8 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

of Latin and Greek in the Rock River Seminary, Morris, Illinois, 
and two years later became Professor of Rhetoric and En<rlish 
Literature in Knox College, Galesburg. He held the latter posi- 
tion three years, and at the end of that time severed his connection 
with the college, and in i8Si came to Peru, Indiana. He entered 
the First National Bank in this cit}^ as assistant cashier in 1882, and 
in June, i886, became cashier, a position he holds at this time. On 
the ist of June, 1880, he married Miss Alice Shirk, daughter of the 
late E. H. Shirk, of Peru. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have four chil- 
dren, viz. — Richard E., Milton A., Mary A. and Clara E. Polit- 
ically, Mr. Edwards votes with the Republican party, and in relig- 
ion adheres to the creed of the Congregational Church. Mrs. Ed- 
wards is an active member of the Baptist Church of Peru. 

WALTER H. EMSWILER. Mr. Emswiler was born in the 
city of Peru, May 10, 1858 and is the second son of John H. and 
Sarah E. (Miller) Emswiler, natives respectively of Pennsylvania 
and Indiana. The father came to Miami County in a very early 
day, was for many years one of the leading physicians and sur- 
geons of Peru and departed this life September, 1884. Walter 
Emswiler received a good practical education in the city schools 
and at the age of twenty began life for himself as clerk for his 
brother Charles, in the mercantile business, with whom he re- 
mained until his twenty-fourth year. In 1883 he became a part- 
ner with Schuyler Mercer in the livery business and subsequently 
purchased the entire interest which he still controls. Mr. Ems- 
wiler has already a well established business reputation and is 
meeting with encouraging success as a liveryman. He was married 
March 2, 1881 to Miss Rose Fisher, daughter of Joseph Fisher, 
one of the substantial residents of Jefferson Township, this county. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Emswiler have been born one child, Joseph, whose 
birth occurred September 2, 1883. 

JOHN J. ENGLISH. The subject of this biography is a 
native of Miami County-, born in Peru Township on the 6th day 
of April, 1848, and is the eldest son of Benjamin and Mary E. 
(Baker) English, of Licking County, Ohio. The father came to 
Miami County in 1846, settled in Peru Township, but subsequently 
lived in Pipe Creek and Erie Townships, and finallj^ purchased a 
home in Richland Township, where he is at this time living. John 
J. English remained at home until his mother's death, which 
occurred when he was eighteen years of age, at which time he 
abandoned the farm and took up the carpenter's trade. He served 
a four years apprenticeship at the same under W. D. Allen, of Rich- 
land, after which he began working for himself, and subsequently, 
August 27, 1877, accepted a position as skilled mechanic in the 
coach department of the railroad shops (I., P. & C.) at Peru,, 
which he still retains. He is one of the substantial employes of the 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 4I9 

company with which he is identified, and ranks amon<,f the best 
mechanics of Peru. His marriage with Miss Mar\- C. Bouslog, 
daughter of R. Bouslog, of this city, was solemnized on the 29th day 
of October, 1S78, a union blessed with three children, viz.: Nellie 
D., Hazel B. and John W. English. Mr. English is a Democrat in 
politics, but in no sense of the word a partisan. 

JOHN L. FARRAR, prominent member of the Miami 
County bar, was born in Jefferson County, New York, April 29, 
1824, and is the eldest son of Lloyd and Rachel Farrar, natives 
respectively of Vermont and Rhode Island. The family came to 
Miami County, Indiana, in 1847 and settled in Butler township, 
where for a number of years the father engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits. Lloyd Farrar was a man of local prominence, served as 
Justice of the Peace for Butler Township for a series of years and 
died in i860. Mrs. Farrar survived her husband four j-ears, 
departing this life in 1864. John L. Farrar spent the ^-ears of his 
youth and early manhood as a farmer, and received in the common 
schools the elements of an English education, supplemented by a 
course in a college at Kalamazoo, Michigan where he pursued his 
studies for a limited period. At the age of twenty he engaged in 
teaching, and during the time he continued at that profession, read 
law under the able instruction of Hon. Charles E. Stuart, of Kala- 
mazoo, who at one time represented the State of Michigan in the 
Senate of the United States. After acquiring a partial knowledge 
of the legal profession, Mr. Farrar was admitted to the bar in 1852 
and at once entered upon the active practice in the courts of Miami 
County, where his real ability as a criminal lawyer soon won for 
him a conspicuous place. He has practiced his profession in Peru 
continuously since 1852, and in addition to his large and lucrative 
business in Miami County, is frequently employed in important cases 
in various parts of the State. He is, without doubt, the most suc- 
cessful criminal lawyer in northern Indiana, and few attorneys in the 
State have presented the result of more labor and research in 
behalf of their clients than he. As a public speaker Mr. Farrar is 
forcible and logical, bringing his cases before the court with much 
skill, and in his addresses to the jury analyzing the testimony and 
conducting it upon the point at issue. In early life he was not 
favored with any peculiar advantages and his professional success 
must be attributed to the indomnitable will and energy which he has 
displayed in all his undertakings. He takes an active interest in 
politics, voting in conformity with the Democratic party, but is not 
a partisan in the sense of seeking official position. Mr. Farrar was 
married on the 26th day of March 1848 to Miss Everisa Foster, 
of Vermont. The issue of this union was one child, Arnold, born 
May 29, 1857. Arnold Farrar was a young man of much more 
than ordinary intelligence. He received a good literar\- educa- 



420 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

tion, early began the study of law with his father and subse- 
quentl)- graduated from the law department of the State Uni- 
versity at Bloomington. Before commencing the practice, how- 
ever, he met with a violent death, having been accidentally shot 
in the year 1877. 

JOSIAH FARRAR, a leading lawyer of Peru, is a native 
of Jefferson County, New York, and second son of Llovd and 
Rachel Farrar, He was born September 25, 1826, and grew to man- 
hood on a farm in his native county, receiving his early education 
and training in the common school from which he was subse- 
quently promoted to the academic grade. He took an academic 
course in which he acquired the knowledge of the higher 
branches of learning and while thus engaged decided upon the 
legal profession for a life work. In 1846 he came to Miami 
County, Indiana and selected in Butler Township a tract of land 
to which his father's family removed and settled the' following 
year. For some time after coming here he was engaged in 
teaching school and in the meantime pursued his legal studies as 
opportunities w'ould permit. Actuated by a laudable desire to in- 
crease his knowledge of the profession, Mr. Farrar, at the age 
of twenty-three went to Rochester, New York, where he read 
for some time under the able instruction of Lysander Farrar, one 
of the leading attorneys of the citv. In this county he read in 
the office of H. J. Shirk in 1849 and the following year re- 
turned to Rochester, where he w'as similarh' engaged until 1852. 
Having thus completed his preparatory reading, during which he 
made substantial progress in his profession, Mr. Farrar, in 1852, 
engaged in the practice at Peru, Indiana, in partnership with his 
brother John L. Farrar, and the firm thus constituted still con- 
tinues. In 1856, he was elected on the Democratic ticket, pros- 
ecutor for the counties of Miami and Cass, and in 1867, against 
his wishes, was elected mayor of the city of ■ Peru. Since his 
admission to the bar Mr. Farrar has, by close application 
to business and commendable studiousness gradually surmounted 
the obstacles in the course of every professional man and won 
for himself a fine reputation as a successful practitioner. In 
1862 he closed his office and tendered his services to his country 
recruiting in Ma}' of that year. Company D., 99th Indiana Infantry, 
of which he was chosen captain. He accompanied his command 
through all its varied experiences in the southwestern campaigns of 
the Mississippi department, and at the battle of Atlanta, July 22, 1864. 
was in command of the brigade of skirmishers, a duty fraught with 
a great deal of danger. At the battle of July 28th, of the same 
year, he was second in command of the regiment, and while his 
Colonel was sick during the siege of Atlanta, he commanded the 
regiment one week when the duty was very difficult to perform. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 42 1 

The confidence which the Hne officers reposed in his abiHty is 
attested by the fact that they frequently requested him to take com- 
mand on trying occasions, and it is also a conceded fact that in 
nearly every hotly contested battle in which the 99th was engaged 
he was at its head. He commanded the regiment during the recon- 
noisance toward Dalton and Rocky Face Crap, in February, 1864, 
and subsequently on the arrival at Savannah, being the ranking 
ofiicer succeeded to the command which he held until mustered out 
of the service. On May 20, 1865 he was mustered as Lieutenant 
Colonel, and on the mustering out of the regiment ix'ceived a com- 
mission as Colonel. Among the battles in which he participated 
were the following: Vicksburg, capture of Jackson, Mississippi, 
Mission Ridge, the numerous engagements in the advance upon 
Atlanta, the battle of the 22d of July, when General McPherson was 
killed, battle of the 28th, same month west of Atlanta, flank movement 
which resulted in the capture of that city, and battles consequent, 
Sherman's march to the sea and up through the Carolinas, and to 
the battle of Bentonville, the last fight in which the Ninety-ninth 
was engaged. At the close of the war his regiment marched to 
"Washington City, and after participating in the " Grand Review," 
he was honorabh' discharged. Col. Farrar was a brave and honor- 
able soldier, and his military record is bright with duty intelligently 
and faithfullv performed. In him were combined those qualities of 
mind which display under the most trying circumstances the pos- 
session of great executive abilit}', added to a personal courage, that 
made him the trusted leader on many blood}' battle fields. Return- 
ing, after an absence of three years, to the quiet of civil life, he 
resumed the practice of his profession, which he has since success- 
fully continued in Peru. He is an able lawyer, thoroughl}- acquainted 
with the methods and principles of legal jurisprudence, and stands 
high among his professional associates of the Miami County bar. 
He is and always has been a Democrat in politics. Though he ad- 
heres to his political faith with tenacity and expresses his senti- 
ments fearlessl}', he is far removed from partisan intolerance, and on 
several occasions has followed his convictions rather than the dictates 
of party. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and takes an 
active interest in the G. A. R. post in the city. He married on the 
13th day of November, 1856, Miss Emma Gould, daughter of 
Solomon and Eliza Gould, of Peru. Mr. and Mrs. Farrar have 
three children, viz: William C, Ada and Maude Farrar. 

H. G. FETTER was born in Carlisle, Cumberland County, 
Pennsylvania, November 12, 1828. His father, Samuel Fetter, 
was a carpenter and contractor. His mother's maiden name was 
Mary Wise. The parents were both of German descent. While 
the subject was quite young his father removed to Sunbury, 
Pennsylvania, where he erected a number of the churches and 



422 HISTORY OF MIAMI COINTV. 

principal buildings still standing in that city. H. G. Fetter, at 
the age of sixteen, went to Danville and learned the printer's 
trade, remaining in the office four years. His health then fail- 
ing, he learned the art of daguerreotvping, then in its infancy and 
conducted mostly by traveling artists in tents. For the next four 
years with a short interruption he pursued the art of picture- 
making in West Virginia, Ohio and Indiana, locating in Peru in 
1853. For a number of years he operated two galleries. In 1861 
he was appointed postmaster of Peru two weeks after Lincoln's 
inauguration, and held that position four years and a half, being 
succeeded by his brother, J. H. Fetter. In 1867 he removed to 
Logansport, and conducted a gallery there about ten years, when 
• he returned to Peru, where he has since resided. 

JAMES H. FETTER, dealer in furniture, is a native of Sun- 
bury, Pennsylvania, apd the eleventh of a family of twelve 
children born to Samuel and Mary (Wise) Fetter, of the same 
State. He w-as born on the 28th day of February, 1842, and 
after receiving a liberal education engaged, at the age of six- 
teen, as a salesman in a dry goods house in his native town. 
He continued in that capacity until his nineteenth year, at which 
time, October 14, 1861, he came to Miami County, Indiana, and 
became deputy postmaster at Peru, under his brother, H. G. 
Fetter. Subsequently, August 6, 1865, he succeeded his brother 
as postmaster, and discharged the diities of the office continu- 
ously till April I, 1879, when he effected a copartnership in the 
furniture and undertaking business with L. C. Gould. He is 
still engaged in that branch of the trade, carries a large stock 
of all kinds of furniture, and leads the business in Peru. Mr. 
Fetter's marriage with Miss Lucy Adkison, daughter of Hon. 
Lewis D. Adkison, of Peru, was solemnized March 9, 1873. 
They have two children — Robert A., born March 28, 1874, and 
Thomas C, born on the 26th da}' of August, 1883. Mr. Fet- 
ter is an active member of the I. O. O. F., belonging to the 
Encampment, and with his wife belongs to the Presbyterian 
Church. Politicallv he is a Republican. 

JAMES B. FULWILER was born in Perry County, Penn- 
sylvania, on the 6th day of September, 181 2. Was educated at 
Hopewell Academy and Gettysburg Gymnasium, now Pennsyl- 
vania College. His father, Abraham Fuhviler, was one of the 
early graduates of Dickinson College, Carlisle, Penns\lyania, where 
he was born and reared, and died in 1830, leaving a large estate. 
His paternal ancestry is traceable through centuries into Switzer- 
land, where the inevitable millions are said to be awaiting identi- 
fication of the descendants. His mother was a cousin of the late 
Jeremiah S. Black, a Cabinet officer of President Buchanan, and 
a daughter of the Rev. James Black, of Pennsylvania, a Scottish 




ft- ••r^ 




iifA^^-i-"^^ '^ AAy^'^-UA^ 






^f'^fLj>^s 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 425 

dixine of extensive erudition. In the year 1834, the subject of 
this notice came to Peru, Indiana, with a stock of merchandise 
under the management of one Samuel Pike, his employer, who 
who subsequentH became famous as a campaign editor of countless 
newspapers in many of the States, beginning with the Peru For- 
rester, the first newspaper printed and published in Miami County, 
Indiana.* In the j-ear 1838 Mr. Fulwiler's name was announced by 
his friends as a candidate to represent the counties of Miami and 
Fulton in the State Legislature, which he at first stoutly resisted 
'^or the reason that his views in regard to the simultaneous prosecu- 
.lon of all the public works which had been projected bv former 
Legislatures of the State, was so unpopular that there could be no 
hope of his election, but finall}- 3'ielded to the importunities of his 
friends, and he was defeated, as he expected to be. He was one of 
the few men of Indiana who at that time favored the classification 
of the public works, and the prosecution to completion of the most 
important work first. The people of the several counties had been 
led to believe that a road or canal would pass by their very doors 
and that "an additional hen and chickens would pay the additional 
tax." Hence a "classifier" was more odius to the people, if pos- 
sible, than an "aboHtionist." As they became more enlightened 
on the subject, however, they changed their views, and in the brief 
period of two years there was not to be found within the 
i^orders of the State a public man who would acknowledge him- 
self in favor of an indiscriminate prosecution of the thirteen 
projected works known as the "cow bill," ivnd classification became 
a popular word. In 1843 Mr. F. was called to the State of 
Pennsylvania to attend to the disposal of a large body of unpro- 
ductive land in Schuylkill County, being a part of his father's 
estate King in a mountainous region and traversed bv rich veins 
of anthracite coal, where, with the aid of miners from Potts- 
ville, in the spring of 1844, he located, opened up and leased 
thirteen veins of coal — among the number was the celebrated 
"mammoth vein," twenty-two feet in tiiicknes.s — and at the same 
time laid off the town of Fremont upon the premises. This 
town, situated as it is, in the midst of an extensive coal region, 
is now a prosperous little city. In 1847, Mr. F. was elected 
clerk of the Miami Circuit Court, which office he held until the 
6th day of June 1855, when he was succeeded b\' Alexander 
Blake. In the vear 1S60, he was selected as a delegate at large 
for the State of Indiana to the Deiuocratic National Convention 
which nominated Stephen A. Douglass, at Baltimore, for Presi- 
dent of the United States, and was one of the committee of two 

*0n tlio 7th day of Miirfh, 1837, he wa.s married to Pauliiip Avaline, daughter 
of Francis Avaliiif, of Fort Wayne, hid., and sister of Francis .S. Av.iline, late iiro- 
prietor of the Avaline House, of Fort Wayne, a beautiful and accomplished lady. 



426 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

from Indiana, who escorted Mr. Douglass, when on his presi- 
dential tour, from Cincinnati, Ohio, to hidianapolis, Indiana, and 
had Mr. Douglass been successful in the race, Mr. F. had rea- 
son to believe that a prominent position would have been reserved 
at Washington for his acceptance. In 1861 Mr. F. purchased 
of Messrs. Todd & Zerne, wholesale and retail grocers, their 
stock in trade: and in 1865 bought the undivided half of a 
furniture manufacturing establishment of Messrs. West & Jami- 
son, which burned to the ground within ten days after his pur- 
chase and before he had the same insured against fire. In 1868 
he embarked, with considerable capital, in extensive purchases 
and sales of Kansas and Iowa lands, which, for a time, yielded him 
an immense proHt, but which eventualh' proved disastrous. In his 
present coflrt of judicature in the citj- of Peru, his duties are 
greatly facilitated by a course of legal studies pursued at an earlj- 
period of his life. Mr. F. has six children living and one deceased. 
Julia, his eldest daughter, married to Harry F. Clark, late super- 
intendent of the western division of the W., St. L. & P. Rail- 
road, at present manager of a western road with headquarters 
at Keokuk, Iowa: his second child, William died at Portsmouth, 
Washington Territorv, some years ago: Louis Berthelet, second 
son, is one of the editors and proprietors of the Miami County 
Sentinel: Clarence, late clerk in the W., St. L. & P. Railway 
offices at Toledo, is now a resident of Peru. Marv Frank is 
married to J. R. Hamlin, of the Merchants' Exchange, St. Louis; 
Ada Pauline, wife of William E. Clark, of Edwards\ille, Illinois; 
Frank, the youngest child of Mr. F., is clerk in a railroad office 
of the W., St. L. & P. Railway Company at St. Louis. All of 
his children are naturally bright and have had the advantages 
of good educations. 

" LOUIS B. FULWILER, editor of the Miami County Scn- 
iinch and son of James B. and Pauline (Avaline) Fulwiler, was 
born in Peru, Indiana, on the 13th day of July, 1842. He 
received a liberal education in the schools of his native city and 
began life for himself by accepting a position in the office of 
the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railway, at Peoria, Illinois, where 
he remained only for a limited period. In 1861 he entered 
the army, enlisting in Company A, 20th Indiana Infantry, for the 
three years service, and with that noted regiment took part in 
some of the bloodiest battles of the war. In the se\'en days 
fight before Richmond, June 25, 1862, he had the misfortune to 
lose a limb, and being incapacitated for further service he was 
honorably discharged and returned home in October of the same 
year. In 1862 he was appointed deputy clerk of the Miami 
Circuit Coui-t, the duties of which position he discharged for a 
period of seven years. In 1870 he was elected Auditor of 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 427 

Miami County, re-elected in 1874, ''""^ '^^^'^^ '^'^^ office two terms 
or ciijht years. In 1869 he entered the tield of journalism as 
editor of tlie Miami Count\- Sciiliiirl, with which paper he has 
since been identified and in which he now owns a one-half 
interest with Richard H. Cole. As the Sentinel is the 
exponent, so is Mr. Fulwiler's influence one of the prime fac- 
tors in moulding the character and action of, the Democratic 
party in Miami Count)'. He has proved himself a superior poli- 
tician, bold and zealous, undertaking what others deem impos- 
sible and being judicious and untiring, nearly always succeeds. 
Mental culture and strong common sense have developed and 
supplemented his natural talents, till all combined have made 
him one of the ablest newspaper writers in Northern Indiana. 
In 1869 he was united in marriage with Miss Cora L,. Scott, 
who was born in Logansport, Indiana, September 13, 1846. 
Mr. Fulwiler is prominently identified with the G. A. R. and 
K. of P. Orders. 

WILLIAM A. GIBNEY, Recorder of Miami County, the 
subject of this biographical sketch, is a native of Holmes Count}-, 
Ohio; the son of WilHam S. and Nancy (Landis) Gibney, and dates 
his birth from the 30th day of September, 1837. His parents were 
born in Faj'ette County, Pennsyhania, but early emigrated to Ohio, 
where they lived until their removal to Miami County, Indiana, 
in 1849. William S. Gibney was a farmer by occupation and died 
in Peru in 1873. His wife preceded him to the grave, departing 
this life in the year 186S. William A. Gibney passed the j^ears of 
his youth amid the active scenes of the farm, and in the common 
schools of the country received a fair English education, which, 
supplementing a practical knowledge such as books fail to impart, 
has enabled him to successfully discharge the duties of an active 
business life. He followed agricultural pursuits until 1865, at which 
time he abandoned the farm and engaged in saw-milling and rail- 
roading, which he followed some years, working at intervals, in the 
meantime, as deputy in the Sheriff's office. In 1871 he accepted a 
position in the railroad shops in Peru, later run as fireman on the I. 
P. & C, and was afterwards promoted baggage master at the depot 
in this cit\-, the duties of which position he discharged until 1879. 
In the meantime, 1878, he was elected Recorder of Miami County, 
and the following year severed his connection with the road in order 
to enter upon the discharge of his oflicial duties. He was re-elected 
in 1882, and at this time is nearing the close of his second term. In 
politics Mr. Gibney is an unflinching Democrat, evincing at all times 
a lively interest in the success of his jiarty upon the principles of 
political purity, rigidly averse to anything that savors of deception 
or trickery. His official record, together with his acknowledged 
integrity as a trustworthy and reliable Christian gentleman have 



428 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

won for him a prominent place in the estimation of his fellow 
citizens, irrespective of part}- affiliation. He was married Sep- 
tember, i860, to Miss >Iary E. Ninon of Fayette County, Penn- 
sylvania, which union has been blessed with the birth of eleven 
children, seven of whom are living, viz.: George M., Lillie M., 
lona, Dora, Mattie, Pearl and Albert C. Mr. Gibney is an active 
member of the K. of H. and Odd Fellows fraternities, and with 
his wife, belongs to the Methodist church. 

HON. JOHN A. GRAHAM was born in Baldmore, Maryland, 
January 8, 1S17. His parents were natives of Ireland and emigra- 
ted to this countrv in 1815. They landed in Baltimore after under- 
going great hardships during a prolonged vovage in which thev 
narrowlv escaped being ship-wrecked. In 1826 the family removed 
to Pittsburgh, in 1827 to Wheeling, and in 1828 returned to Balti- 
more. In 1830 the}' went to Harper's Ferry, and finally in 1832 
settled in Indiana." John A. Graham was employed at Harper's 
Ferry as clerk until 1835. I" May of that year, being then 
eighteen he started for Indiana. At Wheeling he took passage 
on a steam boat and was landed at mid-night, a solitary passenger 
at the mouth of the Wabash. He there expected to find a town 
filled with enterprising people; but he saw only a dreary waste of 
turbid waters. No sound greeted his ear but the hoot of the owl 
and the crash and crunch of the running drift. After sitting upon 
his baggage at the waters edge until near daylight, he discerned 
from the top of the bank something like a building in the obscurity 
of the morning fog and detected a faint sound of human voices 
coming from a point farther up the river. About a half mile from 
where he landed he found a steamboat bound for the upper 
Wabash: and after various adventures and detentions, he succeeded 
in reaching Peru. There he made arrangements for taking charge 
of a store in Logansport for Alexander Wilson. He remained in 
the latter place until the business was closed up, in June, 1835, when 
he returned to Peru. He acted as clerk for jNIr. Wilson until 1839 
when he became a partner. The firm of Wilson & Co., packed 
pork in 1839. It was the first undertaking of the kind in the place 
and proved a financial failure, owing to the low water in the Maumee 
which pre\ented its quick transportation to New York. They 
built flatboats and in 1840 commenced sending pork to New 
Orleans. This also proved a failure on account of hard times and 
low prices. In 1841 and 1843 Mr. Graham was elected Sheriff of 
Miami county. In 1846 he was appointed clerk in the Wabash and 
Erie Canal Land Office. He held this place until 1847 when 
the office was moved to Logansport, under an act of the Legislature 
adjusting the State debt, known as the Butler Bill. He then bought 
the printing office at Peru and June 28, 1848 issued the first number 
of the Miami County Sentinel. This paper was successfully man- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 429 

agod liy him, as editor and proprietor until 1861, when he sold out 
and retired from the editorial chair. In 1850 Mr. Graham was a 
delegate to the State Convention to form a new State Constitution. 
In 1870 he was elected clerk of the Miami Circuit Court and at dif- 
ferent times served as a member of the town and city council. He 
was special agent of the United States to pay the Miamis in the 
years 1857 and 1S59 and has held many other positions of trust. 
In 1 88 1 he was elected Mayor of the Cit}- of Peru, a position he 
holds at the present time. He has been a life long Democrat and 
in religion is a Roman Catholic. He was married to Caroline A. 
A\ aline in Peru, June 28, 1842; a famih' of three sons and six daugh- 
ters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Graham. Mr. Graham is below 
the average height but is heavily and compacth" built. He poss- 
esses a strong constitution and although having reached the allotted 
three score and ten vears, manv years of usefulness and honor may 
j'et remain to him. His opportunities for an education were limited 
but he has been a constant reader and has a wonderful memorv. He 
is recognized as the "Historian of Miami." As a writer he is fluent 
precise as to dates and figures, and full of humor. Few men pos- 
sess the confidence of the comnuinit\' in a more eminent degree. 

EDWARD T. GRAY. Sheriff of Miami County, is a native 
of Markham. Canada, and the son of Thomas and Margaret 
(Hines) Gray, the father born in Canada and the mother in 
Southampton, England. Mr. Gray was born on the 24th of 
Ma\-, 1836, and at the age of sixteen commenced to learn the 
blacksmithing and carriage making trades, at Norwich, Canada. 
At the age of twentv-live he came to Miami County, Indiana, 
and began working at his trade in the city of Peru, where he 
has since resided. In 1872 he purchased an- interest in the firm 
of H. Armantrout & Co., manufacturers of carriages, after which 
the name was changed to that of Armantrout & Gra}', under 
which title thev continued business until 187S. In that year Mr. 
Gray purchased the entire interest, and under his efficient man- 
agement, the concern soon became one of the leading manufac- 
turing establishments of its kind in the citv. Mr. Gray has 
always taken an active interest in local politics, and in 1S84 was 
elected on the Democratic ticket Sheriff of Miami Count}-, the 
duties of wliich position he has since discharged, having been 
re-elected in 1886. As a citizen Mr. Gray has the respect and 
confidence of all who know him, and as an official he is faithful 
and diligent discharging the duties of his position in a manner 
highly satisfactor}' to all concerned. He is a man of conscien- 
cious scruples and is ever read\' to do what he can to promote 
the interest of the public welfare. He is prominently identified 
with the Masonic fraternity, being a Royal Arch Mason, and in 
religion holds to the creed of the Episcopal church. On the 



430 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

31st of December, 1863, he married Miss Kate M. Wilson, of 
Peru, who has borne him three children, viz. : Alice, Nellie and 
Lewis Grav. 

WILLARD GRISWOLD, of the tirm of Griswold & Geves, 
hvery stable, was born in Watertown, New York, August 8, 1833, 
the third son of Daniel and Sarah ( Barry ) Griswold : parents 
natives of Vermont and of English ancestrv. Daniel Griswold 
moved to Miami Countv in 1844 and settled at the village of 
Mexico, where he followed the plasterer's trade a number of 
years and later engaged in the mercantile business. He was a 
man of considerable local prominence: took, an active part in the 
earlv growth of his adopted town, and departed this Hfe in the 
year 1858. Mrs. Griswold survived her husband fourteen years, 
dving in 1872. Willard Griswold received the advantages of a 
common school education in his native State, and shortly after 
coming to Indiana engaged as salesman in a store at Mexico, 
where he remained for a number of vears. At the breakin</ out 
of the war he tendered his service to his country, and in Septem- 
ber, 1861, enlisted in' Co. B, 40th Indiana Volunteer Infantrv, 
with which he served imtil honorably discharged on the 21st day 
of December, 1865. He shared with his regiment the \-icissitudes 
of war in manv of the bloodiest battles of the southwestern cam- 
paigns, and was twice severely wounded, the first time at Stone 
River and later near Kenesaw Mountain. He entered the service 
as private, at the time of his discharge was adjutant of his regi- 
ment, and a short time after being mustered out was commis- 
sioned captain. Mr. Griswold's mihtarv record is one of which 
he feels justly proud, and in all the battles where his command 
was engaged he took an active and gallant part. His military 
career thus being completed he returned to Mexico, and engaged 
in the general goods business, which he continued until his election 
to the office of Sheriff, in 1872, when he moved to the countv 
seat. He discharged his official duties in a manner highly cred- 
itable to the people, who in 1874 re-elected him bv a decided 
vote, a fact which showed his popularity in the county, which 
had previously given decided Democratic majorities, he being a 
Republican. In 1878, in partnership with R. H. Segar, he en- 
gaged in the liven*- business, which he has since successfully 
continued, being at this time a partner with H. Geves, in the 
largest stable in the citv. Mr. Griswold is a public spirited 
citizen, and deserves mention as one of the representative business 
en of Miami County. He belongs to the G. A. R. and Masonic 
fraternities, is a decided Republican in politics, and as such has 
rendered valuable service to his party. He was married in 1867 
to Miss Harriet Graft, daughter of Benjamin Graft, of Mexico, 
a union blessed with the birth of one child, Charles Griswold. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCIIKS. 43 1 

HENRY MAUPT, foreman wood machine department, 
Indiana Manufacturing Company, is a native of Germany- and 
dates his birth from the 19th day of May, 1835. He was 
raised on a farm, received in the schools of his native country 
the advantages of a good education, and at the age of fifteen 
commenced to learn the saddler's trade at the town of Barken, 
where he served a three years' apprenticeship. After becoming 
proficient in his chosen vocation he worked at the same at dif- 
ferent places in Germany until 1836, at which time thinking the 
new world offered a more remunerative held, sailed to the 
United States and located in liridgeport, Connecticut. Here he 
worked at his trade until 1861, where being infected with the 
war spirit he enlisted in the First Connecticut Infantrv, with 
which he served until August of the same year. He then rein- 
tered the service, volunteering in the Sixth Connecticut regi- 
ment, with which he shared the fortunes and vicissitudes of war 
until honorablv dischared in 1S65. He participated in a number 
of bloody battles in one of which. Fort Fisher, North Carolina, 
he received a severe wound. At the expiration of his term of 
service Mr. Haupt returned to Bridgeport, and engaged with 
the Howe Machine Company in that citv, where he remained 
until sent by the companv to Peru, Indiana, where for sometime 
he acted in the capacity of contractor and later as foreman. 
He subsequentlv severed his connection with the company and 
from 1880 until 1883 was superintendent of Muhltield's variety 
works. He engaged the latter year with the Indiana Manufac- 
turing Companv, and at this time holds the position of foreman 
of the wood machine department. Mr. Haupt's marriage on the 
ist of May. 1873, with Anna M. E. Kranzman. of Germany, 
has been blessed with the birth of two children, both deceased. 

JOHN H. HELM, M. D., of Peru, is one of the ablest phy- 
sicians in Northern Indiana. His early life was not like that of 
many here chronicled — a struggle with poverty — but was char- 
acterized bv the possession of ample means, and for some \ears 
by travel and adventure. Having previously acquired a literary 
and professional education, he was able to improve his opportu- 
nities for travel bv intelligent observation. Both physical and 
mental, he bears evidence of descent from superior stock. His 
paternal grandfather was a well educated German, who having 
settled in America, lielped in the Revolutionary war to defend 
the land of his adoption. His father. Dr. John C. Helm, an early 
settler of Miami County, and one of its most wealthy and influ- 
ential citizens, was a man of vigorous intellect and iron will, and 
his mother, Amy (Hampton) Helm, was the daughter of Major 
John Hampton, of South Carolina, who served with General 
Jackson in the war of 181 2, and ft second cousin of the noted 



432 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Wade Hampton of the present day. Dr. John C. Helm was born 
at Charleston, in what is now West Virginia, November 7, iSoo. 
Two years later the familj- removed to Washington County, 
Tennessee. At eleven years of age he entered Washington Col- 
lege, and during the course walked every day to and from school, 
a distance of three and-a-half miles. He embraced the medical 
profession, and pursuing it with characteristic zeal and energy, 
became a well qualilied physician. In 182 1 he married Amy 
Hampton, above mentioned, by whom he had eight children. In 
1835 he removed to Preble County, Ohio, and there practiced 
medicine until 1844, when he came to Miami County, Indiana, 
built a large flouring mill at Peru, and afterward another at 
Peoria, in the same county, where he iinall}' established his home. 
There he continued the duties of his profession, and so invested 
the receipts as to amass a fortune. In 1865 occurred the death 
of his intelligent and devoted wife. After this severe affliction 
he divided most of his real estate among his three sons, giving 
to each property of much value. These sons are John H., 
Henry T., a prominent lawyer of Chicago, and David B., a 
farmer, who are respected wherever known. Sometime after making 
this liberal provision for his children, Doctor Helm married in 
Chicago, his son Henry's mother-in-law, an estimable lady, but 
she soon died, and he did not long survive her. On the 7th of 
September, 1847, the strong mart, who had never known weak- 
ness or defeat, yielded to the resistless enemy, death. He was 
a man of wonderful energy and tenacity of purpose. He had 
made and lost fortune after fortune, but no adversity could wholly 
overcome him, and finally, as if victorious over adverse fate, he 
died in the possession of wealth. His son, Doctor John II. Helm, 
the principal subject of this sketch, was born at Elizabetlitown, 
Carter County, Tennessee, April 23, 1826. His education was 
gained chiefly through private instruction. Having inherited in 
some respects his father's tastes, he studied medicine, first under 
Doctor Pliny M. Crume, at Eaton, Ohio, and with Doctor Charles L. 
Avery. In 1844 he entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincin- 
nati, from which he graduated in 1847 and immediately commenced 
practice in partnership with Doctor Crume, at Eaton. In the mean- 
time, in the spring of 1846, he was mustered into the United States 
service under General Wool, and served one year in the war with 
Me.\ico. The years iS48-'49 and 1850 were spent in traveling 
through California, Oregon, Mexico, the West Indies and Central 
America, and a portion of South America. In 1S51 he married 
Mary Henkle, daughter of Rev. Andrew Ilenkle, of Germantown, 
Ohio, but she died onh- about a year later. Having resumed the 
duties of his profession with Doctor Crume, he remained at Eaton 
until i860, when he removed to Peru, Indiana. There he soon 

• 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 433 

established himself in the confidence and esteem of the people and 
gained a large and lucrative practice. In 1854 '^'^ married his second 
wife, Margaret Ridenour, of Preble County, Ohio. They have 
three children, one daughter and two sons, living. He still resides 
in Peru and intends to abide there the remainder of his davs. Be- 
sides attending to his patients Doctor Helm directs the management 
of his farms in Miami County, Indiana, and Champaign County, 
Illinois. Though he possesses good business qualifications and has 
acquired considerable wealth, his chief ambition has been to excel in 
the medical profession, and he has lent his best energies in that 
direction. In this laudable purpose he has not failed, as shown in 
part hv the honors conferred upon him by \arious medical societies. 
The Indiana State Medical Society, of which he is a member, made 
him in 1876 their president. In 1872 he was elected president of 
the Miami Count}' Medical Societv. He organized the Peru Board 
of Health and has ever since been its president. He is a member 
also of the American Medical Association. Dr. Helm has contrib- 
uted \arious able articles to these societies and to medical journals. 
He was one of the companv of 173 phvsicians who crossed the 
continent to San Francisco to attend the meeting of the American 
Association in that citv in 1871, and an honorary membership in the 
California Medical was there conferred upon him. Having been 
absorbed in the labors of his profession. Dr. Helm has neither sought 
nor accepted any political distinction, though his talents and acquire- 
ments \\ ould have enabled him to succeed in that field. He was a 
Democrat in early life, but in later years he has voted for those 
candidates he deemed most eligible, regardless of their party con- 
nection. He is a member of the Catholic church. Tall, powerful 
and possessing much personal magnetism. Dr. Helm is fitted to in- 
fluence men by these qualities alone, and, uniting with them talent, 
culture and experience, he cannot fail to be a leader in every enter- 
prise he undertakes. His lot seems enviable, and it is hoped he 
may long live in the enjoyment of his family, his medical reputation 
and the material blessings with which he is surrounded. 

COLEMAN HENTON came to Miami County in 1837, 
and is a native of Washington, Fayette County, Ohio,. He was 
born March 7, 1822, and is the eldest .son of Benjamin and 
Rachel (Stinsonj Henton, natives of Rockingham County, Vir- 
ginia, and Ross County, Ohio, respectively, the former being 
born in 1793 and the latter in 1801. They came to Peru in 
1837. where the husband followed the practice of medicine until 
March, 1863, when his death occurred. He was elected to the 
Legislature in 1846 and to the State Senate in 1852, serving one 
term in each house. The subject was reared principally in Peru 
where he secured a very good education, He was elected Sher- 
iff on the Democratic ticket in 1847 and served two terms, and 



434 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

was a mail agent from 1856 to i860, running over the I., P. & 
C. route. In 1854 he held the responsible position of cashier of 
the State Stock Bank of Peru, which he held for one year, 
and he then moved on a farm of 120 acres a short distance 
north of Peru. His marriage to Miss Caroline Skinner was sol- 
emnized November i, 1855, she being a daughter of Corsen C 
Skinner (deceased ), of this count}-. Three children were born as 
the result of this union. Mr. Henton's political views are Democratic. 

CARTER B. HIGGINS. M. D., is a native of Preble County, 
Ohio, born December 15, 1843, being the eldest of the family of 
Jesse and Ann M. (Rodebaughj Higgins, natives respectivel}' of 
Montgomery County, Ohio, and Albany, New York. The family 
is of English extraction. The father of our subject came to Miami 
County in 1846 and settled in Peru. He first took charge of the 
Peru Mills and subsequentU' dealt in real estate. From 1S58 to 
to i860, he was Deputy Treasurer of Miami County. Later he 
was Mavor of Peru. He was a prominent man and held many posi- 
tions of trust with credit to himself. His death took place January 
17, 1879, having been born in 1806. His marriage was solemnized 
December 27, 1841. Of five children born, only two survive; 
Harriet M. Logue, of Chicago, and the subject of this biography, 
who was educated at the Peru High School and Earlham College. 
At eighteen years of age he began the study of medicine in the 
ofiice of Drs. Constant and Walker, of this city, and in October, 
1865, he entered the Rush Medical College at Chicago and gradu- 
ated from that institution in 1866, and then returned to Peru, and 
engaged in the practice of his profession in partnership with Dr. 
Walker, one of his preceptors. This union practice continued until 
1869, when Dr. Higgins removed to Rochester, Indiana, where he 
remained a short time and then returned to Peru and this has 
since been his residence. He still continues the active prac- 
tice and is one of the leading physicians of Miami County. He 
was marj-ied January 22, 1868, to Miss Sarah E. Jay, of Miami 
County, daughter of Thomas Jay, deceased. To this issue are 
three children; Clara, Jesse and Alice. Dr. Higgins is Secretary 
of the Miami Medical Society, and Treasurer of the State Society 
and a member of the American Association. He also holds the 
position of consulting surgeon of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific 
Hospital located at Peru. He is a Mason and a man of promi- 
nence and honor. 

JOSEPH HOLMAN. Prominent among the pioneers of 
Miami County was Joseph Holman, a name familiar to all the 
early residents of the city of Peru. He was a nati\e of Ken- 
tucky and son of George Holman, who figured conspicuously in 
the early annals of the "Dark and Bloody Ground," locating 
there many years ago when the countrj' was in the possession 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 435 

of the Indians. When quite young he was stolen by the sav- 
age.s who kept him a prisoner until his seventeentii year, in the 
meantime becoming habituated to all the modes and customs of 
the tribe, with the majority of which he appears to have been 
on terms of greatest friendship. He left Kentucky in an early 
day emigrating to hidiana and settling in Waj'ne County, where 
his death occurred a number of years ago at the advanced 
age of one hundred and seven years. Joseph Holman came to 
Indiana about the year 1820 and located in Wayne County, where 
he continued to reside until 1836. In the latter year removed to 
Miami County and settling in Miamisport, purchased a tract of 
640 acres of land on the Wabash, upon the eastern half of 
which the original plat of Peru W'as subsequently laid out by 
William N. Hood.- A large portion of the western half is in- 
cluded in the cit}- limits, and the entire tract now represents a 
value of several million dollars. Mr. Holman traded extensively 
in lands and all kinds of real estate and was prominently asso- 
ciated with the early growth of Peru and Miami County. He 
was land commissioner at Fort Wa\ne, during the administration 
of John Quincy Adams, but soon after the inauguration of 
Andrew Jackson was relieved of the office for political reasons. 
He was a man of recognized ability in the various spheres of 
life, an active politician, and took part in the convention which 
framed the present constitution of Indiana, having been elected 
a delegate to the same. He married Lydia Overman by whom 
he had the following children : Mary, Soloman, Martha and 
Elizabeth, deceased, and Rachel, Margaret, William and George, 
living. In about the year 1839 he disposed of his interests in 
Miami County and returned to Wayne County, where his death 
occurred in 1872 at the age of eightj'-four years. 

SOLOMON HOLMAN, second child and oldest son of Jos. 
Holman, was born 1813 in Wayne County. In earh' life he learned 
civil engineering and assisted on many public works of Indiana, 
having been for sometime em])lo\ed in surveying the White Water 
Canal, and subsequently was assistant superintendent under Jesse 
Williams in the construction of the Wabash and Erie Canal. He 
located permanently in Miami County in 1836, and in addition to 
his duties as civil engineer, carried on a farm west of Peru, now in 
the corjioration limits of the city. He was a prominent citizen of 
Miami Count}-, a leading Mason, and his funeral in August, 1852, 
was the occasion of one of the largest Masonic pageants ever wit- 
nessed in Peru. He married about the year 1835 Mary Forgy, 
daughter of Stewart and Margaret Forgy, of Ohio, but early set- 
tlers of this county, moving here early in the thirties. The follow- 
ing are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Holman, 
viz.: Margaret, wife of N. Black; Lewis P., Lydia J., wife of John 



43^ HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Melcher; William, Emma (deceased), wife of N. Balantine; 
Joseph and Edgar (deceased). 

LEWIS P. HOLMAN, the gentleman whose biographical 
sketch is herewith presented, is the eldest son of Solomon 
and Mary E. (Forgy) Holman, natives respectively of 
Indiana, and Ohio. The father was a pioneer of Miami 
County, emigrating here as early as the year 1836 and settling 
a short distance from the City of Peru, where he engaged in 
agricultural pursuits which he carried on for a number of years 
in connection with his profession of civil engineer. He bore a 
a conspicuous part in the early development of the county, was a 
man of much more than ordinarj- powers of mind, and departed 
this life about the year 1852. Lewis P. Holman was born on 
the paternal homestead, in Miami County, on the 24th day of May 
1 84 1. He spent the greater portion of his early life as a farmer 
securing in the public schools an education, which, although 
not of the highest scholastic order, was of a character that has 
since enabled him to participate successfully in the details of an 
active business life. Upon the breaking out of the rebellion, 
when but little more than twenty years of age, with the spirit 
that actuated the movements of all patriotic young men and old, 
throughout the entire North, he volunteered in the service of 
his country to do battle for the maintenance of her rights. In 
October, 1861, he enlisted in company' G, 51st Indiana infantry 
and shared the vicissitudes and fortunes of war with the same 
until honorably discharged from the service on the 13th day of 
January, 1866. His military record is one of which he feels 
justly proud, and during his term of ser\ice, he participated in 
man}' of the bloodiest battles of the war, among which were 
Perrysville, Stone River, Shiloh, Chickamauga, Franklin, Nash- 
ville and numbers of lesser engagements. Immediately after 
enlistment he was promoted corporal, later to 4th duty sergeant 
and from that to orderly sergeant. On the 2d day of April, 
1865, he was promoted to 2d lieutenant, which commission he 
held until the close of the war. Having thus completed his 
military career, he returned to Miami County and engaged in 
the pursuit of agriculture which he carried on successfully until 
1878, at which time he abandoned the farm and began the lum- 
ber business in the Cit}' of Indianapolis where he remained until 
18S2. In the latter year he again returned to Miami County 
and engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Peru, 
which he has since continued successfully and with financial 
profit. Mr. Holman is a man of liberal \iews, and while taking 
an active part in political affairs iias never been a partisan in 
the sense of seeking official position. He votes the Republican 
ticket and is an active member of the G. A. R. and the Masonic 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 437 

fraternities. On the 20th of Febrimr}-, 1866, was solemnized his 
marriage with Miss Emily Blake, daughter of Samuel Blake, 
one of the early settlers of Miami County. Mr. and Mrs. Hol- 
man have two children, namely: Roxella and Lou Emma. 

WILLIAM N. HOOD, one of the original proprietors of 
of Peru, was a native of Ohio, born about the year 1791 or 
'92. Mis father, Andrew Hood, emigrated from Kentuckv in an 
early day and was one of the first residents in the vicinit\- of 
Da\ton, near which city the subject of this biography passed his 
youth and early manhood. In 1819 William Hood came to Indi- 
ana and located in Fort Wa3-ne, where, for a number of years, 
he carried on a successful mercantile business, dealing extensively 
with the Indians during the period of his residence there. He 
moved to Miami County in 1S31 and purchased of Mr. Holman 
a large tract of land on the Wabash River, including that upon 
which the City of Peru now stands. In 1834, in partnership 
with Richard L. Britton and Hon. Jesse L. Williams, he laid 
out the original plat of the city for the ostensible purpose of 
securing the county seat. After locating the town Mr. Hood 
engaged in speculating in lands and real estate, which he fol- 
lowed until his death, and in which he was very successful, accu- 
mulating a valuable property and becoming quite wealthy. While 
a resident of Fort Waj-ne he became acquainted with and married 
Sophia C. Ewing, daughter of Alexander and Charlotte E. Ewing, 
who were among the early prominent residents of that cit}'. Mr. 
and Mrs. Hood raised a family of five children, viz: Andrew A. 
(deceased), Richard B. (deceased), William E., David B., liv- 
ing at this time in Peru, and Susan W., wife of Howard Hug- 
gins, of New York City. Mr. Hood was a man of fine abilities, 
and in 1S36 was elected to represent Miami Count}' in the State 
Legislature. He served one term and in 1838 was re-elected to 
the same position, but did not live to enter the second time upon 
the discharge of his official duties, dying on the 9th day of July 
of the latter year. Mrs. Hood sur\ived her husband about 
thirty-one years, d3'ing in 1869. 

'MICHAEL liORAN is a native of the County of Roscom- 
mon, Ireland, and was born September 22, 1841. His parents 
are Michael and Margaret (Byrne) Horan, also natives of Ireland, 
who emigrated to the United States in 1847 and located in San- 
dusky City, Ohio. The subject was reared in Hamilton, Ohio, 
where he received a common school education. He came to 
Miami County in 1861, where he has since resided. He was 
elected County Surveyor in 1880 on the Democratic ticket, and 
was the candidate for the fourth time. Previous to his election 
he was engaged at his trade — painting — which he learned when 



438 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

a bov. On the 23d of September, 1886, he was manied to Miss 
Elizabeth Campbell. 

JACOB HOSTETLER came to Miami County in the 
year 1847 from Tuscarawas County, Ohio, where he was born 
January 8, 1826, the youngest son of twelve children born to 
Benjamin and Catharine (Miller) Hostetler, natives of Penn- 
sylvania and of German descent. Our subject was reared 
on a farm in his native county, and then settled on a 
farm in Erie Township, where he remained until 1883, when 
he came to Peru Township. He has held the offices of 
Assessor and Trustee of Erie Township, and is the possessor 
of 280 acres of fine land situated in these townships. June 
25, 1846, he and Miss Elizabeth Shetler were united in holy 
matrimonial bonds, and to them eleven children have been 
born, ten of whom are livinir: MarN' E., Benjamin, John, Caro- 
line, Gideon, Frank, Jacob H., Elizabeth, Ulysses G., Edward and 
Laura. He and family are members of the U. B. Church, and in 
politics he is a Democrat. 

REV. WALTER L. HUFFMAN, one of the pioneer min- 
isters of the Methodist Church in Northern Indiana, was born in 
Tioga County, New York, on the 5th day of June 1816. When 
about three years of age, his parents removed to Livingston 
County and settled near Genessee, the same State. Here young 
Walter was sent to the district school in a little deserted cabin 
that had been vacated by some previous occupant. This prim- 
itive building was fitted up with rail seats and other furniture in 
keeping, and here the young student was required to study until 
both head and back were almost racked with pain. When he 
had arrived at sufficient age he worked on the farm in summer 
and attended school at intervals during the winter seasons. Sub- 
sequently his parents heard of the far west, which was then 
Ohio, and possessed of an ardent desire to move to a place 
where cheap lands could be obtained they sold out after the 
lapse of a few years, and emigrating to Northern Ohio, settled 
near Florence, in Huron County. Here Walter, being now a 
Aoung man, took charge of his father's farm and while thus em- 
ploved, snatched what time he could from his daily toil to study. 
Bv a thorough course of reading, the greater part of which was 
done by the flickering light of the old lard lamp stuck in the 
jamb of the chimney, he soon became well informed on all 
the current topics of the day, besides making substantial progress 
in history and some of the higher branches of learning. As 
he advanced in his studies, he sought an opportunity to 
recite to an instructor which was soon gratified in the person 
of Rev. J. F. Chaplin, a minister of much learning and piety, 
then .stationed at Elvria, Ohio. In 1828, before leaving his 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 439 

native state, in a re\i\al meeting near Brook's Grove, conducted 
by Rev. A. Haywood, he, witli a number of others, gave his 
young heart to Christ and connected himself with the Meth- 
odist Episcopal church. At the same time and place he felt that 
he was called to the work of the ministry, to which end he 
directed his education and all his mental and moral nature that 
he might become, as he afterwards did, a successful preacher of 
the gospel. In the winter of 1837 he came to Indiana and set- 
tled at Crawfordsville where he was licensed to preach, and dur- 
ing the interim of the session of the Annual Conference in 1839, 
taught school in various parts of the country. He was subse- 
quently requested b}' Major J. C. Elston, at the time postmaster 
at Crawfordsville, to take charge of the postoffice, which posi- 
tion he accepted and tilled to the entire satisfaction of the peo- 
ple and his employer. In the fall of 1839, he was recommended 
as a suitable candidate to be received into traveling ministry, 
and at the Annual Conference held that year at Lawrenceburgh, 
he was duly received and sent to Covington circuit as junior 
preacher, the Rev. James L. Thompson being preacher in charge. 
In the fall of 1840 he was sent to the Rensselaer circuit and 
the fall of 1841 to Williamsport, where he remained for 
only a short time. As the preacher sent to Logansport had 
by reason of poor health resigned, the Presiding Elder changed 
him from Williamsport to Logansport to till out the unexpired 
term. The following year he was sent to South Bend, from the 
latter jilace to LaPorte, thence to Crawfordsville station, and 
from the latter place to Centreville, in Waj'ne County. At the 
close of his second year at this station he was appointed agent 
for the Asbury University, now DuPauw, in which capacity he 
continued for a period of two years. Severing his connection 
with the agency, he was sent to Peru station, and during his 
two years' pastorate he built the Main Street Church, which still 
stands an eloquent monument to his untiring energy and indus- 
try. At the close of his pastoral labors in this city he was 
appointed Presiding Elder of the Peru District, the duties of which 
responsible position he discharged for two years. Near the 
expiration of his term in the district it was but too plainly seen 
bv his man\- friends that his health was giving way, and that 
lighter work and less exposure to the rigor of the weather was 
absolutely necessary. The Bishop sent him the second time to 
take charge of the Logansport station. It was during his second 
pastorate in that city that he commenced the erection of that 
beautiful stone temple of woi\ship on Broadwa\-, one of the most 
commodious church edifices in Korthern Indiana. He closed his 
labors in Logansport at the end of one year, and, although strongl}- 
solicited to return, saw fit on account of rapidly failing health to decline. 



44° 



HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 



and it was at his request that tliat vear was granted by the confer- 
ence a certificate of location. Since then he has been an earnest laborer 
in the local ranks, and, as such, has done as much work for 
the Master as he could possibly have done as traveling minis- 
ter, having had and still has more calls to preach than he can 
lind time to fill. His popularity as a minister is attested b}' the 
fact that the people, who have had the privilege of once hear- 
ing him, always desire to attend his meetings the second time, 
and scores of persons, noted for their deep pietj- and active 
christian experience, were induced to abandon the ways of sin 
for the better waj- leading to Life and Holiness, through the 
effect of his eloquent and powerful appeals. As a pulpit orator 
he is always clear and logical in his statements, eloquent and 
impressive in application, and well calculated in his manner to 
effectually reach the hearts of the people. During the half 
century of his ministry he has united in marriage over eleven 
hundred couples, and in the dark hours of bereavement, 
has ofliciated at the funerals of more than twelve hun- 
dred persons. The companion of his youth died in 187 1. 
The children, one son and a daughter are still li\ ing. This 
venerable and highly honored servant of God is now in his 
seventy-first year, and although the frosts and snows of many 
winters have been scattered upon his brow — eloquent of the 
rapidl)' passing time — vet life's evening is full of hope and the 
promise of a brighter dav to come. 

NICHOLAS A. HULL, the subject of this biography, is 
a native of Sweden, and dates his birth from the 25th day of 
April, 1848, a son of Magnus and Thoa Hull. During his boy- 
hood and early youth he attended the schools of his native 
country and laid the foundation for a good education, which, 
aided bv travel and experience, has developed into a fund of 
paactical knowledge. Having early manifested decided taste 
for mechanical pursuits he, at the age of twelve, began to 
learn the cabinet maker's trade, in which he soon acquired 
considerable proficiency. Tliinking that the New World af- 
forded better opportunities for a young man than his native 
land, he left the latter in 1861, and emigrated to the United 
States; located in New York Cit}-, where he found employment as 
a skilled workman in the manufacture of piano-fortes. In the fall 
of 1863 he joined the United States navy as a carpenter's mate, and 
subsequently (1866) went to the City of Chicago, where he 
worked at his trade until he removed to Peru in the year 1872. 
Upon reaching the city he engaged with the Indiana manufac- 
turing company, and at this time holds the responsible position 
of superintendent of the cabinet department for the manufacture 
of sewing machine wood work. ISIr. Hull is a skillful mechanic, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 443 

thoroughly conversant with all the details of the trade, and has 
the confidence of his employers. Politically he is a supporter of 
the Democratic part}-, though he has never tigured as a partisan 
or office seeker. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, in 
the deliberations of which order he takes an active part. He 
was united in marriage with Miss Cecelia Lawson, of Chicago, 
on October i6, 1868. 

DAVID IRWIN was born January 27, 1847, in Peru, and 
is the eldest son of Hezekiah and Matilda (Coughenour) Irwin, 
natives of Huntington Count}', Pennsylvania, who came to Miami 
County in 1845, and located in Peru, where our subject was 
reared. At the age of fifteen he began to learn the butcher's 
trade with Mr. Henry Mack (deceased), and in 1867 commenced 
the business for himself. November 13, 1870 he was united in 
marriage to Miss Nellie H. Pierce, a native of this State. To 
them has been born one child, Harry, January 27, 1872. He was 
again married September 28, 1876, to Miss Emma N. Stigle- 
man, of Peru, daughter of Samuel M. Stigleman. Our subject's 
father was married in 1845, and became the parent of four chil- 
dren, viz: David, Caroline, William (deceased), and Samuel. 
David, the subject of this biographical sketch, is an Odd Fellow, 
this being the only secret society of which he is a member, and 
in poHtics is a Democrat. He received a very fair education, 
and all in all is a most worthy citizen. 

ELI J. JAMISON was born in Frederick County, Mar}land, 
November 24, 1820, and is the fourth son of John and Sarah 
(Harris) Jamison, both natives of Maryland and of English-Scotch 
origin. The subject of the biography remained on the Maryland 
farm until 1837, when he came to Indiana and located in Wa}ne 
County, where for three years he served as an apprentice at the 
cabinet maker's trade. In 1848 he engaged in the general fur- 
niture and undertaking business in Muncie, in partnership with 
his brother John Jamison. In 1856 he came to Peru, where he 
continued the business until 18S0, when he sold the furniture 
department and is now only engaged in the undertaking business. 
He has been a member of the Town Council for more than ten 
years. The marriage of Mr. Jamison occurred i84i,to Miss Sarah 
Dinwiddie, a native of Peru. They have two children, viz.: Henry 
B. and Elizabeth L. Mrs. Jamison died in 1S46. In 1848 Mr. 
Jamison was married to Miss Mary S. Marshall of Kentucky. He 
is a member of the Democratic party and of the Masonic frater- 
nity, and also an Odd Fellow. 

JAMES J. KEVES is a native of Pickaway County, near 
Circleville, Ohio, and was born November 6, 1846. Me is a 
son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Oman) Keyes, natives of the 
same countv in Ohio. The father came to Butler Township, 

12 



444 ' HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

this county, in 1847; was a farmer, died September 18, 1868: 
was at one time township assessor of Butler Township. The 
mother's death occurred September 4, 1879. The person whose 
name appears at the commencement of this sketch was reared 
on the farm in Butler Township, and at the age of twentj- 
secured employment with a Mr. Whittenberger, grocer, as clerk, 
and afterwards engaged with Mr. N. C. Brower, boot and shoe 
dealer, where he remained until 1876, when he formed a co-part- 
nership with Alexander Keyes and started a general store at 
Xenia, where they continued until 1882, when he purchased a 
shoe store in Logansport and moved the stock to Peru, and 
since 1883 has been transacting business at that place. In June. 
1885, Wm. M. Trout became his business partner. Mr. Keyes 
was married to Miss Ida Jacobs, daughter of Samuel Jacobs of 
Logansport, June 10, 1S80, to whom were born two children; 
Evelyn, born December 9, 1883, and Clarence L:, born Octo- 
ber 29, 1885. He is an ardent adherent of the principles and 
practices of the Republican party, and is a member of the 
Knights of Honor. Mr. Keyes is an honest, upright citizen and 
commands the respect of the entire community in which he 
resides. 

RICHARD KILGORE, editor and proprietor of the Evcii- 
1)1 <( yoiinial, was born in Peru, Indiana, December 18, 1866, and 
is the second child of W. W. and Jane (Kinsley) Kilgore, natives 
of Kentucky. W. W. Kilgore came to Miami County Indiana, in 
1868 and for some years was in partnership with E. H. Shirk in 
the mercantile business. Richard Kilgore received a rudimentary 
education in the schools of Peru, supplemented by a course in 
Wabash College, which institution he attended for some time. He 
served a four vears apprenticeship in the Repuhlicau office, under 
Reed and Lock wood and after acquiring proficiency in the printer's 
trade, worked at the same in various places, having been one year 
emploved on The Enterprise, published at Michigan City. In June, 
1885, he accepted a position in the office of The Chieago Tribune 
which he held until March. 1886. when he returned to Peru, Indiana 
and purchased the Evening youriial, of which he has since been 
editor and proprietor. He has displayed fine ability in Journalism 
and at this time is perhaps the youngest editor in the State. He 
He was married September 7, 1886 to Miss Gertrude Canrode, 
daughter of T. W. and Jennv Canrode. of Kokomo. Indiana. 

'FRED A. KISSELL," Deputy Clerk Miami Circuit Court. 
was born in Peru, Indiana, May 17, 1858: the only son of George 
H. and Sallie T. (Tracy) Kissell. The father was a native of 
Pennsylvania, born February 26, 1833. He came to Indiana in 
1855, and was for a number of years express messenger on the 
I. P. & C. railroad, having run on the first train from Indianapolis 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 445 

to Peru. He subsequently abandoned the road and located in 
Peru, and later moved to a farm near the city. Me operated a 
large stone quarry for a period of about ten years, and died June 

22, 1886. Mrs. Kissell was the daughter of Carleton Tracy, 
who was one of the earliest pioneers of Miami County, settling 
here when Peru was but a niche in the surrounding forest. He 
was prominently identified with the early history of the count}-, 
held many positions of trust, and departed this life about the year 
1865. Mrs. Kissell was born in Peru January 7, 1834, ^"^ died 
August 22. 1882. Fred A. Kissell was reared to manhood in 
Miami Count}', received a liberal education in the countr}- and 
city schools, and at the early age of sixteen accepted a position 
in the Circuit Clerk's office under Jesse S. Zern. At the expiration 
of that otficial's term of service he was appointed deputy by the 
present clerk, Charles A. Parsons, a position he still retains. Mr. 
Kissell is a careful business man and an accomplished penman, 
and his records are among the neatest and best kept of those in 
any of the public offices. He votes the Republican ticket and is 
a member of the Masonic fraternity. On the 5th of November, 
1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie D. Deniston, a 
union blessed with two children, Nellie M.. born July 26, 1880, 
and Jessie F., born August 13, 1883. Mrs. Kissell was born 
July 5. i860, in the city of New York. 

JULIUS KOHLS is a native of Prussia, Germany, was born 
November 3, 1851, and is the son of Wilhelm and Catharine Kohls. 
He emigrated to the United States in 1872, and came direct 
to Peru. In December, 1885, J. M. Garver, his step-father, came 
to America and located in Peru. He is engaged in business in con- 
nection with Mr. Albert Moesk. In April, 1876, he was united in 
marriage with Miss Louisa Conradt, a daughter of Mr. Charles 
Conradt (deceased), of this county. Four children have been born 
to Mr. and Mrs. Kohls, viz: Otto, Hulda, Hedwig and Catharine. 
Mr. Kohls has been an energetic citizen since his advent to this 
country, and by his judicious management has acquired a pleasant 
home and comfortable surroundings. He and his family are mem- 
bers of the German Luthern Church and he is a Democrat. 

JOHN C. KRATZER, a native of Switzerland, born March 

23, 1833, son of Christian and Elizabeth Kratzer. The family 
emigrated to America in 1849, and settled near Wooster, Ohio, 
and remaining there one year came to Miami County in 1850 
and settled on a farm in Clay Township and here the father 
of Mr. Kratzer died February 11, 1883, the mother preceeding 
him December 19, 1S81. The subject of this biography had 
the advantages of fine schools and received a classical edu- 
cation. At the age of ten he began serving an apprenticesliip 
at the jeweler's trade at his birthplace, Cheux-de-Fonds, Switzer- 



446 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

land. He came to Peru in 1852, since which time he has been 
engaged in the jewelr}- business in this city. By industry and 
energy he has succeeded, and is now one of the best business 
men in his line in this count}'. He was married November 10, 
1857, to Miss Eliza Rettig, a native of Ohio. By that union 
two children, were born. Mrs. Kratzer died April 2, 1879, 
and Mav 25, 1881 he married Mrs. Sarah Rettig, widow of 
John Rettig. Mr. Kratzer has been a member of the Peru 
City Council. He is a K. of P. and an Odd Fellow. He 
is a good citizen and an honorable man. He erected Odd Fellows 
Hall in this citv- He is a Democrat. Mrs. Kratzer has one 
daughter by her tirst husband. 

JOSEPH H. LARIMER. Clerk elect of Miami Circuit Court. 
Conspicuous among the self-made men of Miami County, is the gen- 
tleman whose name introduces this biographical sketch. Mr. Lari- 
mer was born in Deer Creek Township, this county, on the 3rd 
day of February, 1854, and is the fourth son of Joseph D. and 
Mary A. (Miller) Larimer, natives of Fairfield and Perry Coun- 
ties, -Ohio, respectively. Joseph D. Larimer was born in the year 
1826, emigrated to Indiana in 1846, and settled on a farm in Deer 
Creek Township, where his death occurred August 11, 1877. 
Joseph H. Larimer was reared to agricultural pursuits, re- 
ceived in the common schools a good English education, and 
at the age of twenty-one abandoned the farm, and commenced 
reading law with Messrs. Farrar & Carpenter, of Peru. He was 
admitted to the bar, October, 1880, but did not at once engage in 
the active practice of his profession, taking charge of the Bunker- 
hill Press, a weekly paper published at Bunker Hill, of which he was 
editor and proprietor, for about one year. Severing his connection 
with said paper, he returned to Peru and entered upon the active 
practice of the law, which he has since successfully continued. He 
early took an active interest in political affairs and developed con- 
siderable ability as a successful politician and organizer. He is an 
unflinching Democrat, and in 1886 was nominated by his party for 
the office of Circuit -Clerk. He made thd race against one of the 
most popular candidates the opposition could put in the field, and 
after a very close and exciting contest, was elected by a decided 
majority. As a business man and attorney, Mr. Larimer is straight- 
forward, upright and honorable, and as a citizen, he enjoys the 
respect and confidence of all who know him. On the 21st da}* of 
November, 1882, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Lillie M. 
Bliler, of Cass County, Indiana, to which union one child, Edna, has 
been born. 

ABRAHAM LEHMAN. The subject of this sketch is a 
native of Germany, born in Wurtemburg on the 19th of May, 1845. 
He enjoyed superior educational advantages in his youth, attending 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 447 

first the common and high schools of his native country and subse- 
quently the Kumzelan College, from which he graduated after a 
four \ears course. His literar}- education being completed Mr. 
Lehman, at the age of nineteen sailed for the United States and on 
reaching his destination came direct to Peru, Indiana, where he 
engaged as clerk with the mercantile firm of the Levi Brothers. 
He continued in that capacity for onl}- a limited period; engaging 
in 1867 with David Adler in the dry goods business at Attica, Indi- 
ana, where he carried on that branch of trade until 1870. He re- 
turned to Peru, the latter year and opened out in the clothing busi- 
ness, which he continued with success and linancial profit until 1S79. 
Me then engaged in the flax bagging and tow manufacturing, in 
partnership with the Rosenthal Bros., and in 1881 became a mem- 
ber of a stock company of which in 1882 he was elected President. 
This compan\- operate the large flax mills just west of the city, one 
of the leading industries of the county and do an extensive and 
prosperous business. Mr. Lehman was married October 29, 1884 
to Miss Ada Rosenfield, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Leh- 
man have two children, \iz: Bernard and Minnie F. 

WILLIAM W. LOCKWOOD, editor of the Peru Rcpuhliran, 
was born in Preble Count\-, Ohio, December 24. 1835. His father, 
George W. Lockwood, was born in Sussex Count}', Delaware, 
in 1809, and was accidentally killed in 1837. The mother of Mr. 
Lockwood was Belinda Lockwood, whose maiden name was 
Jackson. She died in Preble County, Ohio, in 1840, ha\'ing been 
born in that county in 1813. The paternal grandfather of our 
subject was William Lockwood, who was born in Delaware in 
1776: emigrated to Preble County, Ohio, in 1826, and died 
there the following year. The grandmother of Mr. Lockwood 
was Phoebe (Dingle) Lockwood, born in Delaware in i775) 
and died in Ohio in 1840. The Lockwood family is of English 
origin, though the family has been known in America for more 
than a centAiry. The subject of this sketch is the elder of two 
sons and because of the earh- death of his parents, was reared 
by his kindred, and in the tenth \-ear of his age came to Miami 
Count}' with his uncle, Daniel D. Lockwood. He first attended 
the common schools and subsequently was a student at Wabash 
College. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, Eighty-sixth In- 
diana Volunteers, and was honorably discharged at the close of 
the conflict between the States. From 1865 to 1867 he was an 
employe in the Indianapolis postofflce. In the latter part of 1867 
he engaged in teaching school, which occupation he continued 
without interruption until 1878. As a teacher he was a pro- 
nounced success, and is yet an uncompromising friend of the pub- 
lic schools and extended education. In 1878 he came to Peru 
and purchased a half interest in the Peru Rcpuhliran, and in this 



448 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

connection continues, and is a leading newspaper man of this 
portion of Indiana. Politically, he is an ardent Republican, and 
ever on the alert for the best interests of his party. His first 
right of suffrage was exercised for Lincoln for President. In 1867 
he was made a Mason, and is also a charter member of the K. 
of P. lodge of this cit)- and also G. A. R. post. December 28, 
1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Waite, daugh- 
ter of the late Sulli\an and Margaret (Woods) Waite of this 
county. Mrs. Lock wood was born in Allen Township, this 
county, February 24, 1848. To this union are five sons and two 
daughters, viz. : Charles W., George B., Margaret H., William 
W., Florence B., Arthur S., and Albert L. He and wife are 
members of the M. E. church, and are among the best people of 
this city or county. 

EBENEZER P. LOVELAND, late prominent lawyer of 
Peru, was born at West Rutland, \'ermont, November 25, 
1817. His parents were Col. Joseph and Beulah (Pratt) Love- 
land. When he was ten jears of age his parents moved to 
Granville, Ohio, at which place he attended school until his six- 
teenth year. His father dying at that time obliged him to rely 
in a great measure u]ion his own resources, and shortly after- 
ward he engaged in teaching, which he continued several years, 
pursuing his literary studies when not thus emplo\ed. He early 
chose the profession of law for a life work, and began his pre- 
paratory reading of the same under competent instructors at 
Richmond, Indiana, where he remained until the year 1840. He 
removed to Miami County that year and began the practice of 
his profession in Peru, where his high legal abilities soon won 
for him a conspicuous place. He continued in the active prac- 
tice at the Miami bar for a period of fifteen years, during which 
period he achieved the record of never having lost an important 
case entrusted to his manaj^ement. Durin<r the time he was 
practicing he was associated with Mr. Beal, under the firm 
name of Loveland & Beal, and Judge N. O. Ross, under the 
title of Loveland & Ross, the latter having been one of the 
strongest law firms in Miami County. In 1856 Mr. Loveland 
entered the field of journalism and founded the Peru RcpiihliciDi, 
which was the first successful effort to run a newspaper in oppo- 
sition to the Democracy in Miami County. The early success 
of this enterprise was such as to cause, for a time, the suspen- 
sion of the opposing paper. From the year 1863 to 1867 he 
was engaged as assistant paymaster, Indiana Legion, with head- 
quarters at Indianapolis, and at the time the Democratic mem- 
bers of the Indiana Legislature resigned their seats in order to 
prevent the adoption of the Fifteenth Amendment, was the 
Republican candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated by a 



BIOGRAl'IIICAL SKETCHES. 449 

\ei"v small majorit\-. In addition to his extensive professional 
business Mr. Loveland always took a conspicuous part in the 
internal improvement of the county and was largely instrumental 
in inaui^"urating the present efficient turnpike system of Miami. 
He also took an active interest in all measures having for their 
object the welfare of Peru, and while editor of the Rcpubllran 
persistently urged upon the citizens the propriety of improving 
and beautifying their premises and improving and keeping in 
repair the streets of the city. He earh- took a decided stand in 
fa\or of temperance reform in Indiana, and was an active mem- 
ber of the "Sons of Temperance" (^having been a total abstainer 
from the time he signed the Washingtonian pledge when quite 
a small bov in Vermont), and in 1851 was a delegate to 
the Grand Di\-ision of that organization for this State, which 
met at Indianapolis. While in attendance at this meeting he was 
chosen a delegate to the National Division, which con\ened at 
Richmond, Mrginia, in the summer of 1852. In 1S53 he was 
made vice president of the railroad then in process of construc- 
tion between the cities of Laporte and Peru. He was active in 
his endeavors to secure the location of the Howe Sewinji' 
Machine works in this city, and it was while trying to save the 
company's property in the great fire of Februarj- 10, 1876, that he 
met witli a violent death by being crushed beneath a burning build- 
ing. This sad event cast a shade of deepest gloom over the entire 
city and county, for his death was not onh" looked upon as a public 
calamity, but as a personal loss to the many with whom he came in 
contact in social and business relations. Mr. Loveland was an ardent 
supporter of the Republican party, hones^t in his political convictions 
and opposed to ever\thing seeming like dishonesty and trickery. He 
was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church to which 
nearly all of his family also belonged. On the 12th day of October, 
1842. at Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was united in marriage to Miss 
Jane Hood, by whom he had seven children, namely: IIenr\- C. 
(deceased), Celia, wife of A. Faling; Alice, wife of L. Morrill; 
Clara, wife of B. R. Graham; Hood P., Robert J. and Irene 
(deceased). 

ROBERT J. LOVELAND, attorney at law, and youngest son 
of Ebenezer P. and Jane Loveland, is a native of Miami County, 
Indiana, born in the city of Peru, January 17, 1858. He attended 
the city schools until his thirteenth year and subsequently, 1873, 
entered Central College, Franklin County, Ohio, where he pursued 
his studies for a period of four \'ears completing the prescribed 
course in that time. He then became a student of Wabash College, 
Indiana, and attended the same from 1877 till 1879, returning to 
Peru the latter year, and taking up the study of law in the office 
of Shirk & Mitchell. He pursued his legal studies under the above 



450 HISTORY OF MI.\.MI COUNTY. 

able instructors, until the spring of 1880, but prior to that time 
durinif his vocations, was en<;agecl in teaching in Ohio, and Miami 
Count}-, Indiana. He was admitted to the bar in 1880, but did not 
engage in the active practice of his profession until the spring of 
the following 3'ear, at which time he effected a co-partnership with 
E. T. Reasoner under the firm name of Reasoner and Loveland 
which lasted until 1S84. Since June, 1884 he has been associated 
in the practice with R. P. Etiinger one of the leading lawyers of 
Peru, and the firm thus constituted has a large and lucrative prac- 
tice in the courts of Miami and other- counties. From his bovhood 
Mr. Loveland has been a dilligent student, and that he has suc- 
ceeded in his chosen profession is evinced bv the reputation he 
enjovs among his brethren of the Miami County bar. He mastered 
the principles of the law in a short time, soon became familiar with 
its practice, and is now one of the best voung law\-ers in the city of 
Peru. He is an active member of the I. O. O. F. fraternitv. Votes 
in confirmity with the Republican party and since his thirteenth 
vear has belonged to the Presbvterian Church. 

HENRY^MEINHARDT, merchant, is a native of Breslau, 
German}', and onlv son of Henrv and Elizabeth (Franke) Mein- 
hardt. He was born March 14, 1852, and at the age of three j-ears 
was brought to the United States, and for ten years thereafter 
resided in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1865, he removed with his parents 
to Columbus and three years later came to Peru, Indiana, and 
engaged as salesman with the mercantile firm ol Kilgore & Shirk, 
in which capacity he continued until 1884. In March, 1885, he 
engaged in the dry goods business on his own responsibility, and in 
October of the same year, effected a copartnership with 0.scar L. 
Minor, which still continues. Mr. Meinhardt is a notable example 
of what energy and determination can accomplish in the face of 
adverse circumstances. Commencing life with little capital, save a 
desire to succeed, he has by diligent attention to business and strict 
probity of character, won for himself a place in the confidence of 
the people, and the house which he so recentlv established has 
alreadv become one of the well known business places of the cit}-. 
Mr. Aleinhardt is Independent, so far as politics are concerned, and 
in religion belongs to the Methodist church. His marriage was 
solemnized on the nth dav of Februarv, 1880, with Miss INIissouri 
Hazzard, daughter of John Hazzard, of Kokomo, a union blessed 
with the birth of one child. Mrs. Meinhardt is also a member of the 
Methodist church. 

REV. HENRY MEISSNER is a native of Munster, in 
the province of Westphalia, and the capital of that province. He 
was born on the 3d of December, 1842. His parents, August 
and Catharine (Brohmeyer) Meissner, both died when he was 
quite young, casting him upon his own resources and compelling 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 45 I 

him to flight tlie battles of earlv life, without the assistance of 
paternal care, in which he succeeded admirably, as the followin<j 
brief review will indicate: After the death of his parents his 
nearer relatives desired that he should learn the carpenter trade, 
but his strong desire for knowledge prompted him otherwise, 
and, at the age of sixteen, he entered the gymnasium or college 
in his native town, where he remained until tvvent3'-one years of 
age, when he graduated in Latin, Greek, mathematics, sciences 
and classics. He procured money sufficient to pa}- his tuition 
and purchase books, etc., by giving private instructions to his associ- 
ates, and by his superiority in examinations accomplished that 
which he had most desired. However, not satisfied with the 
amount of knowledge he already possessed, after he had attained 
his majority he entered the university and embraced the studies 
of theology, law, philosophy, etc., and continued there for three 
j-ears, or until 1866, when he graduated with degree in most 
branches as "excellent." In 1866 he embarked for America. 
About this time the Austrian-Prussian war broke put, lasting 
only about six months, and his country was about to be involved 
with France. I le landed at New York, going direct to Balti- 
more, where he finished his studies in St. Mary's Seminary. Our 
subject was ordained priest June 30, 1868, and then went to the 
Diocese of Fort Wayne, which comprises the Northern portion 
of Indiana. Here he had charge of the parish at Goshen, Elk- 
hart County, for two and one-half ^ears, and, in the beginning 
of 1 87 1, took control of the Crown Point charge, in which place 
he was continued for a period of nearl}' five years, and in Sep- 
tember, 1875, came to Peru, where he has since had charge of 
the parish at this place. While at Crown Point, by his indomi- 
table will and energy, he built a school house and church, which 
are both creditable reminders of his perseverance. At Peru he 
found the congregation encumbered with indebtedness to the 
amount of $16,000, which obligations have all been discharged. 
In 1S84 he returned on a visit to the land of his birth, and while 
on his trip visited many of the cities of France and Italy, making 
a stay of about four months. In 1880 he completed a volume 
of poems in the Low German entitled, "Knaffeln," or in English, 
"Biscuits," which was a youthful production, and also a \olume 
in High German, the title of which is " Orgeltoene," the English 
of which is " Organ Strains." He was advanced in 1880 by the 
Bishop to the position of Examiner and Visitor of the Fort 
Wayne Diocese. His territory as Examiner only extends over 
one district, viz: Peru. He is also one of three of the Board 
of Theolgians for the Diocese of Fort Wayne. 

MOSES MERCER, a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, 
was born September 5, 1827, and is the eldest son of Aaron and 



452 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Mahala (Oliver) Mercer, natives of Rockingham and Tiger's. 
Vallev. Va., and who are of English origin. The father moved 
from Virginia in 1815 to Muskingum Countv. Ohio, and moved 
to Peru in 1845, and is now a resident of Newton Countv, In- 
diana. He was born in 1802, and is still living and enjoying a 
reasonable share of nature's blessing. The subject was reared in 
Muskingum and Putnam Counties, Ohio, on a farm, until at the 
age of twelve he commenced to learn the trade of mill-wrighting, 
which he completed at eighteen and soon after abandoning it, 
adopted the occupation of carpentering, at which he worked 
until 1866. In 1845 he was located in the town of Peru. He was 
engaged by the Indianapolis, Peru & Chicago RaiKvav Companv in 
1865, to work in their shops, and then went with the Wabash Com- 
pany, where he worked in the wood department. He married 
Miss Ann J. Long on March 9, 1886. Miss Long was an 
accomplished daughter of Mr. John Long, a Cass County pioneer, 
who resided in the city of Logansport. Mr. and Mrs. Mercer are 
the parents of five children, Ada J., Mav, William S., Georgie (girl), 
and Robert E., deceased. Her death occurred in March. 1886. Our 
subject is a member of the Masonic fraternitv, and politicallv clings 
to the faith of the Republican partv. The famil\- are members of 
the Baptist churcli, and are regular attendants at public worship. 
GEORGE C. MILLER, of the mercantile firm of Shirk & 
Miller, was born in Cass County, Indiana, January 2, 1845, and is 
the eldest son of John L. and Mary (Long) Miller, natives respec- 
tively of Penns\lvania and Delaware. John L. Miller was one of 
the pioneers of Cass County, and for some years carried on the 
mercantile business in Logansport, having been one of the first mer- 
chants of that citv. He was a man widely and favorablv known 
and departed this life about the year 1851. George C. Miller was 
raised in Cass and Miami Counties, received a practical education 
in the common schools, and began life for himself as salesman in 
the mercantile house of Kilgore & Shirk, in Peru. He continued 
in the capacity of clerk until 1873, at which time he become a part- 
ner, and subsequently, 1880, when Mr. Kilgore retired he pur- 
chased that gentleman's interests, thus changing the style of the 
firm to that of Shirk & Miller, by which title it has since been 
known. To describe in detail the vast amount of business trans- 
acted bv this house would far transcend the limits of this sketch, 
but suffice it to sav, that in drv goods, hardware, agricultural 
implements, and, in fact, all kinds of general merchandise, it is one of 
the largest and most successful mercantile firms in Northern Indiana, 
affording employment throughout the entire year to about twenty 
clerks and salesmen. Mr. Miller, as manager of the immense busi- 
ness, displavs abilitv of a high order and a merchant thoroughly 
conversant with all the details of the trade, and, as a successful 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 453 

financier, lie is, perhaps, without a peer in the city of Peru. He is 
withal a very popular citizen, and his success in addition to his thor- 
ough knowledge of the business, is largel}' due to his induslr}- and 
tidelitv and that courtesy which marks the well bred gentleman. 
He was married March, 1870, to Miss Ella Leebrick, of Wayne 
Count}-, Indiana, who has borne him the following children, viz: 
Harry" L.. Charles W., Elbert S. and George C. Miller. 

WILLIAM B. MILLER. Auditor of Miami County, and son 
of George B. and Margaret (Columbia) Miller, was born in Fort 
Wayne, Indiana, February 20, 1845. George B. Miller was born 
in Columbus, Ohio, about the year 1S16, of German-Scotch ances- 
try, his parents being natives of Pennsylvania. He came to Indiana 
in 1836, settling in Fort Wayne, where he worked at the plasterer's 
trade, and where he resided until his removal to the town of 
Wabash in 1846. From there, in the year 1852 he came to Peru, 
where he still resides. Margaret Miller was born in the Citv of 
Fort Wayne, of French parentage, and died there on the 13th day 
of April, 1845. By a subsequent marriage with Mary Ross, sister 
of Judge N. O. Ross, of Peru, Mr. Miller has three children, all 
of whom are living at this time. William B. Miller was reared in 
Peru, moving to this city with his father when about seven years of 
age. He attended the city schools at intervals until his fifteenth 
year, at which early age he entered the arm}- enlisting in June, 1861, 
in Company A., 20th Indiana Infantry, with which he shared the vis- 
cissitudes and fortunes of war in many of the bloodiest battles of the 
Eastern Campaigns, including among others the expedition from 
Fortress Monroe to Fort Hatteras. Seven days fight before Rich- 
mond and retreat to Harrison's Landing. Bull Run, Gettysburg, 
Frederickburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness, Spottsylvania, 
Cold Harbor and Petersburgli. His term of service expiring immedi- 
ately after the engagement last named, he was honorably discharged 
at Indianapolis on the i8th of July, 1864. On leaving the arm \- he re- 
turned to Peru, but the following October he again tendered his ser- 
vices to the country and joined Company K., i42d Indiana Volunteer 
Infantry, with which he served till honorably discharged, August 5, 
1865, spending the greater part of the time in Nashville, Tennessee. 
His military record thus completed, he returned home and after 
remaining with his friends in Peru until April, 1866, went to Kan- 
sas City, Mo., at which place he worked at the plasterer's trade 
until 1872. He returned to Indiana that 3'ear and worked at his 
vocation in Logansport, until 1875, at which time he came back to 
Peru, where he has since resided. In 1883 he was elected a mem- 
ber of the City Council of Peru and in the fall of 1886, was nomi- 
nated on the Republican ticket for Auditor of Miami Count}-; an 
office to which he was elected after a spirited contest, overcoming a 
previous Democratic majority of 350 votes. Mr. Milller's record 



454 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

both as soldier and civilian is one of which he feels justlj- proud and 
his triumphant election over so much opposition attests his great 
personal popularity, with the people of the County. He is and has 
been since his twenty-first year an ardent supporter of the Repub- 
lican party and at this time is an active member of the G. A. R. 
and K. of H. orders. He was married July i8, 1S72, in Cass 
County, Indiana, to Miss Julia, daughter of George and Alary 
St. Clair, of the same county and State. 

OSCAR L. MINOR," of the mercantile firm of Meinhardt & 
Minor, was born in Rush County, Indiana, February 8, 1856, son of 
Constantine and Mary (^ Gates) Minor; both parents natives of the 
same State. Mr. Minor, when quite young, was taken by his parents 
to Rochester, Indiana, in which city he passed the years of his 
youth and early manhood, acquiring in the meantime from the pub- 
lic schools a practical English education. He came to Peru in 1872 
and engaged as salesman in the mercantile house of Kilgore & 
Shirk, where he remained until 1855, at which time, in partnership 
with Henry Meinhardt, he engaged in business for himself. The 
firm of Meinhardt & Minor, although but recently established, has 
already won a conspicuous place among the successful business 
houses of the city, and has a reputation more than local. Mr. Minor 
has passed the greater part of his life in the dry goods business, and 
is thoroughly well posted in all the details of the trade. He was 
married October 13, 1881, to Mrs. Susan (Culbertson) Bearss, of 
Peru. 

JUDGE JOHN MITCHELL, Peru. The subject of our sketch 
is a native of Great Britain. He was born in the city of Bristol, 
England, September 24, 1829. His father was a native of Prussia, 
and his mother a native of England. In November, 1833. he emi- 
grated, with his parents, to the United States, arriving at the city of 
Philadelphia. He lived in Delaware and Chester Counties, Penn- 
sylvania, until ten years of age. He then removed with his parents 
to Wayne County, Indiana, where he remained four }ears. His 
parents then removed to Peru, Indiana, bringing their family with 
them, arriving on the second day of October, 1843. Mr. Mitchell 
attended the public school, where he received a good primary edu- 
cation. After completing his course of stud}' in this department, 
he was sent to a seminary at Cambridge City, Indiana, where he 
continued his studies one year, under the supervision of Prof. Hos- 
hour, now of the Northwestern Christian University. At the age 
of 14 he learned the tailor's trade with his father, who was engaged 
in that occupation. This trade he followed in the city of Peru for 
a number of years, devoting hi?, spare moments to the acquisition of 
legal knowledge, in which pursuit he made rapid progress, under 
the instruction of the late Alphonso A. Cole. In 1861, he was 
elected Justice of the Peace, when he abandoned the tailor's trade. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 455 

devoting his entire time to the study of law. In December, 1863, 
he was admitted to the bar of Miami County, and entered into part- 
nership with Hon. H. J. Shirk, with whom he has since been asso- 
ciated, excepting a short interval in the winter of 1872. He was 
elected Justice of the Peace three terms, without opposition. He 
rose rapidh' in his profession, taking rank with the older members 
of the bar. In October, 1872, less than nine years after he 
commenced practice, he 'was elected Common Pleas Judge of 
the Twenty-fifth Judicial District of Indiana, composed of 
the Counties of Miami, Cass and Pulaski. To this office he 
was also elected without opposition* This was a high honor 
to confer upon him; and more particularly so, as he is the 
onlv member of the Miami Count}' Bar who was elevated to 
that position. In this capacity he served his constituents, until the 
Legislature abolished the court, when he resumed the practice of 
law with his former partner, Mr. Shirk. At the close of his brief 
judicial career. Judge Mitchell retired from the high position 
awarded him bv his fellow citizens, with an enviable reputation as a 
jurist, and a record of which he ma\' justh'be proud. The annals of 
the Twenty-Hfth Judicial District Court present no brighter example 
of integrity and dignity. He is a logical and impressive speaker, and 
is known throughout the county as a conscientious adviser and suc- 
ct?^sful practitioner. Though a self-made man, he is one of marked 
ability. His name will stand out prominent!}-, in the years to come, 
as an example of what may be accomplished by application and 
perseverance in the difficult profession of the law. Judge Mitchell 
was married February 24, 1859, ^^ Miss Caroline R. Foote, of 
Pavnesville, Ohio, who bore him several children, the following of 
whom are living, namelv: Emily M., Samuel C. and Mary F. 
Mitchell. Mrs. "Mitchell died on the i6th day of September, 1883. 

EDDMORE S. MORRIS, a native of Chillicothe, 4Uish (JI^^-^'k, 
County. Ohio, was born August 5, 1829, and is the eldest son of 
Carvil and Elizabeth (Beale ) Morris, who were natives of Ohio and 
Virginia respectively. Eddmore S. was reared on the farm until 
he reached the age of eighteen, wh«n his youthful patriotism grew 
so strong that he entered the service of his countrj- in the 
Mexican war in the Second Ohio regiment in 1847, 
and remained about one 3ear, and he then returned to 
the farm, there continuing until reaching his majority, 1850, when 
he came to Peru, and in a short time thereafter was to be found in 
Logansport learning the trade of a stone-cutter, and after a time, 
when his eanings would permit, he would attend school, applying 
his surplus earnings to the payment of tuition until his education 
was so complete that he llnally engaged in school teaching, at which 
he continued alternately with his trade until 1857, then returned to 
Peru and engaged exclusivel}' at his business until 1862. He then 



456 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

purchased the Brownell farm which he managed for three ^-ears 
and then disposed of it and embarked in the mercantile business, 
in which he did not prove to be successful, losing his entire investment, 
$15,000. Although luck was not his companion, in 1869 he again 
re-opened his business, having secured the aid of some eastern capi- 
talist, which again re-established him, and since which time he has 
been doing a thriving trade in the irrocerv and bakerv business. 
The 19th of Januar}-, 1857, his marriage was solemnized, he taking 
as a life partner Miss Nancy Johnson Grant, a native of Butler 
County, Ohio, and to them seven children were born. Their names 
are Nellie B., Jennie F., Elmer S., Wilbur G., Schuyler M., Lizzie, 
lea E., and Anna (deceased ). In 1853 he was made a Mason and 
also an Odd fellow. Politically he is a Republican. His son Elmer 
S., is an attorney at law, born in November, 1861, and commenced 
practicing in 1883. He is a graduate of the High Schools of Peru, 
as are also Wilbur S., Schuyler M., Jennie and Nellie. 

JOSEPH D. GATES, a native of New Buffalo, Berrian 
County, Michigan: born June 30, 185 1, and is the second son of 
Joseph D. and Hannah (Austin) Gates. His father was born in 
England and his mother in Indiana. In childhood the subject re- 
moved with his parents to Lake County, Indiana. At nine years of 
age he went to LaPorte to live with an aunt. In 1865 he began 
working on a farm in Porter Count}'. Here he was accorded the 
privilege of attending school during the winter months. In 1868 he 
returned to LaPorte and began learninir the cabinet maker's trade. 
He came to Peru in 187 1 and from that time until 1883 he was em- 
ployed in the sewing machine factory of this city. Since 1883 he 
has been engaged in the insurance and real estate business. Mr. 
Gates was united in marriage to Miss Indiana E. Snivelv, in 1878, a 
•daughter of John M. Snively of this city. To this union are four 
children, viz: Fred M., Alice E., Arlie M., and Indiana M. Mrs. 
Gates died May 31, 1886. In politics our subject is a Republican. 
In 1882 he was elected Councilman from the second ward, and re- 
elected to the same office in 1884, and elected to the same office in 
1886. He is an honorable citizen and a man greatly respected. 

ANDREW J. PARKS." The subject' of this biography is a 
native of Miami County, born in Richland Township on the 22nd of 
June. 1843. His parents, James and Jane (Watson) Parks, were 
born in Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. The father came to 
Miami County in his early manhood — about the year 1839 — and 
purchased land in Richland Township, upon which he lived until his 
death, in i860. Andrew J. Parks was raised a farmer, received a 
practical education in the common schools, and followed agricultural 
pursuits in his native township until 1880. In that year he was 
elected Sheriff of Miami County, and in order to conveniently dis- 
charge his official duties, moved to Peru, where he has since resided. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 457 

His official record having been one highly satisfactory to his party 
and the people at large throughout the county, he was re-elected in 
18S2 and served until 1884. At the expiration of his term of othce, 
Mr. Parks opened out in his present business, viz. : dealing in har- 
ness, trunks and buggies, and has already met with well earned suc- 
cess in the enterprise. In 1865 he entered the service of his country 
as private in Company K, 134th hidiana Volunteer Infantry, but the 
war closing soon after, he was in the army for a period of only four 
months. He is prominently identified with the I. O. O. F., K. of 
P. and Masonic fraternities, and also belongs to the G. A. R. His 
marriage in 1866 to Miss Sarah E. Monteith, daughter of Watson 
Monteith, of Richland Township, has been blessed with the birth of 
three children, viz: Emma (deceased), Louie and Watson Parks. 
Politically, Mr. Parks is an ardent supporter of the Democratic 
party. 

CHARLES A. PARSONS, Clerk of the Miami Circuit Court, 
was born in the citv of Lockport, N. Y., Juh' 11, 1839, ^""^ ^^ '''"^ 
youngest son of Aaron and Emily (Stowe) Parsons, natives respec- 
tively of Massachusetts and Connecticut. The subject spent his 
youth on a farm, received in the common schools a practical educa- 
tion and at the age of fourteen accepted a position with the Great 
Western railroad company, in the employ of which he remained 
until he removed to Peru in 1859. In the latter }-ear he 
received a position in the freight department of the I., P. & C. Rail- 
road with headquarters in Indianapolis, and in 1861 became passen- 
ger conductor, in which capacity he continued until taking charge of 
the office at Kokomo one year later. He served as local agent at 
Kokomo until January, 1865, at which time he abandoned railroad- 
ing and engaged with the American Express Company, Indian- 
apolis, in which city he subsequently became agent for the Mer- 
chants Union Express company, remaining with the latter for a 
period of ten years. At the end of that time he returned 
to Peru and again engaged in railroading, accepting the 
position of roadmaster with the I., P. & C, and continuing 
in that capacity until 1872. In that year he became identified with 
the Howe Machine Company with which he remained until 1873. 
when he accepted the position of Deputy Clerk, Miami Circuit 
Court, under Jesse Zern, the duties of which position he discharged 
in an eminently satisfactory manner until elected to the office in 1878. 
Mr. Parsons was elected on the Republican ticket by a majority 
vote of 404, a fact which attests liis great personal popularity in a 
reliably Democratic county. He was re-elected by a decided ma- 
jority in 1882 aud is the present incumbent of the office. Mr. Par- 
sons life has been a very active one and against his official record 
no breath of suspicion has ever been uttered. He is a public spir- 
ited citizen, takes a live interest in all measures having for their 



458 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

object the public good and is an active member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity. (3n the 8th day of May, 1862, was solemnized his marriage 
with Miss Mary A. Ferris, of Niagara Falls, N. Y., a union blessed 
with the birth of four children of whom the following are now living, 
to-wit: Anna H., Fred A., and Ella G. 

JACOB PAULY, is a native of Baden, German)-, and was 
born January 18, 1824. He is a son of Jacob and Mary Pauly, 
natives of Germany. He came to this countrv in 1851, and his par- 
ents followed ten years latter, he having been reared on a farm and 
received a good German education. On coming to this country he 
went to Cinciunati and worked at the shoemaker's trade, at which 
he had served an apprenticship of three years, and then came to 
Peru and worked at the tailor's business for about nine years, hav- 
ing abandoned the shoe trade on account of his eyes. In 1869 he 
opened his present business in Peru, at which he has been quite suc- 
cessful and has succeeded in accumulating considerable property. He 
was married in May, 1848, to Miss Mary Weltman, a native of Ger- 
many, who are now the parents of seven children, all of whom are 
dead. He passed through all the chairs of a subordinate lodge of 
Odd Fellows, is a Republican and cast his first presidential vote for 
John C. Fremont. 

ADAM RADER came to Miami County in the fall of 1840, 
from Rockingham County, Virginia. His birth occurred on the 8th 
of March, 1S22, being the eldest son of Henry and Sarah (Hoover) 
Rader, natives of the same county. The father came west at the 
same time and located on a farm in Peru Township, where he re- 
mained until death, April 9, 1872. In 1835 the subject of this 
sketch came to Clinton County. He was principally reared in 
Montgomery County, Ohio, where he received his education. He 
now owns eighty acres of land in Peru Township. He was married 
to Miss Harriet M. Wallace June 2, 1853, a native of Highland 
County, Virginia, to whom were born nine children: William, 
Henry, Edward, Lewis, Anna M., Sarah, Elsie, Martha and Pearley. 
Mr. Rader is an ardent Republican. 

WILLIAM RASSNER, the subject of this biography, was 
born in Germany on the 23d of April, 1823, and is a son of 
Albert and Elizabeth Rassner. He remained in his native countrv 
until nine years of age, at which time, 1832, his parents emi- 
grated to the United States, landing at the City of Baltimore in 
September of the above year. From there they removed to 
Chambersburgh, Pennsylvania, and thence in 1S35 to Dayton, 
Ohio, in which city the subject grew to manhood. His educa- 
tional privileges were fair, the best his opportunities afforded, 
yet of that practical nature which enabled him at the age of 
fourteen- to commence his business career as a druggist, at w-hich 
profession he served about six years, acquiring great proficiency 






^ 




y 



• BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 461 

in the meantime. Severing his connection with his preceptor in 
1846, he enlisted in the ist Ohio Regiment for the Mexican 
war, and continued with the same for about one year, serving 
part of the time as a private soldier, and a part in the capacity 
of hospital steward. On leaving the army he returned to Day- 
ton, and, in 1849, came to Peru, Indiana, where he opened a 
drug house and where he has since resided. He continued the 
drug business with encouraging success until 1873, at which 
time he retired from active life, and is now enjoying that quiet 
which only those who have battled with the world for over a 
half century know how to appreciate. Mr. Rassner has taken 
an active interest in the welfare of his adopted city, and all 
measures for the public good find in him an ardent and ener- 
getic supporter. He deserves mention for his efforts in the city's 
interest as a member of the Common Council, to which he was 
elected several times, and in the deliberations of which he dis- 
played wisdom and rare executive ability. He is at this time 
one of the trustees of the city water works. He was married 
August, 1848, to Miss Anna Raabe, of Germany, who bore him 
three children, viz: Matilda, Catharine and Amelia R. Mrs. 
Rassner died early in 1857. The latter part of the same year 
was solemnized his second marriage with Magdalene Springer, 
of Peru, a union blessed with the birth of two children, Emma 
and Frances. His second wife died in 1864. He married his 
present wife, Mary A. Stepler, in 1864, to which marriage four 
children have been born, viz. : Lizzie, Louisa, Elvira R., and David 
H. Mr. Rassner votes in conformity with the principles of the 
Democratic party, and has been an active participant in local 
politics. 

JOHN H. REAM is a native of Shanesville, Tuscarawas 
County, Ohio, and the eldest son of William and Harriet A. 
(Shultz) Ream, natives of Pennsylvania, who are of German 
descent, and came to Miami County in 1847 and located in Peru, 
the former being a blacksmith by trade. John H. was born 
December 10, 1838, and in 1853 commenced learning the trade of 
harness-making under J. M. Stutesman, serving an apprenticeship 
of nearlv three vears. Not being satisfied with his chosen vocation 
he secured the position of "news-butcher" on the railroad which 
he retained for some time, after which he worked in many depart- 
ments of railroad service, and was finally promoted to that of 
Master of Transportation of the Grand Rapids and Indiana R. R. 
(northern division) in which he was retained for about three years, 
with headquarters at Grand Rapids, Mich., In the year 1877, with 
Thomas, a brother, he engaged in the grocery and bakery business, 
and afterwards purchased his brother's interest in July 1886. In 
April, 1861, he entered the service of his country in the 13th Ind- 



462 HISTORY OF MIAxMI COUNTY. 

iana Regiment, Volunteer Infantiy, and was mustered out 
Juh' 2, 1864, as Sergeant, having then served over three 
years in this noble cause. He was wounded at the battle 
of the Deserted Farm, near Suffolk, Virginia. In 1865 he re- 
entered the service as Captain of Company H., of the 151st 
hidiana Volunteer Infantry, at the re-organization of that regi- 
meut, and continued until the close of the war or until the disband- 
ing of the troops. Mr. Ream's marriage to Miss Lottie C. Cov- 
elle, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was solemnized Februar\' 2r, 
1873, and to them one child — Anna M. — was born. Politically he 
is a Republican. He is also prominently identified with the Grand 
Army of the Republic, Masonic Fraternity, and Ro\'al Arcanum, 
in all of which he is a highly respected and much esteemed 
member. He conducts, at present, the leading grocery and baker\- 
business of Peru. 

GEORGE I. REED, editor Peru Republican, was born in Cass 
County, Indiana, December 14, 1838; son of James and Margaret 
(Cox) Reed. His father was a pioneer settler of Cass County, 
havinsj moved there in an earlv day from Ohio. His mother was a 
native of Tennessee: her father served in the war of 1812. Mr. 
Reed was educated in the district schools, at the Cass County Sem- 
inary and the Union Christian College at Merom, where he gradu- 
ated" in 1866. x\s a student he excelled in the languages and 
during the last three 3ears he taught the Latin classes. In July, 
1866, he accepted the position of Superintendent of the Peru city 
schools, which he was obliged to resign, on account of ill health, at 
the end of six months. After recuperating about one year, Mr. 
Reed, in connection with J. M. Brown, Esq., purchased the Peru 
Republican, with which he has since been identiried. The firm of 
Reed & Brown continued as such for about one year, when Mr. 
Reed purchased Mr. Brown's interest and remained sole proprietor 
until 1873. Mr. M. R. Sinks was then received as partner and he 
took charge of the mechanical part of the business. In May, 1878, 
he sold his share to W. W. Lockwood, Esq., of Odell, Illinois, since 
which time the firm has been Reed & Lockwood. Under Mr. 
Reed's management the Republican has become the leading news- 
paper in Miami Count\- and it is universally recognized as one of the 
oldest and most influential journals of Northern Indiana. From 
1867 to 187 1 Mr. Reed occupied the position of School Exam- 
iner, and subsequently served as President of the City School 
Board of Peru. In 1878 he was elected a Representative to 
the Legislature. The Republican is open for articles writ- 
ten in the interest of education, and few men have done more 
than he has toward developing the present effective educational 
system of his county. An earnest Republican, the columns of his 
paper are devoted during political campaigns to advocating the 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 463 

principles of his party. Mr. Reed is a member of the Christian 
Church and an active Mason. During the war he enlisted in the 
2 1st Indiana Volunteers, ist Heavy Artiller}', but was at once 
detailed for clerical duties in which he continued until peace was de- 
clared. He has been foremost in supporting all enterprises for the 
public good. He is of medium size and build, has genial, pleasant 
manners and stands deservedly high as a conscientious, intelligent, 
public spirited citizen. January 13, 1870, he married Maggie Rell, 
daughter of N. Bell, Esq., a prominent citizen of Kokomo. They 
have one child. 

WILLIAM C. II. REEDER, a native of Massillon, Stark 
County, Ohio, was born to Daniel and Sarah (Dames) Reeder, 
November 3, 1839, natives of Pennsylvania and England, respect- 
ivelv. The father's ancestors are of German descent. Mr. Daniel 
Reeder came to Miami County in the year 1854, ^^^ settled in 
Peru. The father was born in 1808 and the mother in 1821. The 
person whose name heads this sketch, is a cabinet maker, having 
commenced to learn the trade at the age of eighteen under Messrs. 
West & Jamison, and served an apprenticeship of three years. In 
July, 1 86 1, he answered the country's call and enlisted in the service 
for its preservation, in the 20th Indiana, Company A, and was 
mustered out in July, 1864. Was wounded twice at the battle of 
Peach Orchard, Va., June 25, 1862. He came back to Peru and 
and was emplo3'ed by his former emploN'ers, West & Jamison, 
with whom he again labored at his trade for about two years, after 
which he was employed by the I., P. & C. Railroad Company, in 
their wood department and is their pattern builder, at which he has 
been employed ever since. Our subject was united in matrimony 
with Miss Agnes Weist, of Huntington, Indiana, October 21, 
1869, and they have been blest with the birth of six children, 
named Charles, Emma, Edward, Robert and Anna, who are 
still li\ing, and John E., deceased. Mr. Reeder and family are 
very much respected citizens in the vicinity in which thev reside. 
He is a Republican. 

JOHN C. REYBURN was born in Peru, August 28, 183S: 
the eUlesl son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Timberlake) Revburn, who 
hailed from Ohio and Virginia, respectively. The father of this 
subject came to Miami County about the year 1836, a carpenter by 
trade, and was, in an earl\- day, elected Justice of the Peace. He 
died May 21, 1846, and the mother. May 6, 1850. John C. was 
also a carpenter, having learned the trade under a Mr. Timberlake, 
his uncle, and in 1879 commenced to work for Mr. Lenhart, who 
does a general furniture and undertaker's business. Near the close 
of the late war, March, 1865, he enlisted in the 155th Indiana Regi- 
ment, and was in the service about six months. His marriage to 
Miss Elizabeth Detamore was solemnized on the i8th day of August, 



464 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

1859, ^"^ they are now the parents of five children, four of whom 
are sttH Hving — Charles, Luella, Lillie, Emma, and Mary E. (de- 
ceased). His education was that usually received at the common 
schools. Our subject is a member of the Grand Army of the Re- 
public, and also represents his ward in the Council of the citv. 

JOSEPH REYBURN was born in Miami County, Ind., 
May 5, 1833, son of Rev. William M. and Sarah (Black)- Rey- 
burn. William M. Reyburn was born in Virginia Oct. 21, 1792, 
and when quite young emigrated to Ohio, settling near the City 
of Lewisburgh, where he grew to manhood's estate. He was 
raised a farmer, but earl}- entered the ministry of the Methodist 
Church, receiving his license to preach about the year 1829 or '30. 
In October, 183 1, he came to Miami Count}-, Indiana, and settled 
on land adjoining the City of Peru, where he opened a farm, which 
was his home the rest of his life. He was one of the first preach- 
ers in Miami County, and, in addition to the duties of his sacred 
calling, took an active interest in the political affairs of the county, 
having been elected a member of the Board of Commissioners in 
1835, Representative in 1841, and State Senator in 1843. He 
was a soldier in the war of 181 2, and while a resident of Ohio 
held the office of Major in the Militia of that State. His mar- 
riage with Sarah Black, of Ohio, was solemnized June 13, 1816, a 
union blessed with the birth of the following children : Eliza J., 
James M., Caroline, Sobieski, John C, Margaret, Sarah, William 
B., Joseph and Sarah, all dead but the subject of this sketch. Mrs. 
Reyburn died Jan. 28, 1849. Mr. Reyburn's second marriage was 
celebrated Sept. 26, 1850, with Ann S. Woodword, who is still 
living. His death occurred June i, 1854. Joseph Reyburn was 
raised in Miami County, and has spent all his life on the paternal 
estate west of Peru. He was educated in the early schools of the 
cit\-, which he attended at intervals until attaining his majority, 
when he began life upon his own responsibility, choosing agricul- 
ture as a vocation. He has led a quiet and ueventful life, and 
belongs to that substantial class of citizens whose recommendations 
to the confidence of the people are actions instead of words. He 
affiliates with the Republican party, and is a zealous Christian, hav- 
ing been born and raised in the Methodist Church, to which his 
familv also belongs. On the 25th of March, 1856, in St. Joseph 
Countv, Ind., he married Rachel L., daughter of George and Han- 
nah Deacon, of Ohio, to which marriage the following children 
have been born, to-wit: William A., Edwin C, Joseph S. and 
Marv Revburn. 

"HENRY REYNOLDS was born in the city of Ithaca, New 
York, May 21, 1837, and is the son of Abraham and Amanda 
(Purdv) Reynolds. His ancestors were English people, and sev- 
eral representatives of the family came to the New World in the 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 465 

first vessel that landed at the mouth of the Delaware River earh' in 
the 17th centur\-. The subject's grandfather, Samuel Reynolds, was 
a native of New York, and for many years a prominent business man 
of New York City, where he carried on the banking business. 
The grandfather, on the mother side, Monmouth Purdy, was born 
in New York also, and was a lartje farmer and stock raiser of 
Cayuga County. Abraham Reynolds was born in New York City 
about the year 1809, was farmer and stock raiser b\^ occupation, 
and died in his native State in the year 1854. Amanda Reynolds 
was born in Cayuga County, New York, and died there in 1864. 
Henr\- Reynolds was raised on a farm in Cavuga Countv and 
received a liberal education in the Courtland Academy, from which 
he graduated in 1859. He engaged in business for himself as a 
machinist, in Poplar Ridge, in which place and near by he oper- 
ated shops for a period of about twelve or fifteen vears. Disposing 
of his interests at the end of that time he went to Ithaca, New York, 
and accepted the position of superintendent of the Cavuga Lake 
Railroad shops in that city, in which capacitv he continued for a 
number of vears. He resided at Ithaca until the spring of 1886, at 
which time he came to Miami Countv, Indiana, and purchased an 
interest in the general foundry and machine shops, formerly oper- 
ated bv E. S. Hacklev and later bv Thomas Lovett. He is at this 
time a partner with A. J. Ross, and the firm thus constituted do a 
general foundrv and machine business, giving emplovment to about 
fifteen men. IVIr. Reynolds was married Jul\-, 1864, to Miss Eliza- 
beth Tuthill, of Pennsyhania. Mr. Reynolds is a Republican in 
politics, and with his wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church. 

CHARLES B. ROBINSON, JR., second son of C. B. and 
Mar\- E. (Bovnton) Robinson, natives of Maine, was born at the 
Citv of Farmington, New Hampshire, on the 9th dav of April, 1850. 
His parents came to Indiana in 185 1, and located in Peru, where 
Charles R. spent the years of his youth and early manhood, and in 
the public schools of which he enjoyed the advantages of an English 
education. At the a<re of fifteen he engaged as fireman on the Pan 
Handle Railroad, subsequently worked in the same capacit}' on the 
"Big Four" line, and still later, accepted a similar position on the 
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe road, for which company he was soon 
promoted engineer. In 1877 he engaged with the I., P. & C. road 
as entrineer, running between Peru and Michigan Citv, and still 
retains this place, being at this time in the employ of the Wabash 
Company. Mr. Robinson is a skillful railroad man, and has the 
confidence of the large corporation with which he has for so many 
years been identified. He belongs to the Brotherhood of Locomo- 
tive Engineers, Ro\al Arcanum, and is besides an active member 
of tlie K. of P. and I. O. O. F. fraternities. He votes in conformity 
with the principles of the Republican party, but is in no sense of the 



^66 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

word a partisan. In January, 1872, Miss Sarah M. Apperson, of 
Clinton County, Indiana, became his wife, and to their marriage 
have been born three children, viz: Xeil, Stella and Edith. 

RICHARD B. RUNYAX, ex-Audityr of Miami County, 
is a native of Trenton, New Jersey, born October 16, 1824. His 
father, Lewis Run} an, was a New Jersey merchant, and lived and 
died in that State. The mother of Mr. Runyan was Mary Ruiiyan, 
whose maiden name was Britton. The subject of this sketch was 
educated in the State of his nativity. In 1844 he came to Miami 
Countv and settled in Peru. Some 3ears afterward he removed to 
his present place of residence, just outside the present northwest 
citv limits. Here he owns a fine farm of one hundred and seventy 
acres, and has in addition valuable property in the city of Peru. 
Politicallv he has always been identified with the interests of the 
Democratic party. In October 1878 he was elected Auditor of 
Miami Countv and was re-elected to the same office in 18S2. He 
is a public man in whom the people of this county have implicit 
confidence. He is one of the most efficient county officials, the 
county has ever had. Mr. Runyan was married in November 
1853 "to Miss Maria McGregor, the onlv child of John McGregor, a 
man famous in the pioneer history of Aliami County and this city. 
He was born in Buckley Countv, Virginia, January 11, 1798, and 
died August 26, 1835. ^^^'S- Runyan was born May i, 1834, and 
was the first white child born in what was then known as Miamis- 
port, now a part of Peru. Thev have one son, Britton L. Mr. Run- 
yan is one of the representative citizens of this county. He and 
wife are members of the Episcopal church. 

JOHN SHAFER, a native of Ohio, was born July 10, 
1842, the second son of George and Catharine (Naucle) Shafer, 
of Germany, who came to Miami County in 1850 and located 
in Peru Township, the father always following farming for a 
livelihood. The subject was reared on a farm, and when the 
war broke out he enlisted in the 52nd Indiana Infantry, Company 
E., March, 1864, and was mustered out in May, 1865: was 
wounded durinu the fi<rht at Nashville, and was in several other 
engagements. His education was verv limited. His marriage 
to Miss Sarah B. Bell was solemnized November 15, 1867, and 
to them five children were born: Francis M., Walter L., Mary 
G., James O., and Otto P. His wife died in 1880. and in 1882 
he was ajjain married to Lurinda Croslev. and two children were 
the result of this second union. John Willard, and Charles. He 
is a member of the G. A. R. and is a Republican. 

DAVID L SHEARER, grain dealer and prominent business 
man, of Peru, is a native of Preble County. Ohio, born May 24, 
1820. His parents, David and Mary R. ( LaRose ) Shearer, w'ere 
natives of North Carolina, which State thev left in an early da}-. 



BIOGRAl-HICAL SKETCHES. 467 

emigrating to Ohio about the year 1804. David Shearer, senior, 
was descended from German ancestors and died in the year 1857. 
The mother's ancestors were French people and among the early 
residents of the Carolinas. She preceded her husband to the grave 
departing this life in 1852. They both lie buried at Huntington, 
Indiana, to which city they removed in the year 1840. The sub- 
ject, at the age of eight years, was taken to Tuscarawas County, 
Ohio, in the common schools of which he obtained the elements of 
a practical education. When thirteen years old he accepted a clerk- 
ship in a mercantile house at Shanesville, Ohio, where he remained 
until 1840, at which time he took service in the same capacity in fiunt- 
ington, Indiana, in which city he subsequentlv ( 1846) engaged in 
the goods business on his own responsibility. He remained at 
Huntington until 1866, at which time he disposed of his interests 
there and came to Peru and engaged in the grain business, a branch 
of trade he has carried on with success and financial profit ever 
since. He erected the large elevator in this citv which has a capac- 
ity of 40,000 bushels, and is one of the largest and most successful 
grain dealers in Northern Indiana. Mr. Shearer is a marked example 
of a self-made man, and from an humble beginning has bv dint of per- 
severance and a large share of well developed business sense, suc- 
ceeded in accummulating a comfortable competence. He is prom- 
inenth' identified w ith the Masonic Fraternity, having taken the 
degree of Sir Knight, and in religion holds to the creed of the Pres- 
byterian Church. His marriage on the 7th of June. 1846, with 
Miss Harriet Wiest, of York County, Pennsylvania, has been 
blessed with the birth of these children, viz: Mary D., B. F., 
George W., H. W., Louisa and Charles F. (deceased). 

E. H. SHIRK (deceased). Elbert Hamilton Shirk was born 
in Franklin County, Indiana, Februar}- 14, 18 18. He was the sec- 
ond son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Stout) Shirk, nati\es of Georgia 
and Kentucky, respectively. His boyhood was spent on his father's 
farm, where he enjoyed the limited advantages afforded by the 
public schools during the winter months On arriving at manhood, 
he attended college two years in Miami University, at Oxford. Ohio, 
where he studied Latin, French and Mathematics. After leaving 
the University he was employed as teacher in the County Seminary, 
at Rush\ille, Indiana, for two years, and immediately thereafter 
located in Peru, arriving here in the summer of 1844 and forming a 
partnership with the late John Ilarlan in the mercantile business. 
June 18. 1845, he was married to Mary Wright, of Franklin County, 
a lady of English descent, who returned with her young husband to 
the new and strange home in Peru. They came the old-fashioned 
way, bringing all of their goods in a two-horse wagon. A year later 
the firm of Ilarlan & Shirk was dissolved and Mr. Shirk continued 
the business alone. He was very successful as a merchant and ac- 



468 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

cumulated wealth very rapidl}'. From 1850 to 1855 he invested 
largely in Mexican war land warrants, which he laid judiciously in 
Iowa and other western States, which in turn were exchanged for 
improved farms in Miami County. This was the beginning of oper- 
ations in real estate which laid the foundation for a colossal 
fortune, equal in magnitude to that amassed in his commercial 
pursuits. The most profitable of these deals was the purchase 
of a large number of lots in Evansville and lands in south- 
western counties of the State, in 1862, that had been forfeited as 
donations to a railroad company; the purchase of large tracts in 
Kansas in 1868, and in Michigan in 1867: and the securing of 
equities in unencumbered Chicago real estate in 1874-75. In 
1857 he established a private bank and received deposits from 
farmers and others who had a surplus. In i860 he resumed 
mercantile business, which he had dropped for a few years pre- 
vious. Under the national banking act Mr. Shirk procured a 
charter and proceeded to organize the First National Bank of 
Peru, taking for himself one-half the stock, and subsequentlv, bv 
purchase, acquiring over nine-tenths. He was elected president 
of the bank and was re-elected annually from that time until his 
death. This bank has been a remarkable financial success, having 
already invested three hundred tiiousand dollars of its surplus earn- 
ings in government bonds, and having accumulated an additional 
surplus of two hundred thousand. At the beginning of 1867 the 
firm of Kilgore & Shirk, in general merchandise, was formed, to 
which George C. Miller was admitted as partner, some years later, 
and from which Mr. Kilgore withdrew in 1880, leaving the firm 
Shirk & Miller, as it stands to-day. In politics, Mr. Shirk had 
strong convictions on which he always agted, first as a Whig and 
afterwards as a Republican, though he never took a prominent part 
in partisan contests. In early manhood he professed Christianity 
and united with the Baptist church before locating in Peru. He 
was one of the eleven original members of the Baptist church of 
this city in 1867, and continued one of its devoted members till his 
death, contributing liberalh" of his means towards its support. Mr. 
Shirk was of medium height, erect and quite slender. His life was 
clean and free from vicious habits, which weaken and destroy the 
physical system. He was therefore clear headed: able to utilize all 
his tremendous energ}-, and accomplished the purpose of his will, 
even though it required long continued, unremitting effort. The 
probity of his character was the foundation of persistent honesty 
and commercial integrit}- that stood unimpeached and unchallenged 
through a business life of more than forty years in this community. 
This was the inspiration of that universal confidence which selected 
him as the reliable custodian of the accumulations of others, a con- 
fidence which insured his success as a banker. Measured bv the 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 469 

most practical standard known — the results accomplished — Mr. 
Shirk's life was a most conspicuous success. He was a financier of 
transcendant ability, endowed with wise foresight, intuitive percep- 
tions, broad comprehension, accurate judgment, and his death left a 
vacuum in commercial affairs, felt as a personal bereavement by a 
large number of persons in the comrhunitv with whom he had rela- 
tions of a business character. He was a conspicuous example of 
the successful self-made man, and the acquisition of his immense for- 
tune, by honest business methods in an agricultural community, was 
something akin to the marvelous. He owned at the time of his 
death valuable propertj' in various cities of Indiana, Illinois, and 
other States, immense tracts of real estate and fine farms in \'arious 
States, the larger share of stock in the banks at Monticello, Delphi 
and Tipton, and was in fact the wealthiest man in northern Indiana, 
and one of the wealthiest in the State. He died at his home in 
Peru on the 8th day of April, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Shirk have had 
four children, three of whom (two sons and one daughter) are at 
this time living; Milton, the eldest, is President of the First Na- 
tional Bank of Peru; Elbert W. Vice President of the same: and 
Alice, wife of Richard A. Edwards, Cashier of the bank. 

MILTON SHIRK, President of the First National Bank, 
and eldest son of E. H. and Mary Shirk, is a native of Miami 
County, Indiana, born in Peru on the 2ist day of November 
1849. His tjducational advantages were those afforded by the city 
schools, which, supplemented by a thorough business training 
under his father, have enabled him to successfully discharge the 
duties of a verj- active business life. In the year 1867, when 
but seventeen years of age, he entered the First National Bank, 
of which he was, in a couple of months, promoted cashier, and 
on the death of his father in the spring of 1886, succeeded to 
the presidency of the same, a position he holds at this time. 
Thoroughly familiar with all the details of the business. Mr. 
Shirk on the death of his father became president not only of 
the First National Bank in the city, but also of banks in Mon- 
ticello, Delphi and Tipton, and their present successful condition 
is largely due to his superior management. He is a worthy 
successor to his distinguished father, and has already carried 
financial success into all his business enterprises, including in 
addition to the banks referred to, large transactions in real estate, 
and also the mercantile business, having at this time a one-lliird 
interest in the large goods house of Shirk & Miller, in Peru. 
He is a marked e.xample of those sound, practical business qual- 
ifications which secure the confidence of the people and those 
personal qualities that win and retain the public esteem. As 
a successful financier, he has few, if any superiors in the State, 
and as a public spirited and courteous gentleman, he occupies 



470 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

a conspicuous place among the representative citizens of Peru 
and Miami County. On the 6th day of June. 1868, was solem- 
nized his marriage with Miss Ellen Walker, of Worcester, Mas- 
sachuetts. Mr. and Mrs. Shirk have two children, viz: Elbert 
W., born November 9, 1879, ^""^ Joseph H., born Januarv 6, 
1881. 

HARVEY J. SHIRK, prominent lawyer of Miami County, 
and for thirtv-six years a resident of Peru, was born in Frank- 
lin County, Indiana, January 20, 1826. His father was Samuel 
Shirk, a native of Georgia, and his mother Elizabeth (Stout) 
Shirk was born in Kentucky. His paternal grandfather, 
Andrew Shirk, was a native of Pennsylvania, a Revolutionary 
soldier and an early pioneer of the Hoosier State, moving to 
the same about the beginning of the present century. Samuel 
Shirk came at the same time and settled in what is now Frank- 
lin County. Harvey J. Shirk was reared amid the active scenes 
of farm life until his sixteenth year, when he became a student 
at Oxford College, Ohio, from which institution he graduated in 
1846. His literary education being thus completed, he engaged 
for a time in teaching school, but abandoned that profession after 
a limited period and began reading law in the office of John D. 
Howland, at Brookville, Indiana. Having, by diligent application 
acquired a knowledge of the profesion, he was admitted to the 
bar and began the practice at Peru, in 1850, whei;e he early 
won a conspicuous place among the successful lawyers of 
Miami Countv. Mr. Shirk is a man of high legal ability, thor- 
oughlv devoted to his profession and has a large and lucrative 
practice in the courts of Miami and a number of other counties 
in the state. As an adviser he is trustworthy, and as a close 
logical reasoner clear in his comprehension and correct in his 
application of legal principles. He handles the facts of a case 
with wonderful power and effect. A methodical and painstaking 
industrv has been one of his marked characteristics through life, 
and with his mental endowments unimpaired, and a well pre- 
served ph3-sical constitution, he apparently has before iiim many 
years of usefulness and honor. He is and has been since 1865 
associated in the practice with Hon. John Mitchell, under the 
name of Shirk and Mitchell, a law firm having a wide and hon- 
orable reputation throughout the State of Indiana. Mr. Shirk, 
in 1S51 was married to Catharine Remy. of Brookville. Indiana, 
who died the following year. His second marriage was solem- 
nized in 1852 with Eliza M. Cole, of New York. A union 
blessed with these children, viz: Winona, wife of W-ni. McClin- 
tic, Elizabeth, wife of Charles C. Cole, Martha and Charles. The 
result of the first marriage was one daughter, Catharine Shirk. 
In politics Mr. Shirk was originally a Whig, but since tiie organ- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 47 I 

ization of the Republican party he has been an earnest sup- 
porter of its principles. 

JOSEPH SHROCK, JR., a native of Holmes County, Ohio, 
was born August 28, 1833, and is the eldest son of David and 
Susanna (^Hostetler) Shrock, natives of Penns3-lvania, who came to 
Miami County in 1841 and located in Peru Township. The 
father was a farmer and died in i860. Joseph, Jr., remained upon 
the farm during the most of his life and received a common school 
education, and now owns eightv-three acres of tine farming land. 
On March 8, 1859, he was married to Miss Caroline Working, a 
daughter of Mr. Jacob Working (deceased). They are the parents 
of live children, whose names are Laura B., Dewitt C, Stella, Pearl 
and Bertha. Our subject is the owner of a saw-mill in the 
north part of the township, w'hich he has managed for several 
years. He was elected Justice of the Peace on the Democratic 
ticket in 1876, and is the present incumbent of the office. He 
and wife are members of the M. E. Church. 

WILLIAM SMITH, a native of Bedford County, Pennsyl- 
vania, was born March 15, 181 1, the eldest son of Peter and 
Barbara (Knowles) Smith, who both had their origin in the 
State of Pennsylvania. His father died when he, the subject, 
was but nine vears old. Until about 1834 our subject remained 
on the farm when he emigrated to Peru, and since that event 
his time has been divided in the various occupations of farming, 
buying and selling grain, and retailing goods. Was married to 
Miss Mary Runyan, in 1845, who was a native of New York. 
Twelve children were the result of this marriage, seven of whom 
are now living, and whose names are: Harriet, Alice, Caroline, 
William, Lillie, Lincoln and Joseph. He followed selling goods 
for about twenty years, thereby amassing a handsome fortune. 
His education was such as is generally received in the common 
schools. In the vears 1859-60-61 he was a member of the 
Legislature, having been elected to that responsible position on 
the Republican ticket. 

GILES W. SMITH was born in Richmond, Wayne County, 
Indiana, April 3, 1830, and is the eldest son of William C. and 
Phoebe T. (King) Smith, natives of Wayne County and of New 
York, respectively. His grandfather, George Smith, came from 
North Carolina to Wayne County in the year 1807. The subject 
of this biography was partly reared in the same county, but his 
father being a ^lethodist minister, the family were constantly shift- 
ing from place to place, and in consequence he received but a com- 
mon school education. Until he was eighteen years of age he fol- 
lowed farming and then commenced to learn the trade of a printer 
at Madison, Indiana, at which he worked until 1849 when he pur- 
chased a one-half interest in the Bloomington Herald. In the spring 



472 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

of 185 1, he started the Orleans Commercial Review, the manage- 
ment of which he controlled until 1853, when he disposed of his 
interest and procured an engagement on the New Alban}- & Chi- 
cago R. R. in the engineering corps, in which he continued until 
the road was in running order, after which he became a train con- 
ductor for the same company. He and Benjamin R. Prosser superin- 
tended the construction of twenty-four miles of the road, and 
he continued in the corporation until 1857, and he then 
located at Peru, employed by the Indianapolis, Peru & Chicago 
Company as freight and ticket agent, which position he held for 
about eighteen months. He was next to be found in the occupa- 
tion of farming on the Eel river. At this occupation he was not 
successful but continued until 1870, when he returned to Peru and 
engaged with the Howe Machine Company, for which he became 
general agent, traveling through Indiana and Illinois. In 1876 Mr. 
Smith began selling farm implements, and was in the employ of 
Messrs. Shirk & Miller in that department of their store for more 
than six years, when he, with Frank O. Rettig, opened an imple- 
ment store in Peru. This co-partnership existed until 1885 when Mr. 
B. W. Matthews came in as a partner, and since this change they 
have added the retail of hardware to their business. Our subject 
was united in matrimonial bonds on January 15, 1852, to 
Martha A. Prosser, of Orange County, Indiana, and to this union 
six children were born, three of whom are now living, whose names 
are as follows: Lora M., Martha and Mary D. He and his wife 
are members of the M. E. Church, and he is prominently idenlitied 
with the F. & A. M. and I. O. O. F. fraternities. "Politically, 
he adheres to the principles of the Republican party. 

M. F. SMITH, the gentleman whose biographical sketch is 
herewith presented, was born in the town of Madrid, New 
York, February 7, 1838, son of Ferdinand and Elvira (Peck) 
Smith, natives of the State of Vermont. He was reared in his 
• native State, and early evincing decided taste for mechanical pur- 
suits, entered at the age of thirteen the locomotive and machine 
shops of an eastern railroad and continued at the trade until 
attaining his majoritv. At the age of twenty-one he located in 
the City of St. Albans, Vermont, and three years later, in April 
1861, entered the armv, enlisting in the i6th New York Volun- 
teer Infantry, one of the first regiments from that State mustered 
out of the service. He subsequently joined the 13th New York 
Heavy Artilerv, with which he served until near the close of 
the war and with which he was engaged in some of the 
bloodiest battles of the Virginia campaigns. He was wounded 
at the batde of Fredericksburg and for some months was in 
the hospital in New York. On leaving the army he returned 
to St. Albans, \'ermont, and shortlv afterwards, 1865, came to 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 473 

Peru, Indiana, where he engaged in the locomotive depart- 
ment of the I., P. & C. Raih'oad, with which he was identified 
until 1872. Severing his connection with the road he, in 1873, 
established the foundry and machine shops of which he is at 
this time manager and proprietor. Mr. Smith has been an active 
business man, and as a mechanic takes higii rank. He is an 
active member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities and 
one of Peru's representative men. In August, 1866, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Martha Beaty, of St. Albans, Ver- 
mont, to which union two children have been born, viz: Wyan 
Everett and Louis F. 

WILLIAM SMITH, Jr. is a native of Peru Township and 
was born the nth of October, 1856, the eldest son of William 
Smith, whose biography appears elsewhere. He is the proprietor 
of two pieces of land containing seventy-eight and thirt\-lhree 
acres respectively, or a total of in acres. His education was 
but ordinary. The i6th of March, 1886, he was married to 
Miss Mary Everly, daughter of Mr. John Everly. He has been 
reasonably successful in life and has bright prospects before 
him. 

ABRAHAM L. SMITH, a native of Peru Township, was 
born in September, .i860, and is the youngest son of William 
and Mary Smith, natives of Pennsylvania and New York, 
who came to Miami County about the vear 1834. Our 
subject received a common school education. In the month of 
October, 1884, he married Miss Nellie Rettig, daughter of John Ret- 
tig (deceased). He owns and has under a high state of cultiva- 
tion about 190 acres of fine farming land, which has reached 
that state of productiveness which affords a handsome yearly re- 
muneration. Mr. Smith is a prominent member of the Masonic 
fraternity, having advanced to the Ro}-al Arcanum degree. In 
political matters he is a Republican. 

JOHN T. STEVENS, the subject of this biography, was 
born in the City of Indianapolis on the 14th day of JVIarch, 1828, 
and is the son of Isaac and Sarah (Tracv) Stevens, parents 
natives of Vermont. Mr. Stevens' paternal ancestors were 
natives of England, his grandfather emigrating from that coun- 
trv manv years ago and settling in one of the Eastern States. 
Isaac Stevens came to Indiana in the year 1822, and for some 
years resided in Indianapolis, moving from that city to Green- 
field about the }ear 1830. He was a merchant and in his store 
at the latter place, the subject took his first lesson in practical 
business life, serving in the capacity of salesman there until his 
removal to Miami County, Indiana, in the vear 1845. On reach- 
ing this city he engaged as clerk in the mercantile house of 
Carlton R. Tracy, and later accepted a position of the same 



474 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

kind in the dry goods store of Henry Dutton, with whom he 
subsequently severed his connection and took service with the 
firm of Smith & Foote. In 1852 he went to California where 
he accepted a clerkship with John and Silas Atchison, general 
merchants at Foster's Bar, where he remained until engaging in 
the goods and mining business with J. O. Cole in Oak Valley, 
one year later. The firm thus constituted continued until 1867, 
at which time both partners returned to Indiana and engaged in 
farming and stock raising in Miami County. Mr. Stevens for 
some time has made a specialty of breeding and selling fine 
horses, in which branch of business he has met with the most 
encouraging success. He owns at this time, besides other prop- 
erty a valuable farm of 16S acres in Peru Township, and is 
justly considered one of the successful business men of the 
county. On the 17th day of April, 1856, he married Miss 
Indiana Wilson, a daughter of Alexander Wilson, who was 
killed b}^ guerrillas immediately after the Mexican war. He was 
a trader in that struggle and was on his return home when 
killed. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens have two children. Nellie, wife 
of F. O. Rettig, and Grant I. Stevens. 

JAMES M. STUTESMAN, retired business man and promi- 
nent citizen of Peru, is a native of Montgomerj- County, Ohio, 
born August 3, 1819. His paternal grandfather, David Stutesman, 
was a native of Germany, but early came to the United Slates and 
settled at Hagerstown, Maryland. He subsequently moved to 
Pennsylvania, from which State in the year 1808 he emigrated to 
Montgomery County, Ohio, where he followed his trade, that of 
weaver, until his death in 1820. His son, Nathaniel Stutesman, 
father of James M., was born at Hagerstown, Maryland. He left 
that city about the year 1795, and with his father moved to 
Brownsville, Pennsylvania, where he subsequently married Miss 
Sarah Flynn, and in 1808 located in Montgomery County, Ohio, 
which was his home until he removed to Aliami County. Indiana, 
in 1866. He followed agricultural pursuits all his life, and died in 
Peru about 1880, at the advanced age of ninety-five years. Mrs. 
Stutesman was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, of Scotch parent- 
age, and departed this life in Montgomery County, Ohio in the. 
year 1839. Nathaniel and Sarah Stutesman were the parents of 
the children, whose names are as follows, to-wit: Ctitharine, 
wife of Henry Stauffer: Amy A., deceased: Jonathan, David, 
deceased: James M., Ellis, deceased: Nathaniel, Daniel, deceased: 
Perry, deceased: Robert, and Marietta, wife of Lyman Baldwin, 
of Chicago. James M. Stutesman spent the first sixteen years 
of his life as a farmer, and enjoyed during that time such 
educational advantages as the country afforded. In 1835 
he commenced- learning the trade of saddler\- and harness-inak- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 475 

ing in the city of Dayton, and after serving a five years' appren- 
ticeship and acquiring great proficiency, began working at the 
same at Lewisburgh, Preble Count}-, Ohio, where he continued 
until 1842. In that year in compan}- with his brother, Jonathan 
Stutesnian, lie came to Miami County, Indiana, and opened a 
saddlery and harness shop in Peru, which he carried on with 
success and financial profit until 1858, dealing extensively with 
the Indians a portion of the time, and also supplying many 
of the trading houses along the Wabash river from Fort Wayne 
to Peru. He abandoned the trade the above year, and in part- 
nership with W. W. Kilgore, under the firm name of Stutesman 
& Kilgore, engaged in the general hardware and agricul- 
ture implement business, which was continued until he sold out 
to his partner in 1864. He. then purchased the hardware stock 
of Palmer & Deniston, ran a very successful business until 1871, 
when the Puterbaugh Bros, bought an interest, and the well- 
known firm of Stutesman & Puterbaugh continued, until Mr. 
Stutesman sold out to his partners and retired from active life in 
1 88 1. In his various business enterprises Mr. Stutesman was 
eminently successful, and as a public-spirited and popular citizen, 
few men in Peru stand higher in the estimation of the people 
than he. On the 31st of March, 1831, Miss Elizabeth Shields, 
daughter of John and Mar}- Shields, of Vincennes, Indiana, 
became his wife, and to this union has been born the following 
children, to-wit: Mary A., deceased; Harriet, wife of John S. 
Male; Edwin H., deceased; Frank M., Clara E., wife of W. V. 
Spinning, and James F. Mr. Stutesman is a member of the 
Presbyterian Church, with wliich he has been identified since 
1845, and with his wife and family belongs to the Peru congre- 
gation. In politics he was originally a Whig, and in 1840 cast 
his first vote for General William Henry Harrison. On the dis- 
solution of that party he joined the Republican party, and has 
since been an earnest supporter of its principles and measures. 
WILLIAM W. SULLIVAN, Lawyer, was born in Butler 
Township, Miami County, March 19, 1843, and is the eldest son 
of Jonah and Louisa (Smith) Sullivan, natives of Kentucky and 
Delaware respectivly, the father of German-Irish extraction and 
the mother descended from English-Irish ancestors. Jonah Sul- 
livan came to Miami County in 1840 and purchased land in 
Butler Township, to which he moved his family the following 
year. He was prominently identified with the growth and de- 
velopment of that part of the county and resided upon his orig- 
inal purchase until 1S76 at which time he retired from acli\e 
life and moved to South Peru where he now resides. William 
W. Sullivan was raised on a Tarm and in addition to agricultural 
pursuits, worked for some years at the carpenter's trade. He 



^76 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

received a liberal education in the schools of Peru and in 1864 
accepted a clerkship in the mercantile house of George A. 
Crowell, in which capacity he continued for one year. The pro- 
fession of law having more charms for him than any other, he 
severed his connection with the mercantile business and in 1865 
entered the office of Shirk & Mitchell where he pursued his 
legal studies until September of the same year when he became 
a student in the law department of the University of Michigan, 
at Ann Arbor. He attended this institution until 1867 at which 
time he graduated with the degree of B. L. and immediately 
thereafter engaged in the practice of his profession in the courts 
of Miami Count v, Indiana In 1872 he was elected County Sur- 
veyor and bv re-election in 1874, '^'^^'^ ^'''*^ office until 1S76. Since 
the latter j^ear he has given his attention to his profession having 
at this time a large and lucrative practice in the courts of Miami 
and other counties, besides an extensive real-estate business which 
he has conducted with success and financial profit. Mr. Sulli- 
van, while taking an active interest in political affairs, supporting 
the principles of the Repubfican party, is not a partisan in the 
sense of seeking official honors at the hands of his fellow citi- 
izens. He is a courteous gentlemen, honored and respected by 
a large circle of friends and occupies a conspicuous place among 
the attorneys of the Miami County bar. In October, 1867, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Savers, of Missouri. 
Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan have two children, viz: Nannie L. and 
William W. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan are members of the Presby- 
terian Church of Peru. 

FRANK M. TALBOT, proprietor of the Peru Basket 
Factory, was born in Epping, N. H.. April 3, 1849, son of 
Ezekiel M. and Nancv W. Talbot, both of whom were natives 
of Turner, Maine. Ezekiel M. Talbott was for many years 
engaged as civil engineer in the construction of railroads, first 
on the Grand Trunk, then on the New York Central, and came 
to Indiana as Resident Engineer of the Wabash Railway, spend- 
ing some time at Fort Wayne, and ten years as a prominent 
citizen of Peru. In 1870 he moved to Lafayette, taking charge of the 
construction of the Lafayette, Muncie & Bloomington R. R. as Chief 
Engineer. In 1874 he became a member of the Kankakee Ice Com- 
pany, managing their business and at the same time serving as 
Cit}' Civil Eng^ineer for the City of Lafayette till 1884, when he 
suffered a strolce of paralysis which caused his death. Frank M. 
Talbot's mother dying when he was three years old, he, with 
his sister, Nancy W., lived with their grandparents in Turner, 
Maine, until 1859, when they came to Peru, where he has since 
resided. He attended the public schools, being only absent one 
term, at Cincinnati and one at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. In 1868 he 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 479 

obtained employment of Rettig & Cole, at the brewery, and remained 
with them the greater part of the time as book-keeper until 1S82, 
when he, in partnership with Frank Henton, engaged in the 
manufacture of baskets, taking charge of the large factory in the 
western part of the city erected in 1870 by Gardner, Blish & 
Co. He purchased his partner's interest in 1884, and at this 
time controls the entire business, which is large and constantly 
increasing. Mr. Talbot's factory produces more baskets and a 
greater variety than any other factory, and is one of the lead- 
ing industries of Peru. It is represented on the road by three 
competent salesmen, who dispose of an immense number of baskets 
in all parts of the United States. Mr. Talbot was married Febru- 
ary 10, 1875, to Lorena M., daughter of George Rettig, a 
prominent citizen of Peru. Mr. and Mrs. Talbot have two 
children, George W., born February 8, 1876, and Frank M., 
born April 3, 1879. 

JACOB THEOBALD, contractor and builder, is a native of 
Bavaria, German}-, born there on the 19th of August, 1839, son of 
Peter and Catharine (Licht) Theobald. He passed the first two 
years of his life in his native countrv, and at the end of that time, in 
1849, accompanied his parents to the United States and settled in 
Washington County, Wisconsin, where the father died in 1875. 
Mrs. Theobald survived her husband five years, departing this life in 
1880. Jacob Theobald received his earlj- education in Wisconsin, 
and in that State took his first lessons in the science of agriculture, 
in the pursuit of which he continued until attaining his majority. 
He then abandoned the farm and commenced working at the car- 
penter trade, and after following the same for a period of three 
3'ears, engaged in contracting which he has since successfulh' con- 
tinued, his principal business being confined to Miami County, hav- 
ing moved to Peru in the year 1861. Mr. Theobald is a man of 
great energy and industry, and since locating in Peru has taken an 
active interest in all that appertains to the city's welfare, having 
been elected a member of the Common Council in 1880 and 1886. 
In March, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Slfire- 
man, of Germany, who died in 1873. Two children were born to 
this marriage, vi/: Katie and Marj- Theobald. Mr. Theobald's 
second marriage was celebrated August 27, 1S74, with Martha C. 
Keyl, of Monroe, Michigan, who has borne him four children, viz. : 
Ernest, Oscar, Clara and Martha. Mr. Theobald is a Democrat in 
politics, and with his wife belongs to the Luthern Church, of Peru. 

OLIVER TILLETT, bom May i, 1831, is a native of Wayne 
County, and is the fifth son of James and Susanna (Buck) Tillett, 
who hailed from Virginia and Pennsylvania, and came to Peru 
Township in the year 1833. The father held the position of 
County Commissioner in an earl}- day. The gentleman whose name 



480 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

heads this sketch was reared on the farm, and onl\- received a 
common school education. He was married in the fall of 1873 to 
Anna Duncan, daughter of James Duncan. Thev became the 
parents of three children: John, born in 1874; James, born in 
1876, and Harry, born in 1881. Mr. Tillett is the owner of 377 
acres of nicely improved land, in Peru Township, and belongs to 
the I. O. O. F., also to the Democratic partv. 

JOSEPH TILLETT (deceased), a native of Miami County, 
was born in October, 1839, and died April 30, 1880. He was a 
son of James and Susanna (Buck) Tillett, natives of Virginia. Our 
subject was reared in Miami County and always followed farming. 
His marriaire with Miss Sarah E. Townsend, daujrhter of Georsre 
and Susanna (Dingman ) Townsend, former residents of Ohio, who 
came to Peru Township in the year 1832 and purchased his land 
from the government. He was once Township Trustee and built 
the first corn mill ever constructed in the township. He was born 
in 1810 and died in 1855. and his wife died in 1870. The widow 
of our subject was born in Peru Township. She is the 
mother of four children: Carrie A., Dora A., Emma P., and 
Joseph G. She owns 217 acres of land in Peru Township, which 
is under a high state of cultivation. 

JOHN. W. TIMBERLAKE, is a native of Campbell County, 
Virginia, born Februarv i, 1810, eldest son of Christopher and 
Polly (Farley) Timberlake, both natives of Virginia and of English 
descent. His father emigrated to Jay County, Indiana, about 1838, 
where he remained until his death, which occurred during the war. 
Our subject was engaged in farming until his tvventv-first year 
when he came to Highland County, Ohio. There he learned the 
carpenter trade, and there continued until 1835, when he 
removed to Miami County, Indiana. Mr. Timberlake was mar- 
ried in 1833 to Miss Mary Sanders, a native of Highland 
County, Ohio. To this union were born two children, now 
deceased. Mrs. Timberlake died in 1836. Our subject was 
again married in 1839 ^° Miss Mar\- Hussey, also a native of 
Highland County. To this marriage were born six children, all 
of whom are deceased. In 1858, in partnership with Aaron H. 
Gregg, he engaged in general merchandising. In an early day he 
was township trustee and overseer of the poor. Mr. and Mrs. 
Timberlake are members of the M. E. Church. He was one 
of the compan\' who went out to remove the Miami Indians. 
He is one of the directors of the Citizens' Bank, and a man of 
wealth and prominence. 

WILLIAM S. TODD. The subject of this biographical 
sketch is a native of Kentucky, born in Jessamine County on the 
13th day of March, 1814. His parents, David and Sallie D. 
(Smith) Todd, were natives of Tennessee, and his paternal grand- 



BIO«RAPHICAL SKETCHES. 481 

father, John Todd, one of the pioneers of that State, served with 
distinction in the war for American Independence. When the sub- 
ject was about seven vears of a<;e his parents emigrated to Indiana 
and located in Parke Countv, about eight miles from Rock\illc, 
having been among the earliest settlers in that section of the coun- 
tr\'. Here on a farm William S. Todd passed his youthful vears, 
and in the common schools, which he attended under many difficul- 
ties, he obtained the rudiments of an English education. By com- 
ing in contact with business men in after years, and b}' alwavs tak- 
ing an active interest in literary matters, he became in time the pos-. 
sessor of a fund of v^aluable information which has enabled him to suc- 
cessfully fill positions of trust at different times. He began life for 
himself at the age of nineteen, as clerk in a mercantile house at 
Rockville. in which capacity he continued until about the year 1843. 
In 1837, July 13th, while at Rockville, he was united in marriage to 
Miss Margaret Christian, a native of Virginia, by whom he had 
eight children, to- wit: Mary D., born April 15, 1838; Sarah E., 
born Januarv 6. 1840; William B., born July 31, 1841; Margaret, 
born August 18, 1S43, died June 6, 1871; Martha E., born October 
9, 1845: David R., born March i, 1848; Lucy A., born April 18, 
1850, and Lewis C, born April 21, 1852. In 1845 he moved to 
Jefferson County, Iowa, where for eight years he was engaged in 
the pursuits of agriculture. He left Iowa in the fall of 1853, and 
returning to Indiana, located in Peru, where he accepted the posi- 
tion of salesman in the mercantile house of Blake & Todd, con- 
tinuing in that capacity until elected to the office . of County 
Recorder in 1862. He took charge of the office in 1863 and 
served for a period of eight years, during which time he trans- 
acted the business of the position in a manner satisfactory 
to his friend and political opponents. Since the termination of 
his official career Mr. Todd has been actively engaged in preparing 
a complete abstract of the real estate of Miami County. His first 
wife died November 3, 1854, and in i860, March i, was solemn- 
ized his second marriage with Mrs. Mary Ann (Oldshue) Brown- 
ell, who departed this life August 15, 1884, leaving him the second 
time a widower. Mr. Todd is a Democrat in politics, and a con- 
sistent member of the Masonic fi-aternitv. 

HON. JAMES N. TYNER, of Peru, was born at Brookville, 
Indiana, January 17, 1826. He is the eldest of eleven children 
of Richard and Martha S. W. S. (Noble) Tyner. His father, 
a native of South Carolina, was a pioneer of Indiana, and for 
forty vears a leading merchant of the south-eastern portion of the 
State. His mother's brothers were men of ability and promin- 
ence. Noah Noble was Governor of Indiana, James Noble was 
elected to the United States Senate about the time Indiana was 
admitted to the Union, serving fourteen years, and was a mem- 



482 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

ber of that body at the time of his death. Lazarus Noble was 
at one time Register of the Land Office at Indianapolis, and 
George T. Noble for a number of years held various local posi- 
tions in Wayne County. James N. Tyner was educated in the 
Brook ville Academ}^ and in 1846 removed to Cambridge City, 
where for five years he was engaged in selling goods and in 
carrying on an extensive grain and provision trade. In June, 185 1, 
he established himself permanently in Peru and there continued for 
'some time in the same business. Subsequently he entered upon 
the practice of law in the firm of Brown & Tyner, a partnership 
which, with occasional intermissions, was maintained until recently. 
Mr. T3-ner was at first a Whig, and since the organization of the 
Republican party has been one of its most faithful supporters. 
In 1856 he was the Republican candidate for Representative to 
the Indiana Legislature, but was defeated by a small majority on 
a strictly party vote. He served four sessions — from 1S56 to 
1862 — as one of the secretaries of the State Senate. In 1S61 he 
was appointed special agent of the postotfice department, ha\ing 
charge of the postal service of Indiana and Illinois, and during 
part of the time of the entire country. In 1866 he was removed 
by an order from President Johnson. In 1869 Mr. Tyner was 
elected Representative to Congress from the Eighth Indiana dis- 
trict and by re-election served in this position three terms, during 
two of which he was one of the committeee on postoffices and 
post roads. He was considered the best informed member on 
postal affairs. The increased mail facilities received by him for 
his district, with every portion of which he was perfecth* familiar, 
were highly appreciated by his intelligent constituents. He was 
also . acting Chairman of the Committee on Public Grounds and 
Public Buildings during his second term, and many important 
repairs in the capitol building and furniture were made under his 
supervision. During his third term he served on the Committee 
of Appropriations, the most important and powerful of the House 
committees. At the expiration of his term as Congressman, on 
the urg^'nt solicitation of President Grant and Governor Jewell, 
Postmaster General, Mr. T\-ner accepted the position of Second 
Assistant Postmaster General, and for sixteen months had full 
charge of all the mail contracts of the United States. Upon the 
retirement of Mr. Jewell Mr. Tyner was appointed Postmaster 
General, and served as such from Julj^ 1876, to March, 1877, 
the expiration of Grant's administration. Upon the inauguration 
of President Hayes and the appointment of David M. Key as 
Postmaster General, by the continuous solicitation of these gen- 
tlemen, Mr. Tyner was induced to return to the Postoffice De- 
partment as First-Assistant Postmaster General, to take entire 
charge of the business of the Department and of the appoint- 



BIOGRAPHKAL SKKTCHES. 483 

meiits in lliu postal service of the Northern and border States. 
This position he filled to the entire satisfaction of his superior in 
olllce and of the countr}- at large, his long experience and excel- 
lent executive abilit\-, especially qualifying him for the oflice. 
Postm ister General Blair's expressed opinion that an energetic 
and etlicient special agent could do the public greater service by 
expediting the transportation and delivering the military mails, 
than by serving either as a private or commissioned officer in 
the Volunteer Army, prevented Mr. Tyner from resigning his 
position in the postal service and entering the army during the 
late civil war. Mr. Tyner was brought up in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church but is not now connected with any religious 
denomination. He married his first wife, Dena L. Humiston, 
daughter of Lewis Humiston, of Cambridge Cit}', November 8, 
184S. This estimable lady died in 1S70, leaving one son, Albert 
H. Tvner, and one .daughter. December 24, 1872, Mr. Tj'ner 
was married to Christine Hinds, daughter of John P. Hinds, late 
of Washington, District of Columbia. 

HENRY F. UNDERWOOD— A native of Fairfield County, 
Ohio, born, October 3, 1843; son of Henry and Maria (Brandt) 
Underwood, both natives of Pennsylvania and of German extraction. 
The subject of this sketch was raised on the farm and received a 
common school education. In 1861 he enlisted in Company I., 
43d Ohio Volunteers. He ser\'ed one year and then came home, 
being honorably discharged in 1862 on account of wounds 
received at the battle of Corinth, Mississippi. In January, 1864, he 
went again to the front and remained until the close of the war. 
He came to Miami County in 1S66 and in 1868 entered the law 
office of Shirk and Mitchell and in 1869 began the practice of his 
profession. Previous to 1869 he began the pension claim business, 
which he has since continued. During 1879 and 1880 he was a law 
partner of Nott N. Antrim. He was married October 3, 1871, to 
Miss Nannie Hollipeter, of Wabash County, and daughter of Eliza- 
beth Hollipeter. They have seven children as follows: William 
E.. Charies H., Lyman M., Viola M., Nancy E., Frank I., and 
Edith Flov. He is a Republican. In 1868 was elected a 
Justice of the Peace. He is a member of the G. A. R. and Sec- 
retarv of Canton, Peru, No. 20 P. M., f. O. O. F., and of the K. of 
P. Order. 

LYMAN WALKER, ex-Judge of the Twenty-seventh judi- 
cial Circuit, was born at Peacham. Vermont. January 26, 1S37. He 
is the son of L\-man and Elmira G. Walker. Soon after Judge 
Walker's birth, the familv removed to Thelford, Vermont, where the 
father engaged in mercantile pursuits. Here he laid the foundation 
of hh education in the district schools and fitted for college at the 
Thetford Academy. He was early thrown upon his own resources, 



484 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

and ill order to obtain the means for a complete education, engaged 
in teaching. He entered Dartmouth College in 1854, and after 
remaining there two years entered Middlebury College from which 
he graduated in 1856. Thus did he in early life manifest a spirit of 
determination to succeed in whatever he undertook, and bv his own 
unaided efforts succeeded in gaining a classical education. The 
years 1859 and i860 were occupied in teaching and in studying 
law in the office of Messrs. Cruss & Topliff, Manchester, New 
Hampshire. Earh' in 1861, Mr. Walker took charge of the 
public schools of Peru, Indiana, and to him belongs the honor of 
establishing the hrst graded school there. After remaining about 
one year in that position he began to practice law in connection with 
Harvev J. Shirk. This partnership was continued two years, after 
which Mr. Walker went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where for the next 
four years he was in practice with Hon. R. M. Corwine. He then 
returned to Peru, where he has since enjoyed a large and lucrative 
business in the County, State and United States Courts. Mr. 
Walker is an honored member of the Masonic Fraternity of the Knight 
Templar degree. In politics he is a Republican, and takes an active 
interest in all public measures brought before the people for their 
consideration. He has usualh" preferred the quietude of private 
life, but such talents as he possesses being needed and demanded by 
the public, he was elected October, 1878. Judge of the Twenty- 
seventh Judicial Circuit, entering upon the discharge of his official 
duties 1879. His eminent legal abilities enabled him to perform the 
duties of this office faithfully and efficiently, and his record as a 
Judge is one of which he and his many friends may justly feel 
proud. Since the expiration of his term of office in 1885, Mr. 
Walker has been busily engaged in the practice of his profession. 
In personal appearance, Judge Walker is rather above the average 
in height and build and of commanding presence. Although still 
in the prime of life, he has by integrity and persistent industry won 
in an eminent degree the respect and confidence of the communitv. 
CAPTAIN WILLIAM WALLICK. The gentleman whose 
name introduces this sketch was born in Tuscaraw as Count\ , Ohio, 
November 4, 1832, the eldest son of Benjamin and Elizabeth 
(Shalter) Wallick, of the same State. The paternal grandfather, 
Benjamin Wallick, senior, was a native of Pennsxlvania and an early 
settler of Tuscarawas Countv, where he lived until his removal to 
Miami Countv, Indiana, in the winter of 1840. He died in this 
county about the year 1855-6. Benjamin Wallick, junior, father 
of William, was born in Tuscarawas Countv, and in early life 
worked at the carpenter's trade. He came to Indiana in 1S40, and 
locating in Peru worked at his trade for a time, and then erected a 
planing mill on Little Pipe Creek, a short distance southwest of the 
citv, which he operated with good success for a number of years. 



BIOGRAPIIICAI- SKI:TCIIES. 485 

He died in 1S83. Elizabeth Wallick was also a native of Ohio, and 
departed this life in Miami County, Indiana, in the year 1881. Mr. 
and Mrs. Wallick had a family of six children whose names are as 
follows, to-wit: William, the subject of the biography; Joseph 
(^deceased), James M. (deceased ), John W., Charles F. and Emma, 
wife of Jackson Ewing, Esq. William Wallick grew to manhood 
in Miami County moving here with his parents in 1840, when but 
eight years of age. His early educational advantages were lim- 
ited, attending only the county district schools irregularly until his 
seventeenth 3'ear. During this period his time when out of school 
was spent at farm labor, but at the age of eighteen he abandoned 
agricultural pursuits and began the carpenter's trade. He was thus 
engaged till the fall of 1861, when the drum and fife (music still 
familiar to his ears) was heard throughout the North, calling the 
friends of the Federal Union to organize and rally in its support. 
The loyal sons of Indiana responded nobly to that call and early 
took steps to the music for the Union. Among them William 
Wallick was found on the muster roll of Companj- G., 51st Regi- 
ment Volunteer Infantry, which compan\- he was largely intru- 
mental in organizing. He enlisted on the 8th day of October, 1861, 
entering the service as Second Lieutenant, and with his re<riment 
soon after proceeded to the front, where in a number of the blood- 
iest battle of the war he bore an active and conspicuous part. The 
51st was attached to the 4th Arm}- Corps, Armj' of the Cumber- 
land, and in common with other regiments that participated in the 
southwestern campaigns suffered extreme hardships and endurance. 
Among the most important battles in which Captain W^allick was 
engaged were Murfreesboro, Nashville, Shiloh, Franklin, besides 
lesser engagements, in all about twenty-nine. At an encounter 
near Rome, Georgia, on the 8th of May, 1863, the entire command 
to which the 51st belonged was captured, and the prisoners Hrst 
taken to Rome and later to Atlanta. Captain Wallick with many 
of his comrades were subsequently incarcerated in the Libb\' Prison 
at Richmond, Virginia, where for a period of nine months, exposed 
to all the hardships and horrors of that notorious pen, he lived with 
the one object in view — that of regaining his liberty. Among the 
many thrilling experiences of the Captain's prison life was that 
when with seventy other unfortunate comrades he was obliged to 
take his chances in drawing lots to determme which two of their 
number should be executed in retaliation for the death of a couple 
of C<)nfederate officers captured and hanged by General Burtiside 
He, with twenty -four others, among whom was Col. A. D. Streight, 
of Indianapolis, all sworn to secrecy on penalt}" of death, matured 
and finally succeeded in carrying into successful effect a plan of 
escape by exca\ating a tunnel under the prison walls. Through 
this aperture one hundred and nine persons made their escape. 



486 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

fifty -seven of whom were recaptured and taken back. The Cap- 
tain, in common with those who succeeded in reaching the Union 
lines, narrates with thrilling interest the many adventures he 
encountered during the two days and nights spent in making his 
wav to Williamsburgh, Virginia, the nearest available point in pos- 
session of the Federal forces. To escape observation he was com- 
pelled to secrete himself during the da_v in swamps, thickets, etc., 
and to travel wholly by night, suffering intensely during the trip 
from hunger, exposure and cold, the time being earh' in the month 
of Februarv, 1864. On reaching Williamsburgh he at once procured 
a furlough, and after a short time spent with his family and friends in 
Peru, again returned to the front rejoining his regiment in Tennes- 
see, where he found a Captain's commission awaiting him having 
been promoted to the command of the company- while a prisoner in 
Libb\-. He was with his regiment in the campaign of central Ten- 
nessee, and the dav succeeding the bloodv battle of Nashville, in 
which engagement he took an active part, his term of service 
expired and he once more became an private citizen. Immediately 
after his discharge he returned to Peru and resumed his trade which 
he has since followed, principally in the city and Miami County. 
Captain Wallick has recently prepared an interesting lecture 
entitled, Libby Prison, in which are narrated in detail the suffer- 
ings, privations and death of union prisoners and prison life in gen- 
eral, with a full account of his wonderful and almost miraculous 
escape. He is delivering this lecture in various parts of the coun- 
try and has already won many encomiums from the press and those 
who have heard him. Mr. Wallick was married June 11, 1855, to 
Miss Marv E. Burns, of Tuscarawas County, Ohio. To this mar- 
riage was born one child, Flora M. Wallick, deceased. 

WILLIAM WEESNER. Conspicuous among the sell-made 
men of Peru is the gentleman whose name introduces this biogra- 
phical sketch. Mr. Weesner was born in Wayne County, this 
State, on the i6th of May, 1836, and is the only son of Micajah 
and Elizabeth (Mendenhall) Weesner, natives of North Carolina 
and early settlers of Southern Indiana. He passed the 3-ears of his 
youth upon a farm, with the rugged duties of which he early be- 
came familiar, and in 1S50, when but fourteen years of age, came to 
Miami County and located at the village of Peoria, where he subse- 
quently engaged in the blacksmithing business. He worked at his 
trade in Peoria until 1 871, at which time he removed to Peru, where 
for eight vears lie followed his chosen vocation with success and 
financial profit. He then began dealing in pine lumber, which he 
has since handled on quite an extensive scale, and in connection 
with that branch of business deals in coal, buying and shipping for 
many of the leading cities of the State. Mr. Weesner is a man 
of great energy and industry. Believing idleness a crime, he has 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 487 

devoted all his life to active labor, and while this principle has been 
valuable as a precept, it has redounded to his own financial advant- 
age, lie has met with deserved success in his various undertak- 
ings, and is now in the enjo3'ment of a comfortable competence, in- 
cluding a fine farm of i6o acres in Butler township, Mr. Weesner 
]iolitically votes with the Republican part)'. On the ist day of 
October, 1856, he was united in marriage with Miss Minerva Hiatt, 
of Jav County, Indiana, a union blessed with one child — Alvina 
Roscoe Weesner, born May, 29, 1863. 

DANIEL WILKINSON was born in Zanesville, Mus- 
kingum County, Ohio, July 26, 1830. He migrated to this county 
in the vear 1S61. His father and mother, John and Hannah 
(Sharp) Wilkinson, natives of Yorkshire, England, emigrated to 
this country in 1819 and located in Ohio. Our subject was reared 
in Zanesville. At sixteen j^ears of age he began to learn the 
machinists trade, at which he worked in all about seventeen years, 
when he en<jaired in saw-millintr, followintr this business for about 
seven vears. In 1868 he opened a planing mill in Peru, and was 
burned out in 1872, but which was immediately rebuilt. The 
enterprise was converted into the use of manufacturing doors, 
sash, blinds, and e^■er^■thing of that order in first-class stvle, and 
which gave emplovment to from ten to tweh'e workmen. In 
18S2 Mr. Walter Wilkinson came into the establishment as a part- 
ner. Our subject is a member of the F. & A. M., and I. O. 
O. F. fraternities, and in politics is a Republican. 

ASHER WILLIAMSON, Superintendent of the Peru Water 
Works, is a native of Cincinnati. Ohio, and the eldest son of 
Levi D. and Elizabeth (Musserj Williamson, parents born in 
England and Pennsylvania, respectively. He was born on the 
19th day of August, 1844, and when but four years of age was 
taken by his parents to Indianapolis, in which cit)' he passed the 
years of his youth and earl}' manhood. At the age of thir- 
teen he entered upon an apprenticeship to learn the machinist 
trade, at which he served three years, and, after becoming pro- 
ficient in the same, commenced working at Indianapolis. At the 
breaking out of the war he entered the employ of the Govern- 
ment, working in various capacities., and in 1864 enHsted in the 
2 1st Indiana Heavy Artillery, with which he served one year, 
taking an active part in the Southwestern Campaigns during that 
time. He was with Banks in his celebrated expedition up the 
Red River, and participated in ail the battles of that unfortunate 
raid and several others. At the close of the war he returned 
to Indianapolis and resumed his trade, working at the same in 
that city until 1871, at which time he came to Peru and accepted 
a position with the Indiana Manufacturing Company, with which he 
was identified until 1878. In that year he severed his connection 



y 



488 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

with the company' in order to take charge, as Superintendent, of 
the citv water works, a position he has since retained. Mr. 
Williamson ranks high as a skillful mechanic, and. since taking 
charge of the water works, has demonstrated his peculiar ritness 
for the position. He is an active member of the Masonic, K. of 
L., K. of H. and Red Men fraternities, and in politics generall}- 
votes with the Republican party. His marriage with Miss Caro- 
line Berrvman, of Hamilton County, Indiana, was celebrated on 
the 31st day of May, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Williamson have 
three children, viz. : Cora. Maude and Gordon Williamson. 

ALBERT T. ZERN, a native of Montgomery County, Penn- 
s}'lvania, was born November 28, 1S28, the eldest son of Henry and . 
Deborah (Shepherd) Zern. natives of Pennsylvania, who came to 
this county in 1837 and located in Peru. His father built the Peru 
Flouring Mills about the year 1838. He was one of the early Com- 
missioners of the county, and was deceased at the age of sixty-three, 
January 21, 1868. His wife died in December, 1876, aged .seventy- 
eight. Our subject was reared in the Town of Peru and received 
a fair education. At the age of seventeen he began to learn the 
art of chair-making and painting, ^yhich occupations he pursued 
jointl}' for twelve 3-ears. In November, 1854, he and Miss Rachel 
Bell, a daughter of Thomas Bell, who came to the county in 1834, 
were united in marriage. She is a native of Harrisburg,, Pennsyl- 
vania. To them was born but one child, Liddie, the wife of 
William Kunkle, of this county. Mr. Zern is a Democrat, and 
belongs to the subordinate lodge of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows and also to the Encampment. 



CHAPTER Vni. 



Allen Township — Situ.vtion and Boundary — Comino of the 
Pioneers — Land Entries — Organization — Religions — In- 
dustries — History of M.\cy, &c. 

THIS Township joins Fulton County on the north, Cass County 
on the west, and is bounded on the south and east by the 
townships of Union and Perry respecti\ely. The superticial area 
expressed in figures is equivalent to about 14,720 acres, or twen- 
ty-three square miles, all of which is included in congressional 
townships, 29 north, ranges 3 and 4 east. The general surface of 
the township may be described as level, with irregular undula- 



COMING OF TIIK PIONKERS. 489 

tions at intervals in the southern and southeastern parts. A por- 
tion of the surface, was, at the commencement of the first settle- 
ment, quite wet and marshy, requiring a system of artiricial drain- 
age to bring it into successful cultivation. The greater part of 
the township, however, was covered with a growth of ver}- heavy 
timber, much of which has been lavishly sacrificed to the demands 
of trade. The following species were found in abundance: beech, 
walnut, maple, elm, hickor\', poplar, ash, and the several varieties 
of oak. Cranberries are a natural production of some of the 
marsh lands, and although no attention has been paid to their 
cultivation, they formerly constituted an important interest with 
some classes of the communitv. The soil of the township is of 
an average quality, and agriculture and stock raising are the chief 
occupations of the people. The country is abundantly supplied 
with water, much -of which has to be gotten rid of by artilicial 
drainage. While the township does not claim to be foremost in 
improvements, it has made commendable progress, and in various 
parts of the country are to be seen many highly cultivated and 
well improved farms. 

Coiiiiug of the Pioneers. — More than fifty years have dis- 
solved in the mists of the past since the bold pioneer first pene- 
trated the wilderness of what is now Allen Township. In the 
winter of 1834 lh''t^*^ sturdy men. John Horton, T. N. Wheatley 
and T. J. Holcomb, having determined to try their fortunes in the 
new country, came and, selecting their respective claims, erected 
thereon cabins, preparatory to moving their families the following 
spring. Mr. Horton chose for his home a tract of land in the west- 
ern part of the township, and was the first actual settler of Allen, 
the other two locating just across the line in Fulton County. The 
country at that time presented no attractions to the pioneer, being 
an unbroken wilderness infested with wild beasts, both fierce and 
dangerous; but nothing daunted, Mr. Horton went to work with a 
will and in March, 1835, moved his family to the new home in the 
woods. A small field was cleared in due time, and from the few 
vegetables raised thereon the famih' managed to subsist until a 
larger area of land could be made ready for cultivation. The 
abundance of trfiiue with which the forest abounded furnished 
the chief subsistence of the familv in the meantime. 

From the spring of 1835 until 1836 Mr. Horton was tlie sole 
white resident of the township, his nearest neighbors being the two 
families mentioned and a few other settlers Ii\ing in the \icinity of 
Perrysburg, Union Township. In 1836 one George Neece came 
to the country and made some improvements about one-half 
mile north of the present site of Macy, where he remained a 
few years. He was a substantial citizen and took an active 
part in the development of the country, but disposed of his home 



49° HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

in an early day and emigrated to one of the Western States. 
His brother, William Neece, came about the same time and 
settled two miles north of Mac}- on the Zartman farm. Jona- 
than Williams became a resident some time in 1836, settling on 
the Tracy farm about two and a half miles northeast of INIacv, 
where he made substantial improvements. Isaac Williams, a 
brother of Jonathan, purchased the Neece place prior to 1837, 
and early earned the reputation of an honest and upright citi- 
zen. The year 1837 witnessed the arrival of a number of 
datintless men, prominent among whom were the Wilkinsons, 
who had formerly settled at the village of Mexico in Jefferson 
Township. The family at that time consisted of John Wilkin- 
son and his sons, Anderson, George, James and Baldwin, all of 
whom were pioneers in the true sense of the term. John Wil- 
kinson moved from Ohio in 1836, and, after a short time spent 
in Jefferson Township, purchased land where Macv now stands. 
George Wilkinson entered a tract of land south of Macy 
in the spring of 1837 and is still an honored resident of the 
township. Anderson located near the present site of the village 
and is also living at this time. James located in the same 
neighborhood and Baldwin made his first improvements on what 
is now the Ewing farm. J. Keiker came in 1837 and settled 
in the eastern part of the township on land which he subse- 
quently sold to Sullivan Waite. Jesse Yost became a resident 
as early as 1837, settling a short distance northwest of Macy, 
while the Dabnev brothers, James, John and Samuel, located in 
the southwestern part of the township the latter part of the 
above year, or earl)^ in 1838. Sullivan Waite, to whom refer- 
ence- has been made, moved to the township in March, 183S, 
and was an honored and highlv respected resident of the same 
until his death in April, 1850. His son, A. C. Waite, is one of 
the. prominent business men of Macv, and another son, J. H. 
Waite, is proprietor of a large mercantile house at the town of 
Gilead. Conspicuous among the arrivals of 1S39 were Matthias 
Carvey and son, P. M. Carvey, the latter still living where the 
family originally settled, a short distance east of Macy. William 
Hatch, brother-in-law of Carvey, came the same vear and set- 
tled in the same neighborhood, as did also Thomas Clemens, 
who purchased the Waite farm, upon which he is still living. 
Others of 1839 and 1840 were George Hakins, one-half mile 
west of Macv; William Squires, in Section 7, northern part of 
the township: David Kinder, eastern part; Matthias Harmon, 
Section 23, Township 29, North 3 East; Elias Bills. Section 24, same 
township and range; John McCrea, Section 20, Township 29, 4 East; 
Nathaniel and George Brvant, in southwestern part of the town- 
ship: William and Avery Carvey, sons of Matthias Carvey, 



LAND ENTRIES. 49 1 

southwest of Macv; Samuel Carr and Frederick Fore, northeast 
part; William Fenimore, a short distance southwest of Macy; 
Henry Studebaker, about one mile north of the village; William 
Boggs, south of town; Joseph and Richard Endsley, southeast 
part of the township; Peter Weaver, near the Fulton County 
line; Daniel Hoover, Section 4, Township 29, North 4 East; 
William Gibson, Section 16; Clark Bailey, Jeremiah Bailey and 
Stephen Bailey in Section 18; Stewart Bailey, Section 11, 
Township 29, 3 East, and Andrew Highland, Section 12, same 
township and range. 

Land Onirics — The first land purchased from the Governiuent 
within the limits of Allen was entered in a tract lying in Section 4, 
Township 29, north of Range 4, East, the year 1835, by Charles 
W. Cathcart. He obtained a patent for the north half, southwest 
quarter of said section, and the same year Alexander B. Morrison 
entered a tract in the same part of the township. 

During the j'ear 1836 lands were entered by Samuel A. Mann, 
William H. Stubbletield and David Hoover, in Section 4 of the 
above township and range: Asa Leonard, William Smith, William 
Cannon, Nathaniel Leonard and Jonathan Williams in Sections; 
William H. Lee and Samuel Hoover in Section 6; George W. 
Neece, Section 7; Alexander Wilson, Section 8; John McCrea, Sec- 
20; James Wheeldon, Newberry Wheeldon, Elias Beard, Isaac 
Lapham, John G. Gibson, William Neece, David Harp and Jesse 
Yost in Section i. Township 29, Range 3, East; Jeremiah E. Cary, 
Joseph Cary, Samuel Harp and John L. Gibson, Section 2; John 
Horton, Jonathan Williams and George Harkins, Section 11; Wil- 
liam Neece and D. R. Rowan, Section 12; John Horton and John 
Dabney, Section 14; Joseph Holman, Eli Pugh and E. S. Wyatt, 
Section, 25. In 1837 the following persons secured lands by entry, 
viz.: David Kinder, Section 6, Township 29, 4 East; Alex- 
ander Jameson, Gartin Calaway, W. T. Squires and T. J. Holcomb, 
Section 7; A. M. Campbell and Peter Harshman, Section 9; James 
Wilkinson, Daniel Mendenhall, Thomas Clemens and Sullivan Waite, 
Section 17; John Wilkinson, Eli Pugh and Matthias Carvey, Sec- 
tion 18; Baldwin Wilkinson, Section 19; Grimes Holcomb, Ander- 
son Wilkinson, Andrew Highland, Thomas Holcomb and Daniel 
Lee, Section 12 of Township 29, North Range, 3 East: George 
Wilkinson, William R. Mowbray, Ebenezer Fenimore, Stephen 
Brewer and John A. Taylor, Section 13; Elias Bills and James 
Wilkinson, Section 24; Charles Lowe and Townsend Evans, Sec- 
tion 26. Numerous entries were made during the years 1839 
and 1840, and by the year 1842 nearly, if not quite all, the Gov- 
ernment land in the township was taken up, the greater part by 
actual settlers. 

Township Organization. — Allen originalh' formed a part of 



492 



HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY, 



Union Township, and dates its history as a separate division from 
the 6th day of September, 1859. It was organized with bound- 
aries same as now, and named in honor of Senator Allen, of 
Ohio. The first election was held in L'ncoln (now Macy), at 
the residence of Anderson Wilkinson in the fall of the above 
j'ear, Mr. Wilkinson as inspector. The first officers elected were 
Frederick Huffman, Justice of the Peace, and Jamas Wilkinson, 
Trustee. The second Trustee was William Fenimore, who 
resigned the office before the expiration of his term in order to 
enter the armv. Anderson Wilkinson was appointed to fill the 
vacancy-, since which time the office has been held by the follow- 
ing gentlemen, viz: Baldwin Wilkinson, Henry Heming, M. 
McGinlev, Frank Hart, William Belt, John Zartman, and David 
McKillip, the last named being the present incumbent. The 
present Justices of the Peace are O. Case and Henry Pulver. Politi- 
cally, Allen has ever been noted for its handsome Republican 
majorities, the plurality ranging from forty to fifty-five. 

Rel/g-ioii. — The religious history of Allen dates from its first 
settlement, many of the pioneers having been men of marked 
piety and active members of Churches in the countr}- from which 
thev emigrated. The first meetings were generally held in the 
cabins of different settlers, and they ma}^ be said to have been 
one of the principal means of intellectual as well as spiritual 
improvement. " The circuit preachers were for a number of \'ears 
the only circulating medium of thought and emotion that kept 
isolated settlements from spiritual stagnation." " They were men 
of great physical endurance, absolutely devoted to their work 
which thev pursued in the face of every hardship and discour- 
agement." Their circuits were frequently great, requiring them 
to be constantl}- on the route, and their oratory was of the pop- 
ular kind, familiar to all the earlv settlements of northern Indiana. 
With all the uncouthness and eccentricities of these early pio- 
neers of the Cross, they did much towards checking the evils 
and vices of the times, and are entitled to special credit among 
those who conquered the wilderness. Prominent among the early 
ministers of Allen Township was Rev. George Pope, a Baptist 
preacher, who held religious worship at the residence of George 
Neece as earh- as 1838. Rev. Mr. Kendall, another Baptist 
preacher, visited the sparse settlements as early as 1S39, '"^^ about 
the same time Rev. William Williams, of the Methodist Church, 
began holding meetings at the cabin of Anderson Wilkinson, 
where the first organization was effected in 1840 (^See M. E. 
Church, of Macy). 

T/ie Pleasant Hill Methodist Society, about four miles northeast 
of Macv, was an early organization and among the first members 
were John Clifton and wife. Perry Dukes and wife, John Hill and 



THE CHURCHES. 493 

wife, T. J. Carpenter, Jacob Bennett and wife, Thomas Powell and 
wife, Enoch Powell and wife, Samuel Carr and wife and others 
whose names cannot be recalled. Meetings were held in private 
residences for several years and as the emigration increased in 
numbers, efforts were made to erect a house of w:)rship. The 
tirst building was a log structure on the land of VVm. Dukes. 
It was replaced by the present building some time prior to 1870. 
The organization is in good condition and at the present time 
enjoys the pastoral labors of Rev. J. D. Belt. 

The Methodiit Church at Five Corners, was organized prior 
to 1S60 and is one of the points of the Macy Circuit. The 
organization has enjoyed a reasonable degree of prosperity for a 
number of years and upon its records can be seen the names of 
manv of the substantial citizens of the community. A frame 
house of worship was erected about the year i860. The 
society is not so strong as formerly, numbering at this time only 
about forty members. Rev. J. D. Belt is pastor. The Birming- 
ham Class was organized about the time of the founding of that 
\illage and has a fair membership. The village school house is 
used for a meeting place and services are regularly held bv 
Rev. J. J. Cooper, pastor in charge of the Perrysburg Circuit. 

Industries — In 1856 Messrs. Runkle and Woodring built the 
tirst saw mill in the township. It was a steam mill with corn 
burrs attached and was highly prized by the residents of Allen 
and adjoining townships. It was operated very successfully for 
some time, when it was blown up, killing three men; Mr. Hart 
and his son William and a Mr. Hippie (See sketch of Macy 
for other mills). The tirst manufacturing establishment of anj^ 
kind in the township was an ashery; operated by William T. 
Squires as early as 1840. Mr. Squires carried on the business 
with reasonably fair success for several years and manufactured 
much of the soda used b}' the early settlers. 

Miseellaiieoiis Items. — Probablv the first marriage in Allen 
Township was that of Elijah Ogle to Catharine, daughter of John 
Wilkinson, solemnized sometime in the year 1838. The first death 
which occurred was that of John Wilkinson who departed this life 
on the 24th of December, 1838. "In December of 1838, Mar- 
garet, wife of William Hatch, gave birth to a daughter, Delilah 
Ilatch, who was probably the first white child born in the town- 
ship." Joseph II. Waite, son of Sullivan and Margaret Waite, was 
born on the 6th day of March, 1839, and the following year, Nov- 
iniber 15, A. C. Waite, was born to the same parents. Both of 
these gentlemen are still living, the former in Gilead and the latter 
in Macy. "The first brick in the township was manufactured by 
Stewart Bailey, on the Sullivan Waite farm, about the 3'ear 1842." 
"To George Hawkins is due the credit of buildin<>; the first brick 



494 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

house in the township in 1856." In the year 1850 Sullivan Waite 
was kicked to death by a vicious horse, an occurrance that cast a 
deep gloom over the entire communit}-. The following incident 
shows the moral standing of two former residents of the township. 
"Men will trade cattle, houses, horses and lands without enlisting 
much attention, but when it comes to trading wives people will very 
naturally be astonished, and yet such a trade actuallv occurred at 
an early day within the borders of Allen. There were two farm- 
ers by the names of Adams and Hernsberger living not a great way 
apart. An intimacy sprang up between Mr. Adams and the wife of 
Hernsberger. At this there need be no surprise, for in the eves 
of Nineteenth Century, it has grown quite common for men to 
admire the wives of others more than they do their own. The 
friendship between the couple increasing an elopement was planned 
and a day fixed for putting the same into execution. At the 
appointed time thev stole away and quietly started on their journej'. 
Mr. Hernsberger, it seems, was on the alert, and the guilty pair 
had not proceeded far before they were overtaken by him. He 
did not approach rashly the dispoiler of his home with drawn revol- 
ver and shoot him dead upon the spot, but calmly, with the utmost 
composure, and in a business like manner proposed that since he 
(Adams) thought more of his (Hernsberger's) wife than he did 
of his own, if he would give him his wife and a small sum to boot, 
he might proceed on his way unmolested. Adams without the least 
hesitation accepted the proposition, and all parties concurring 
therein, the trade w as at once closed, and rumor says that they all 
li\ed in the enjoyment of domestic felicity ever afterwards." 

Cemeteries. — The two principal places of burial in i\llen 
Township are the Carvey cemetery, near Macy, laid out in an early 
day on the land of Matthias Carve}-, and the graveyard at Five 
Corners, where lie many of the first settlers of the county. 
Among the earliest burials in the former were Mr. and Mrs. 
Baily, Matthias Carvey and a child of William Hakins, and in 
the latter were laid to rest many years ago the bodies of 
Nathan Bryant, Matthias Harmon and a number of others whose 
names have long since been forgotten. 

Five Corners. — A straggling village in the western part of 
the township, so named on account of its location at the intersec- 
tion of several roads, was the nucleus of a very early settlement, 
and at one time achieved considerable reputation as a trading 
point. The place was never platted, being merely a thickly set- 
tled locality to which the term village can scarcely be applied, but 
it early became the chief source of supplies for a large area of 
territory in Miami and Fulton Counties. About the year 1857, 
or perhaps a little earlier, a stock of goods was brought to the 
place b\- Moses & Williams, who carried on a very successful 





Akp.>S.9^Ji 



'iZd^ 



THE VILLAGE OF MACY. 497 

business for a period of six or seven years. At the end of that 
time the store was purchased by Nathan Shackleford, who re- 
mained in business three years, when he sold out to William 
Harp, who had previously operated a general mercantile house at 
Wooleytown in Richland Township. After remaining about 
eighteen months Mr. Harp closed out within a short time, L. 
Carl began merchandising, and continued with fair success for 
over a year, when he moved his stock of goods to Macy, his 
store being the last business venture at the Corners. A postotiice 
was established in 1859, with Nathaniel Bryant as postmaster. 
The last postmaster was L. Carl, who had charge of the office 
when it was moved to Macy. At one time the place gave 
promise of a bright future on account of its remote location from 
any other trading point, but the completion of the I., P. and C. 
railroad through the country a couple of miles distant and the 
springing up of the town of Macy, served as an effectual check 
to its anticipations, and all that now distinguishes the village from 
the surrounding neighborhood are a church and school house, 
with a few dwellings in close pro.ximit}'. 

Macy — The thriving villege of Macy is situated near the 
central part of the township and dates its history from June, i860 
at which time the original plat, consisting of twenty lots was laid 
out bv George and Anderson Wilkinson, under the name of Lincoln. 
The village was the immediate outgrowth of the I., P. & C. Rail- 
road and soon became the principal shipping point on said road 
between the cities of Peru and Rochester. One of the earliest resi- 
dents of the town was William Cordell, who built a blacksmith 
shop a short time after the plat was made, and about the same time 
John G. Inscho, a carpenter, purchased lot 15 and erected thereon a 
dwelling which is still standing occupied at the present time by Mrs. 
13err\-. These men followed their respective vocations for several 
^■ears and found abundant employment during the early settlemants 
and building up of the town. Nelson Wilkinson bought lot No. 20 
and built a residence thereon sometime in i860 and the same year 
another building, in which was kept the tirst store was erected In- 
George Wilkinson a short distance west of Mr. CordelFs shop. 
Mr. Wilkinson brought a large stock of general merchandise to the 
place and for about three years carried on a fairly successful trade, 
closing out at the end of that time and retiring from business. The 
next merchants were J. W. Hurst and A. L. Norris, who engaged 
in business as partners prior to 1869, using the Wilkinson building 
for their store room. In the meantime the influx of population con- 
tinued such, that an addition to the town became necessary. Con- 
sequently in June, 1869, a plat of eighty lots was made and offered 
for sale by Messrs. Wilkinson and Powell. These lots found ready 
purchasers and within a short time quite a number of residences 



498 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

and business houses were erected in the new addition; among which 
was the store room now occupied by O. Case. This building was 
erected by Hurst and Norris and in the fall of the above year 
another business house was erected on lot 29, same addition, by L. 
Carl, who from that time until the present has been prominently 
identified with the business interests of the town. In May, 1871, 
David Enyart laid out an addition of thirty-two lots, the majorit}- of 
which were soon purchased and improved. The firm of Hurst 
and Norris lasted but a short time the latter retiring at the expira- 
tion of about one 3'ear. Mr. Hurst continued the store some time 
longer and in connection with his mercantile business engaged in 
the grain trade which he still carries on being at the time the most 
extensive and successful buyer between the cities of Peru and 
Rochester. L. Carl brought a stock of goods from Five Corners in 
1869 and with the exception of about one year has been one of 
Macv's leadinij merchants ever since. Frank ErnsberjTer en<ra<red 
in merchandising in 1S71 and one year later the first drug store 
was started by Lon Hudson. Another earlj^ merchant was a man 
by the name of Cole, who opened a business house on the corner 
now occupied bv Cloud & Son; and sometime in the seventies a 
clothing store, a branch of Mr. Bear's large establishment at Roch- 
ester was brought to the place by David Goldsmith who continued 
it for a period of about two or three years. In addition to those 
mentioned, the following business men sold goods from time to 
time, viz: Milton En\art, Stephen Bennett, Ira and James Hurst, 
Hurst & Hoffman, W". H. Hatch, Mr. Castle, Frank Edwards and 
others. 

Iiidiistn'es. — The first industry of Macy was a steam saw mill, 
brought to the village in i860 by J. L. Peck. It stood in the north- 
ern part of the town, and was operated as a lumber mill exclusively 
for several years. John Garner subsequently purchased an interest, 
and the firm of Peck & Garner remodeled the machinery and con- 
verted the mill into a flouring mill, using for their building the frame 
of a large barn that stood near the town. The mill did its first 
grinding some time in 1868, and operated with good success until 
destro3ed by fire in 1870. The last owners were Stallard «& Gar- 
ner. A flouring mill was built in the southern part of the village 
in 1870, by Messrs. Wagoner & Swihart, who operated it until 1885. 
It was then purchased by Steel & Norris, who have since thoroughly 
remodeled and supplied it with improved machinery for the manu- 
facture of flour, by the roller process. The proprietors are exper- 
ienced mill men, and their brand of flour has already achieved a 
reputation for its superior quality. In 1880 a large steam saw mill 
was started a short distance north of Macy, by Shindler & Wilkin- 
son, who still operate it. The} do a successful local business, besides 



CHANGE OF NAME FROM LINCOLN TO MACY. 499 

shipping large quantities of lumber to various cities on the line of 
the I., P. & C. Railroad. 

Physicians. — The hrst physician to practice his profession in 
Macy was Dr. James McKee, who moved to the village in i860. 
The next medical man was Dr. M. M. Boggs, who is still in the 
active practice of his profession, having been one of the leading 
phy.sicians of the town ever since its infancy. Among other doctors 
who iiave made tiie village a stopping place from time to time, were 
Drs. Ford, Weltie, Wright and Ernsberger. The resident physi- 
cians at this time are M. M. Boggs, E. H. Sutton, John Barnes, R. 
J. D. Peters and J. S. Wilson. 

Hotels.— Thii first hotel in Macy was built bv H. C. Ewing, 
who kept it several years. It stands on the principal street near 
the central part of the village, and is now run by Jeremiah Hatch. 
The second hotel was opened several years later by J. C. Feni- 
more, who is still in the business, his house having already become 
a fa\orite stopping place for the tra\eling public. 

T/ic Press. — The Macy Monitor, the first and only newspa- 
per enterprise of Macy, was established in 1885 b\' M. Lew 
Enyart, with D. O. Huffman, publisher. The first number of the 
Monitor made its appearance May i6th of the above year, since 
which time it has steadily grown in favor as a spicy local paper, 
having already reached a circulation of several hundred. The 
AFonitor is a five-column folio, independent in politics, and pre- 
sents an attractive appearance, with every indication of being in 
a fiourishing condition. Its mechanical execution is good, and the 
editorial and local departments are equ;d to those of any local 
paper in Miami Count}-. 

Cliani>x of JS/amc, and Incorporation. — As already stated, the 
town of Macy was surveyed and recorded under the name of 
Lincoln, and was known as such until about the year 1875. The 
near location of another and older town of Lincoln, in Cass County, 
together with the name of Allen, by which the post office was 
originally known, gave rise to much confusion and no little trouble 
in the shipment of goods and the sending of mail matter. To 
obviate this ditficulty the citizens of the town presented a peti- 
tion to the County Board praying that the name be changed from 
Lincoln to Macy, which was duly granted in 1875, "^"^ about the 
same time the postoffice department was petitioned to change the 
name of the ofiice to correspond with the name of the 
town. The latter petition had the desired effect also, and since 
the adoption of the one name for both office and town, a great 
deal of annoyance consequent upon the missending of mail and 
merchandise has been avoided. The postoffice was removed from 
Five Corners in 1869, and Mr. L. Carl had the honor of being 
the tirst postmaster of Macy. The present postmaster is Dr. M. 



500 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

M. Boggs. In 1884, the citizens of Macy desiring to ascertain 
whether public sentiment was in favor of erecting and maintain- 
ing a town corporation, called an election to decide the same. 
A full vote was cast, with a very decided majority in favor of 
the corporation, in consequence of which, the town was divided 
into three districts, and the following Board of Trustees elected, 
viz: M. Freeland, Jeremiah Hatch and A. C. Waite. The officers 
of the town at this time are M. Freeland, Oliver Jenkins and 
Albert Hakins, Trustees; J. D. Belt, Clerk; John Cloud, Marshal 
and L. Carl, Treasurer. 

School Bttihh'iii^s. — The first school building was a frame 
structure built in the southwestern part of the town some time 
in the seventies. The original building was subsequentlj- enlarged 
b}' the addition of an upper storv, making in all three good 
rooms, which served to accommodate the pupils of the town until 
1880. In that vear the Township Graded School-house, a beau- 
tiful brick edifice of eight rooms, was built at a cost of over $6,000. 
This is one of the finest and most commodious school buildings 
in the county, and is an improvement of which the citizens of 
Macv rnaj' justly feel proud. 

L.odgrs. — Lincoln Lodge, Xo. 523, F. and A. M., was insti- 
tuted August 16, 1875, ^^'^ membership at date of organization be- 
ing eleven, of which the following were elected to fill the various 
offices, viz.; J. W. Hurst, W. M. : Daniel Mussulman, S. W. ; 
Valentine Thompson, J. W. ; Frederick Hoffman, Treasurer; F. 
B. Hart, Secretary; J. B. Hurst, S. D.; H. Hoover, J. D., and 
John Zartman, tyler. The other original members w'ere Dr. M. 
M. Boggs, W. R. Marshall and Daniel Ross, and the first person initi- 
ated was J. S. Washington. The lodge has enjoved a fair degree 
of prosperitv, and at the present time has the names of thirtv-three 
active members upon the records. The officers for 1886 are as fol- 
lows: Ira B. Hurst, W. M.; A. P. Carvey, S. W.; W. H. Day, 
J. W. ; Da\id Black, Secretary; Abner C. Waite, Treasurer; A. S. 
Benedict, S. D.; J. W. Carvey, J. D.; S. W. Tracy, Tyler: Onis 
Case and J. S. Washington, Stewards, and A. L. Norris, Chaplain. 

Allen Lodge, No. 540, I. O. O. jF., was instituted November 
23, 1876, with the following charter members, viz. : W. R.Mar- 
shall, Easton A. Guyer, Oliver Jenkins, J. R. Cunningham, C. C. 
Johnson and G. P. Franklin. The first officers were W. R. 
Marshall, N. G.; Oliver Jenkins, V. G.; Azro Wilkinson, Secre- 
tar}', and Milton Enyart Treasurer. Meetings were held in the 
Grange Hall until the winter of 1876, at which time the present 
hall, on the principal business street of the town, was erected, which, 
with the other lodge propert\-, represents a capital of about 
$1,400. The growth of the lodge has been steady and healthful, 
and although not so strong in numbers as formerly, is still in 



SECRET SOCIETIES. 50I 

good condition, with an active membership of thirty-four. For the 
vear 1886 the officers are: Thomas Powell, N. G.; Wm. F. 
Wilkinson, Treasurer, and J. Norman, Secretary. 

Mvstic ycii'cl Lodge No. 210, Daughters of Rebecca, was 
established January 15, 1881, with seventeen charter members, 
whose names are as follows: D. K. Ogden, Mrs. E. A. Ogden, 
Henrv Pulver, Mrs. C. B. Pulver. W. R. Marshall, Mrs. Sarah 
Marshall, Geo. W. Ogden, Mrs. Sarah Ogden, William F. Wilkin- 
son, Oliver Jenkins, Mrs. Oliver Jenkins, A. H. Wilkinson, Etta 
Wilkinson, E. Chapen, Mrs. E. Chapen, C. C Johnson and Mrs. A. 
J. Johnson. At this time the membership is about twenty, and the 
organization is reported im a prosperous condition. The following 
are tlie present officers: Nancy Freeland, N. G.; Sarah Cloud, V. 
G.; William F. Wilkinson, Sec, and Elizabeth Ogden, Treas. 

Charles Wailc Post No. 7/, G. A. R. was organized in the year 
iSSi, with a membership of nineteen, a number which was increased 
from time to time, until fortv-five names were on the roll. Owing 
to \arious causes a spirit of dissatisfaction early manifested itself in 
the organization, and such was the disaffection that a number of 
members withdrew from the Post altogether. These were followed 
from time to time by others, and the membership, in October, 1866, 
numbered about nineteen. The first commander was F. D. Hart, 
after whom were elected in regular succession, Abner Waite, Joseph 
Hoover and J. B. Hatch. The officers at this time are H. C. Day, 
Commander; George Shackleford, S. V. C. ; Thomas Powell, 
Officer of the Day: Joseph Wikel, Officer of the Guard; Augustus 
Brownmiller, Clerk; Samuel Tracy Adjutant and Abner Waite, 
Chaplain. 

In addition to the organizations mentioned, there is in the vil- 
lage a flourishing society of the Patrons of Husbandry, established 
a number of years ago, with a large membership, among which are 
a number of the best farmers in the township. At one time the 
society maintained a general store, which lasted several years, and 
in addition to this investment a beautiful hall was erected, in which 
the meetings are still held. The organization, while not so strong 
numerically as formerly, has still an active and wide awake mem- 
bership, and from present indications, promises to remain a fixture 
of the town for 3-ears to come. 

Churches. — The Methodist Episcopal Church of Macy was 
organized a number of years prior to the foundation of the town, 
the first meeting of the society having been held at the resi- 
dence of Anderson Wilkinson as early as the year 1842. 
Soon after the first settlement of the township had been made, 
itinerants of the Methodist persuasion began to visit the locality 
where Macy now stands, delivering their messages of peace and 
good will to audiences consisting of a few scattered settlers. 



502 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

who, not infrequently, were brought together through the in- 
strumentality and patient searching out and earnest solicitation of 
the messengers themselves. One of these early circuit riders 
was Reverend Ansel Beach, to whom the credit is due of sow- 
ing the first seed which, under his careful culture, germinated 
and in due time developed into what is now the Macy church. 
After holding several meetings Mr. Beach determined to gather 
the few Methodist families into a class, which was accordingly 
accomplished. Among the earliest members composing said 
class were George Wilkinson, Thomas Clemens and wife. D. 
Wilkinson and wife, Elijah Ogle and wife, Stewart Bailey and 
wife, Anderson Wilkinson and wife, Baldwin Wilkinson and 
wife, James Wilkinson and wife and Anna Rains. Meetings 
were held at private residences by this nucleus of a church 
until about the year 1844, at which time steps were taken to 
provide a house of worship more in keeping with the growing 
conefretration. Accordinjfly a lot at the cross roads where Macy 
now stands was donated by George Wilkinson, and in due time 
a comfortable log structure 20x24 feet was erected. It was 
used for the two-fold purpose of church and school house for 
several years, but was tinalh- abandoned as a meeting place on 
account of an addition to the building, which interfered with the 
arrangement of the audience room. After this the meetings 
were held at the residences of the several members, and in 
i860 the village school house, erected that year, was opened 
for public worship. The growth of the village brought addi- 
tional members into the society, and in the course of time the 
school house became insufHcient to meet the wants of a greatly 
increased membership. Consequently ftieasures were inaugurated 
to supply that want by the construction of a new liouse in 
which to worship. Lot No. 60, in Wilkinson and Powell's 
addition, was procured, and the erection of the present hand- 
some frame edifice occupying that site was completed and 
formally dedicated in the year 187 1. The building is 33x45 
feet in size, with a seating capacity of about 400, and was 
erected at a cost of about $1,400. 

Commencing in an early day, the following are among the 
ministers who have sustained the relation of pastor at this point, 
viz: Daniel F. Strite, H. J. Lacy, L. Roberts, Nelson Green, 
Allen Skillman. Paul Jones, William Vigus. Jacob Colclazer, 
George Gill. Arthur Badiey, J. C. Metsker. Sanuiel AVoolpert, J. 
C. White. Robert Calvert. "P. Garland. Mr. Stephens. N. Shackle- 
ford, Adam Curry, R. J. Smith, Mr. Bell. Peter S. Cook, J. Lee, 
J. K. Waltz, Mr. Girard, A. J. Lewellen, A. J. Cary and the present 
pastor, Rev. J. P. Belt. The church has been a potent factor for 
good in the community, and has been maintained with a constantly 



THE CHURCHES. 503 

increasing membership. Tlie cliurch officers at this time are Isaac 
Mullican and M. Freeland, class leaders, and S. S. Tracy, steward. 
The Sunday school is in a health}- and prosperous condition, and 
has an averaije attendance of about seventv-rtve. A. L. Norris is 
the efficient superintendent. 

C/iristiiiii Church of Alacy. — About the year 1868, Elder 
Aaron Walker, of Kokomo, Indiana, one of the ablest ministers 
of the Disciples' Church in the State, was invited by some of 
the friends accepting his form of belief to visit Macy with the 
object of ministering to their spiritual wants; and if practicable 
organize the scattering members into a church. Pursuant to 
that invitation he came here, and after laboring successfully for 
some months succeeded in organizing a society of about twenty- 
five or thirtv; a number of whom had previously belonged to a 
church in Fulton County. Elder Walker continued to visit the 
village at intervals preaching acceptably to large audiences 
including the congregation over which he exercised a watcful 
but kindly care. Under his ministrations the society increased 
in numbers and a good influence was spread abroad, services 
being held regularly, notwithstanding a stated house of worship 
had not vet Ijeen provided. To supply this want the school 
house was used for meeting purposes until 1872, at which time 
the conLrreffation set about devising means for the erection of a 

1 -1 • 1 

proper place of worship. The movement was heartily received 
bv the co-operation of all members of the congregation and the 
year 1873 found the society in the occupancy of a neat and 
commodious brick chapel in the original plat of the village, erec- 
ted and furnished at a cost of $2,500. From that time until the 
jircsent, the membership has constantly increased, numbering at 
this time over one hundred in creditable standing. The min- 
strations of Elder Walker e.xtended over a period of about thir- 
teen years and were the means of keeping alive and active, the 
working elements of the congregation. Subsequently, Elder John 
Rohrer accepted the pastorate, and after laboring with efficiency 
and zeal for one year, was succeeded by Elder L. H. Jameson 
who preached in an able and satisfactory manner for the same 
length of time. His labors were crowned with eminent success 
anci the evidence of his devotion to the cause he represented 
will long remain to remind his people of the master spirit who 
ministered to them so lovingly in the past. The next minister 
was Elder Luke Warren after whom came Elder Huff, W. T. 
McGowan and I. X. Grisso, all of whom earned the reputation of 
earnest and able defenders of Apostolic Christianity. Since the 
expiration of Elder Grisso's term of service, the Church has been 
without a regular pastor; the services at this time being con- 
ducted bv leading lav members of the congregation, thus pre- 



504 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

venting a subsidence of interest in the observance of Christian 
duties. At present the society is in every way in a healthful 
condition, indicating unmistakably that the members are fully 
alive to the spiritual welfare of the community in which they 
have alread}' accomplished so much good. The present officers 
are T. G. Horton, John Abbott and P. M. Carvey, Elders; James 
Hurst, I. B. Hurst and John Champ, Deacons; P. M. Carvey, 
Addison Horton and John Cliamp, Trustees. The Sunday School, 
under the efficient superintendenc}' of L. J. Hurst is doing a 
good work in the communit}-. The school numbers about 
seventy, including teachers and pupils. 

Macy Cornet Band was organized in the year 1881 with 
about ten or twelve members. Since then many changes have 
been made and at the present time the band is composed of the fol- 
lowing efficient corps of musicians: Vester Carvey, E flat Cornet; 
Schuyler Arnold, Solo B flat; Henry Norris, Solo- Alto; William 
Day, First Alto; L. J. Hurst, Second Alto; C. H. Norris, Baritone; 
Thomas Savage, First B flat; L. J. Savage, Second Tenor; Charles 
Palmer, B flat Bass: John Carvey, Tuba. R. M. Belt, snare drum. 
William Wilkinson, bass drum. The band is a credit to the town 
and one of which her citizens may feel proud. 

Present Population and Business. As a mercantile and ship- 
ping point the town of Macy is second to no other place of like size 
and population in Indiana. Its growth, during the first five vears of 
its history, was more rapid than at any time since, and during that 
period the amount of grain and stock shipped was greater than that 
billed from any other stations of its size between Peru and Michigan 
City. Its reputation as a grain market is still kept up, its remote 
location from larger towns making it the chief shipping place for a 
large area of countrj' in the Counties of Miami and Fulton. The 
population at this time is about 600 and the business is represented by 
the folio wino; retjister : Carl & Hakins, (jeneral merchandise: Clend- 
ing & Waite, dealers in general merchandise: Cloud & Son, general 
stock; O. Case, dealer in hardware; John Cloud, restaurant: J. B. 
Hatch and J. C. Fenimore, hotels; Miss C. Cofllan, milliner; Mrs. 
Caroline Carl, milliner; Mrs. Henrv Cloud, milliner: Henrv C. Ew- 
ing and James Sheets, butchers: W. R. Marshall and Henry Pnlver, 
blacksmiths and waiTon-makers; D. K. Ofrden, shoe-maker: ]. W. 
Hurst, grain and stock buyer: John Champ, manufacturer of drain 
tile; M. Lew. Enyart, attorney-at-law ; Ogden & Abbott, barbers and 
jewelers; L. J. Hurst, railroad agent. 

Birmingham. — The village of Birmingham situated on the I. 
P. & C. Railroad, in section 29 and 30, township 29, north; range 
4, east, was laid out November, 1868, by Solomon Jones and Isaac 
Caulk. The original plat embraces quite an extensive area and 
consists of 122 lots, traversed b}- the following streets: Main, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 505 

Third, Fourth, Sixth and Seventh, running east and west; and 
Prairie, Jones and Spring streets, north and south. The town was 
platted solely for speculative purposes, but the growth failed to 
come up to the expectations of the proprietors, the unfavorable 
location proving the chief detriment to its success. It has never 
been a place of extensive business, but has always enjoyed a fair 
proportion of the current trade. The population does not proba- 
bly exceed one hundred, but the place is supplied with all the neces- 
sary auxilliaries of the kind and qualit\- of trade demanded bv the 
people in the countr}' immediately surrounding. A large steam 
saw mill was the first industry of the village, and for several years 
after its erection an immense amount of lumber was manufactured 
and shipped on the I. P. & C. Railroad. At this time a saw mill, 
blacksmith shop, and one small general store, constitute the sum 
total of the business interests of the place. 

Wagoner'' s, a small railroad station in section i, near the Fulton 
County line, is a local trading point of some importance. It has a 
steam saw mill and one general store which does a fairly prosper- 
ous business. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ALBERT M. ARNOLD, Principal of the Macy Schools, 
is a native of Butler Township, this County, and was born Feb- 
ruary 16, 1856. He was the second son born to William M. and 
Mary B. (Mowbray) Arnold, both natives of Ohio. The former 
came with his parents to this County about 1846, and the latter 
located in Peru in 1837. When Albert was seven ^ears old his 
parents removed to Fulton County, where he worked upon his 
father's farm until he was sixteen years of age. The father died 
in Fulton County in 1871, after which our subject, in compan}- 
with his mother and other members of the family, returned to 
Butler Township. Here Albert worked upon a farm in summer, 
and attended the public schools at Santa Fe until the fall of 1877. 
At that time he took up the avocation of a teacher. In this 
capacity he has been actively engaged ever since. In the fall of 
18S4, he was elected to the Principalship of the Schools of Macy, 
which position he has held ever since. In the meantime he has 
improved his education by attending the Academy at Amboy in 
this County three terms, and the Normal School at Lebanon, 
Ohio, one term. October i, 1884, he was married to Anna C. 
Miller, a native of Butler Township, born April 17, 1865. She 
was the daughter of Abram and Anna (Erbaugh) Miller, both 
natives of Rockingham County, \'a. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold have 
born to them one child — a son, born October 14, 1886. They 
are members of the M. E. Church. In politics Mr. Arnold is a 



5o6 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Republican. He is an earnest, faithful worker in the schoolroom, 
and ranks among the best teachers of the countv. 

MRS. SUSAN BAKER, of Allen Township, was born in 
Cumberland County, Penns}l\ania, Jul)- 9, 1820. She was the 
daughter of Henry and Eve (Layman) Messenger, both natives of 
Pennsylvania, of Dutch descent. When Susan was nine years old 
her parents emigrated to Wayne Countv, Ohio, where she grew 
up to womanhood, and where on the 23d day of August. 1846, 
she was married to Timothy Baker. He was a native of New 
Jersey, and was born December 13, 1810. He was the son of 
John and Charity (Cole) Baker, both natives of New Jersey. In 
185 1 Mrs. Baker and her husband came to this countv and located 
upon a farm in Perry Township. There her husband pursued the 
vocation of a farmer, until in April, 1881, at whicli time the}' 
they located where our subject now resides in Allen Township. 
There the death of her husband occurred April 4, 1884, since 
which time Mrs. Baker has been a widow. She is the motht-r of 
seven children, three of whom are living. Their names are Henry, 
Deborah, Sarah J., Maria, John and two daughters who died in 
infancy unnamed. Mrs. Baker is a member of the M. E. Church. 
She has a comfortable home one-half mile east of Macv, where 
she resides in a quiet, pleasant way. 

DR. JOHN BARNES, of Macy, was born in Harrison County, 
Va., August 29, 181 5. He was the third son born to William and 
Ehzabeth (Hull) Barnes, natives of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, 
respectively; the former of German and the latter of English de- 
scent. When our subject was eleven years old his parents came 
to Ohio and located in Richland County, where his youth was 
spent \vorking upon his father's farm. At the age of twenty-two 
he began the study of medicine with Dr. J. C. Howard, of Manslield, 
Ohio. After three years of preparation he entered upon the prac- 
tice of medicine with Dr. John Palmer, of Leesville. Ohio. In 
1845 he came to this State and located near Somerset, Wabash 
County, where he continued to practice his profession. He came 
to this county and located at Santa Fe in 1847. In the spring of 
1865 he removed to Gilead, this county, and in November, 1879, 
he located at Macy. September 25, 1844, he was married to 
Nancy Bebout, a native of Richland County, Ohio, born Decem- 
ber 29, 1823. She was the daughter of Peter and Nancy 
(Kelly) Bebout, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former of 
French and the latter of Irish descent. Mr. and Mns. Barnes 
are the parents of seven children. Their names are Abram, 
Elizabeth, Sarah, Nathaniel, Martha A., Mary E. and Arthur W. 
Of these Sarah, Nathaniel and Mar}- E. are deceased — the first 
two in infancy and the last at the age of nineteen. Dr. and 
Mrs. Barnes are members of the M. E. church. In politics, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 507 

Mr. Barnes is a Republican. He is now comfortably located in 
Macv, where he and his wife are spending their old days in a 
pleasant, happy way. He has been in the practice of medicine 
over fort}- years, and as such he has been \'ery successful. His 
success is evidenced by the fact that while a resident of Wabash 
Count\- lie was in active practice three years without losing a 
single case. He has now resided in Miami County nearh- forty 
3-ears, and is one of its most highly respected citizens. 

JAMES D. BELT, Teacher in" the Public Schools of Macy, 
was born in Allen Township, this county, April 30, i860. He 
was the oldest son born to William and Ellen (Davis) Belt, natives 
of Ohio and Indiana, respectively, the former of English and the 
latter of Dutch descent. James spent his boyhood and \outh 
working upon a farm. During this time he attended the district 
school, in which he received a good, common education. At the 
age of twenty he took up the avocation of a teacher. He taught 
his first term of school at Macy during the winter of 18S0-1, 
and has since taught six successive winters. In the fall of 1884 
he was elected to teach the primary department of the Macy 
Schools, which position he has held ever since. As such he has 
discharged his duties in a manner that reflects very creditably 
upon himself. December 23, 1883, he was united in marriage to 
Elmira Kamp, who died February 22, 1884. He was again 
married on the 22nd of April, 1886, to Mrs. Amanda Seidner, 
whose maiden name was Amanda Fishlev. Mr. Belt is a mem- 
ber of the Christian Church, and a Prohibitionist in politics. He 
is an exemplary young man of irreproachable character, and as a 
teacher, he is an earnest and successful worker, and ranks among 
the best instructors in the county. In May, 1885, he was elected 
to the office of Clerk of the town of Macy, and is the present 
incumbent. 

MILTON M. BOGGS, M. D., of Macy, was born in New 
Castle, Henry County, this State, January 10, 1830. He was the 
second son born to James and Martha H. (Stinson) Boggs, the 
former a native of Virginia, of Irish descent, and the latter a native 
of Tennessee, of Scotch descent. While our subject \\as yet a 
child, his parents removed to LaPorte County, this State, 
where thev located on a farm. In 1839 the}' removed to a farm in 
Kosciusko County. There the death of his father occurred in 
1842, after which Milton returned to Laporte County, where he 
worked on a farm by the month until April 17, 1847, at which time 
he entered the service of the United States in the Mexican 
war, from which he was honorably discharged in August 
184S. He participated in several small skirmishes, but no import- 
ant engagements. At the close of tiie war he returned to Lees- 
burg, Kosciusko County, where he began the study of medicine. 



5o8 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

After three years of diligent study, he entered upon the practice of 
medicine at Palestine, that county- He removed to Fulton, Fulton 
County, in 1854, "^"^ '" 1859 he located upon a farm which he had 
purchased in Cass County, in the vicinity of which he continued to 
practice his profession until in August, 1861. At that time he 
responded to his countr3''s call, and organized Company E, Twenty- 
ninth Indiana Infantry. He served with this company in the capac- 
ity of captain until in March, 1862, when, owing to a disability 
received while in active service, he resigned and returned to his 
home in Cass County. He located at North Manchester, Wabash 
County, in 1866, where he practiced medicine until May 19, 1870, 
when he came to this county and located at Macy. He engaged in 
the drug business in that place in 1875, since which his attention 
has been directed between that and the practice of his profession. 
He has a commodious store room, well stocked, and is doing a 
good business. In October, 1852, he was married to Emeline 
Miller, who died in February, 1856. April 8, 1857, he was 
married to Mary Penrose, who died in January, 1867. He was 
married again to Mrs. Mary Hanna on the 26th of May, 1870. 
In all, Mr. Boggs is the father of six children — Emma A., 
Joseph E., Alice V., Minnie W., Miltie and Myrtie M. The 
rirst four were born to his second wife and the last two to his 
third wife. Of these Joseph E., Miltie and Mrytie M. are 
deceased. Mr. Boggs is a member of the Christian Church and 
of the F. and A. M. and G. A. R. Lodges. Politically he is a 
Democrat. He received the appointment of postmaster at Macy 
in October, 1885, which office he continues to hold. Dr. Boggs 
is a pleasant, intelligent gentleman, a successful practitioner and 
business man and a good citizen. 

ROBERT P. BRIGGS, a prominent citizen of Allen Town- 
ship, is a native of Richland County, Ohio, and was born May 25, 
1835. He was the second son born to Robert Briggs, a native of 
England, who emigrated to America in 1833 and located in Rich- 
land County, Ohio. When our subject was two years old his 
parents removed to Hardin County, Ohio, where his early life was 
spent upon a farm. In the spring of 1857 he went to Missouri, 
where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until the fall of 1861, 
at which time he returned eastward to this county and located in 
Butler Township; He removed to Allen township and settled 
where he now resides in the fall of 1865. He entered Company 
D, 99th Ind. Vols., in August, 1862. with which he served in a 
manner becoming a loval soldier until the close of the war. He 
participated in the battles of Jackson, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Ken- 
nesavv, the siege of Atlanta and the battle of Fort McAllister, Ga. 
At the siege of Atlanta he was struck by a spent ball just over the 
heart. Oct. 21, 1855, he was married to Mary J. Elder, a native 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 509 

of Hancock County, Ohio, born June 14, 1837. She was the 
daughter of Jeremiah and Adelia (Miller) Elder, both natives of 
Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs have had nine children: Adelia C, 
Ruth A., Uala M., James M., Susan A., Albert M., Avice I., Jennie 
L. and Elizabeth L., all of whom are living exxept Susan A., who 
died in the ninth year of her age. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs are mem- 
bers of the Christian Church. In politics, the former is a Republi- 
can. Our subject and his wife are the owners of one hundred and 
sixty acres of land, one hundred and thirty of which is in culti\a- 
tion. He is an industrious and successful farmer and a worthy and 
honored citizen. 

LOUDEN CARL, merchant at Macy, and one of the 
pioneers of this county, was born in Darke County, Ohio, No- 
vember 25, 1828. He was the oldest son born to Matthew and 
Anna (Suffield) Carl, natives of New York and Kentuck}^ res- 
pectively. When our subject was about twelve years old his 
parents came to this county and located in Jefferson Township, 
where he spent his youth working upon his father's farm. At 
the age of eighteen he began to learn the carpenter's trade. 
This received his attention, more or less, for ten j-ears. In 1855 
he went to Iowa, but in 1862 he returned to this State and lo- 
cated upon a farm in Cass County. In 1867 he returned to this 
countv and located at Five Corners, in Allen Township. There 
he was engaged in the mercantile business until 1S69. In that 
year he located at Macy, erected the first business house in the 
town, and continued in the mercantile business. He entered into 
a partnership with Albert Hawkins in February, 1884. They 
now have a commodious store-room, well stocked with dry goods, 
groceries, boots and shoes, and are doing a good business. April 
20, 185 1, he was married to Caroline Enyart, b}" whom he has 
had three children. Their names are Minerva P., Marion B., 
and Ida E., the last of whom died at five years of age. Mr. 
and Mrs. Carl are members of the M. E. church. In politics, 
Mr. Carl is a Republican. While a resident of Iowa he held 
the office of Township Trustee one term. He has also been 
honored with the Town Treasurer's ofiice in Mac^• ever since 
the town was incorporated. He is a pleasant, intelligent gentle- 
man, an enterprising and successful business man and a No. i 
citizen. 

ONIS CASE, of Macy, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, 
April 25, 1845, He was the youngest son born to Onis and Sarah 
(Williams) Case, natives of Wa\ne and Seneca Counties, Ohio, 
respectively. Our subject spent his boyhood and youth in his 
native county working upon his father's farm. In March, 1864, he 
came to this county and located upon a farm in Perry Township. 
He enlisted in Company A., 155th Indiana Regiment, in February, 



5IO HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

with which he served until the close of the war. (It is worthy of 
note that our subject and his four elder brothers all served in the 
Union Arniv and that all are still living). He resided in Perry 
Township until 1876. At that time he located in Macy and engaged 
in the hardware business. This has received his attention ever 
since. He now has a commodious little store room, well stocked, 
and is doing a good business. January i, 1868, he was married to 
Rhoda A. Dukes, by whom he has had two children, Rollie and 
Ethel, both of whom are living. Mr. Case is a member of the M. 
E. Church and of the F. & A. M. Lodge. In politics, he is a 
Republican. In 1882 he was elected Justice of the Peace, and was 
re-elected in 1886. He is an enterprising and successful business 
man and a good citizen. 

ISAAC CAULK, a prominent citizen of Allen Township, 
was born in the city of Philadelphia, March 27, 1S31. He was 
the only son born to Oliver and Rachel G. (Cox) Caulk, both 
natives of Maryland, but of English descent. When Isaac was 
a voLith of thirteen years, his parents came to this county and 
located up^n a farm in Allen Township. There the father and 
mother spent the rest of their lives, their respective deaths occur- 
ing in October, 1869, and December, 1885. At the time of tlieir 
deaths the father was seventy-eight and the mother had reached 
the advanced age of ninety-four. Our subject remained upon 
the farm, engaged in agricultural pursuits, until the fall of 1873, 
at which time he located in the town of Birmingham. Since 
then his attention has been given to the grain business, and to 
mercantile pursuits. October 15, 1873, he was married to Lunetta 
A. Fobes, by whom he has had five children, Oliver M., Nellie 
A., HaiT)- P., Lunetta Grace, and Fred G. The second, Nellie 
A., died in the fifth year of her age. By virtue of his birth, 
Mr. Caulk is a member of the Friends' Church. Politicall}-, he 
is a Republican. He has held the position of postmaster at Birm- 
ingham since Jul}' 28, 1869. He has also held the Railroad 
Agency for the same length of time. He is an enterprising and 
intelligent man, and a worthy and honored citizen. 

JOHN CHAMP — Farmer and tile manufacturer, at Macy, 
was born in Piqua County, Ohio, April 8, 1830. He was the 
son of Joseph and Martha Ann (Baggs) Champ, natives of Ken- 
tucky and Virginia respectively, the former of Scotch-Irish and 
the latter of German descent. The father of our subject died 
when the latter was but seven years old. When he was ten 
years old his widowed mother and five children came to this 
county and first located at Peru. That was in 1840. Five 
years later they located upon the present site of Somerset, 
Wabash Count)- and erected the first house in that place. In 
about 184S they returned to Peru. They removed to a farm in 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 5II 

Kosciusko County in 1S50. About two years later they reftioved 
to Cass County and located in the vicinity of the Huldah Iron 
Works, four miles east of Logansport. John took a position in 
that establishment, which he continued to hold four years. In 
1856 he and his mother located upon a farm in Adams Town- 
ship, Cass County. In 1864 he removed to a farm which he 
had purchased in Fulton County. In Februar}- 1865, he enlisted 
in Compan}- F., 151st Indiana Volunteers, from which he received 
an honorable discharge in the following November. In the spring 
of 1876 he again came to this couiit\- and this time located at 
Mac}-. He owns a farm adjoining that place which he superin- 
tends, and in connection with this he is engaged quite extensively 
in the manufacture of tile, having entered into a partnership in 
that business in 1878, with Peter Carvey. June 23, 1859, ^^ ^^''^^ 
married to Sarah M. Scott, a native of Preble County, Ohio, born 
March iS, 1839. She was the daughter of Daniel and Ellen M. 
(Dilhorn) Scott, natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the for- 
mer of Scotch and the latter of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. 
Champ have never had any children of their own, but are the foster 
parents of eight children, six of whom are living. Out subject and 
his wife have been members of the Christian Church over thirty 
years. The former is a member of the F. & A. M. and G. A. R. 
Lodges and a Prohibitionist in politics. In the fall of 1876 he was 
elected to the office of Justice of the Peace and served one term. 
He is an industrious and successful farmer and business man and a 
worthy and honored citizen. 

THOMAS CLEMANS, a venerable and aged citizen of 
Allen Township and pioneer of the countj', was born in 
Champaign County, Ohio, November 10, 181 1. He was the fifth 
in a family of eleven children born to Isaac and Elizabeth (Carpen- 
ter) Clemans, who were natives of New Jersey and Virginia, 
respectively. He chose for his life work the occupation of a farmer. 
As early as 1835, he came to this county and settled in the woods of 
Allen Township, where the deer, wild turkeys and Indians were 
plenty. He immediately set about clearing a farm, and to do this, 
naturally devolved upon him a great deal of hard work. His 
strong constitution and iron will, however, proved equal to the emer- 
gencs', and these coupled with an indefatigable pluck and energy, 
enabled him to con\ert his wilderness home into beautiful and well- 
tilled fields. Unlike most of the early settlers he did not stop at one 
conquest over the forest, nor two, but for a third time he settled 
down in the woods and experienced the hardships of the sturdy 
pioneers. Three of the best farms in Allen Township were placed 
in a state of cultivation through labor performed b}' his own hands. 
He was not only courageous but fearless as well. Nothing will 
serve better to illustrate his braver}- than the following incident. 



512 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

which occurred one day while he was riding on horseback, in the 
vicinity of his habitation, with some loose horses that belon<red to him 
in his advance. His attention was suddenly attracted by the veil of 
an Indian, whereupon he faced about and two Indians, armed with 
guns and tomahawks were seen approaching him some two or three 
hundred yards distant. Thej^ ordered him to wait which he did 
until they came up. One of them approached a loose horse, 
adjusted a rope around its neck in a manner indicating that he 
intended to take possession. An exclamation of "Let loose that 
horse," from Mr. Clemans failed to cause the Indian to desist, where- 
upon the former bounded to the ground, gathered a well seasoned 
club and, drawing it over the Red-skin's head, repeated the com- 
mand. The Indian, not yet ready for a journey to those Happy 
Hunting Grounds, immediately obeyed and, joining his companion, 
walked peaceably awa3\ On the i8th of January, 1836, Mr. Cle- 
mans was united in marriage to Delilah Wildman. She was born 
in Jefferson Count}', this State, June 24, 1820, being the daughter of 
Joseph and Mary (Underwood) Wildman, who were respectively 
natives of Virginia and Kentucky. For more than half a century 
Mr. and Mrs. Clemans have stood side bj' side, administering to each 
other's wants and sharing, alike, each other's sorrows and pleasures. 
They are the parents of twelve children — seven sons and five 
daughters. Their names are James, Mary, Joseph, David, Samuel, 
John, Elizabeth, Eliza J., Thomas A., Catharine, Silas and Maggie, 
of whom James, Joseph, Samuel and Eliza J. are deceased. Our 
subject and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. In politics 
the former is a Republican. They have a comfortable home where 
they are spending the decline of life in a quiet, happy way. They 
are among the worthy and honored citizens of the township. 

EPHRAIM B. CLENDEXXING, a native of this county, 
and at present one of the leading business men of Macy, was born 
in Union Township Feb. 16, 1841. He was the oldest child born 
to Robert and Cynthia (Clymer) Clendenning, the former a native 
of Ireland, born Oct. 15, iSio; emigrated to Amerca in 1835 and to 
this country about 1837; the latter was a native of Ohio, born Feb. 
22, 181 7; came to this country about 1837 and on the 8th day of 
December, 1839, was married to Robert Clendenning. She died 
in this county ^larch 14, 1863. When Ephraim was about eight 
years old his parents removed to Richland Township, where he 
grew up to manhood working upon his father's farm. He re- 
mained at home until July 26, 1863, at which time his marriage 
occurred with Martha E. 13ell. She was born in Wayne County, 
Ohio, April 22, 1838, being the daughter of Eben and Elizabeth 
Bell, natives of Ohio and New Jersey, respectively. After his mar- 
riage Mr. Clendenning engaged in farming for himself. That was 
in Richland Township. In 1866 he returned to his native town- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 515 

ship, where he was engaged in agricuhural pursuits until in Feb- 
ruary, 1874, when he located at Macy and engaged in the mer- 
cantile business. This has received his attention ever since. He 
is now the senior member of the firm of Clendenning & Waite. 
They have a good store room' well-stocked with drj- goods, gro- 
ceries, boots, shoes and general merchandise, and are doing a profit- 
able business. During his early life Mr. Clendenning acted in the 
capacity of a school teacher for eight years. He is the father of 
six children : Mary A., Amanda E., Alabama E., Lydia A., Viola 
B. and Laura M. Of these Amanda E. and Viola B. are deceased. 
In politics our subject is an ardent Republican. In September, 
1S74, he received the appointment of postmaster at Macy, in which 
capacity he acted until September, 1S85. As such he discharged 
his duties with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public. He 
is an industrious and successful business man and a good citizen. 

THOMAS D. COFFING, a prominent farmer and stock- 
raiser of Allen Township, was born in Fayette County, Pennsvl- 
vania, March 26, 1828. He was the youngest son born to Joshua 
P. and Mary (Davis) Colling, both natives of Pennsylvania, the 
former of Dutch and the latter of Irish descent. When Thomas 
was eight years old his parents came westward to Ohio and lo- 
cated in Knox County, where his youth was spent, working upon 
his father's farm. There, on the 29th day of April, 1848, he 
was married to Sophia McDaniel. She was born in Bedford 
County, Pennsylvania, March 13, 1826, being the daughter of 
Joel and Catharine (Smith) McDaniel who, also, were natives of 
Pennsylvania, the former of Irish and the latter of Dutch descent. 
Immediately after his marriage, Mr. Cofhng and wife removed to 
Delaware County, Ohio. There they resided on a farm about 
eighteen months. They then returned to Knox County, but a 
year and a half later they located upon a farm in Defiance 
County, Ohio. They came to this State and located where they 
now reside in the fall of 1866. The chief occupation of Mr.. 
CoiHng has been that of a farmer and breeder of line stock. He 
owns a handsome farm of 160 acres of land, fitted up with good 
fences and buildings, and altogether a very desirable location. He 
has always taken especial pains to secure the best grades of 
stock possible. He now has some excellent specimens of Cotswold 
sheep, Berkshire hogs, Clydesdale and Norman horses, and his large- 
herd of Devonshire cattle is the finest of the kind in Northerm 
Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Coffing are the parents of seven children,. 
Joshua P., Maiy E., Joel, Susan C, Isabel A., Lucy A., and 
Jackson. Of these ALary E., Joel, Isabel A. and Jackson are de- 
ceased. Mr. Colling is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, 
and independent in politics. He is also a member of the Amer- 

16 



5l6 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

ican Devon Cattle Club. He is an industrious, pushing and en- 
terprising farmer, and a worthy and honored citizen. 

JOSHUA COFFING, one of the enterprising young farmers 
of Allen Township, was born in Delaware Count)-, Ohio, Novem- 
ber 9, 1849. He was the oldest in a family of seven children 
born to Thomas D. and Sophia (McDaniel) Cofhng, who are now 
prominent citizens of Allen Township. When he was five years 
old his parents located in Defiance County, Ohio, where his boy- 
hood and early youth were spent working upon his father's farm. 
At the age of seventeen he accompanied his parents to this county 
and located with them where the latter now reside in Allen 
Township. There he continued to work on the farm until he 
reached the age of twenty-three, when, on the 22nd day of 
December. 1872, his marriage with Cynthia Ann Burket occurred. 
She was born in Tipton County, Indiana, January- 29, 1855, being 
the daughter of Asa and Lucinda ( Fonts j Burket, now of Allen 
Township. That marriage resulted in the birth of five children. 
The first was a daughter that died in infancy, unnamed. The others 
were Eflie E., Edger E., Arthur E. and Emma J. On the 17th of 
August, 1881, Mr. Cofting suffered the bereavement of losing his 
first wife, and the 4th of Api-il, 18S2, he was married to Mrs. Jane 
Lichty, daughter of Jeremiah and Barbara Ann (Study) Rigel, 
natives of Pennsylvania. She was born in Defiance County, Oliio, 
September 28, 1853. This latter union has resulted in tiie birth of 
three children : Mary E., Joshua D., and a daughter that died in 
infancy. Joshua D. also died in infancy. Mr. Coffing is a mem- 
ber of the Patrons of Husbandry, the F. & A. M. Lodge, and inde- 
pendent in politics. At the time of its organization he was chosen 
secretary of the Macy District Fair Societ)', which position he has 
filled in a creditable manner ever since. He is an industrious farmer 
and a good citizen. 

M. LEW. ENYART, editor and proprietor of the Macy 
Monitor, is a native of Cass County, this State, and was born 
June 22, 1840. He was the youngest son in a family of six 
children born to Benjamin and Mary (McColla) Enyart, the for- 
mer a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, of French descent, and 
the latter a native of Clark County, West Virginia. At the 
tender age of three ^•ears our subject was left without a mother. 
Owing to a physical disability he was unable to help his father 
upon the farm and was in consequence kept in school. At the 
age of seventeen he was apprenticed to Thomas Bringhurst, of 
Logansport, with the view of learning the printer's trade. Dur- 
ing the winter of '56-7 he taught school in Fulton Count)-. In 
the spring of 1S57 he went to Waterloo, Iowa, where he 
entered the office of the Cedar Valley Register. Here he 
remained about six months. In the following fall he returned to 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 51? 

Fulton County and taught another term of school. In the spring 
of 1858 he again returned to Waterloo, Iowa, and began the 
stud}- of law under Judge L. D. Rannalls. In the spring of 
1 86 1 he again returned to the home of his father in Fulton 
County, and, feeling a desire to enter the army, he made three 
unsuccessful attempts to join the Union army but was refused 
admission on account of the deficiency in his leg. He then went 
to Logansport and read law under Judge Chamberlain one year. 
August 2, 1862, he again made an attempt to enter the military 
service, and this time was successful. He entered Company K., 
5lh Cavalry, 90th Regiment Indiana Volunteers, from which, 
owing to his physical weakness, he received an honorable dis- 
charge in December following. On leaving the army he returned 
home and again took, up teaching. In 1865 he again began the 
studv of law; was admitted to the Rochester bar in 1867. At 
that place he formed a partnership with Col. K. G. Shryock, 
willi whom he practiced law two years. In 1869 our subject 
entered upon the practice of law at North Manchester, Wabash 
County. A year later he came to this county and located at 
Lincoln (now Macy). In 1875 he located at Twelve Mile, Cass 
County. He went to Wolcott, White County, in the spring of 
1876, and in the following fall he returned to Logansport and 
engaged in the real estate business. In 1879 he engaged in the 
same business in Peru. To promote his interests in this he 
published for a time The Real Estate jReviezv, and it is worthy 
of note that Mr. En\-art became the most successful agent of 
that kind that has ever done business in the county. In March, 
1885, he returned to Macy, and on the i6th da}- of May, following, 
the first issue of the Macy Monitor went forth with the name of M. 
Lew Enyart as editor and proprietor. He took into his employ 
Mr. David O. Huffman, who has acted in the capacity of publisher 
ever since. June 14, 1868, he was married to Sophia M. Knight, a 
native of Sandusky County, Ohio, born Aug. 6, 1840. She was 
the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Jones) Knight, the former 
a native of New York and the latter a native of Piqua County, 
Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Enyart have had four children. The hrst 
was an infant son that died in infancy unnamed. The others are 
Ora M., Orpha E. and Edwin K.," all living. Mr. Enyart is a 
member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, and an ardent Republican in 
politics. He was honored with the office of Justice of the Peace in 
Allen Township one term, at the close of which he declined the 
nomination of both political parties. Mr. Enyart is a pleasant, intel- 
ligent gentleman and a good citizen. 

THOMAS G. EWER, one of the enterprising young farmers 
of Allen Township, is a native of Fulton County, this State, and 
was born March 17, 1843. He was the second son born to James 



5l8 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

and Hannah (Holcome) Ewer, natives of New York and \'irginia 
respectivelv. Thomas grew up to manhood in his native county, 
working upon a farm. At the age of twenty-three he began farm- 
ing for himself upon the home place. In March, 1869, he located 
where he now resides, in Allen township, but in the following 
November he had the misfortune to lose his house by fire. He 
then returned to the old homestead in Fulton County. In April, 
1 87 1, he located upon a farm in that county, owned by Wil- 
liam Hatch, but in the following fall he returned again to his 
farm in Allen Township, having in the meantime erected another 
house. March 6, 1869, he was married to Marv E. Burket, a 
native of Wayne County, this State, born December 25, 1851. 
She was the daughter of Asa and Lucinda (Fouts) Burket, the 
former a native of Wavne Count}', this State, and the latter a 
native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Ewer have 'had eight children. 
Their names are Nancy J., Hannah M., Sarah L., James W. A., 
Hiram M., Thomas J., lona P. and Benjamin F., all of whom 
are hving. Mr. and Mrs. Ewer are members of the Christian 
Church. In politics the former is a Republican. He owns 180 
acres of land, eightv of which lie in Fulton County. He is an 
industrious farmer and a good citizen. 

MRS. ANN W. FOSTER, of Macy, was the daughter of 
Jesse and Betsy (Hurst) Hays and was born in Pickaway County, 
Ohio, June 27, 182 1. Her parents were natives of Maryland and 
Delaware, respectively. She grew to womanhood in her native 
County where, on the 29th day of October, 1S46, she was mar- 
ried to John W. Hurst, a native of Ross County, Ohio, born Decem- 
ber 27, 1818. He was the .son of William and Sarah (Alkire) 
Hurst. In 1S46 she came with her husband to this County and 
located upon a farm near Chili, in Richland Township. A few 
months later thev removed to a farm in Allen Township, where her 
husband died, January 26, 1854, leaving to her care four children : 
Jesse H., Joseph W., Ira B., and Levi J., the first two of whom are 
deceased. In March, 1854, she in company with her children, 
returned to the home of her father in Ohio. While there she was 
married on the nth day of December, 1856, to Abraham F. Gep- 
hart, who died July 26, 1857. That marriage resulted in the birth 
of one child, Abraham F., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in 
this work. In the spring of 1864, our subject again came to this 
county and located upon the farm she had formerly occupied in 
Allen Township. Cn the 30th day of January, 1872 her marriage 
with William Tanquarv occurred. \\'itii him she located upon a 
farm near Xenia, this countv. There Mr. Tanquarrv's death oc- 
curred on the 27th of May following their marriage. Our subject 
continued to reside near Xenia until August 5, 1873 at which time 
she was married to James Foster. She accompanied him to Moul- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 519 

trie County, Illinois, where the hand of death again made her a 
widow, Decemher 23, 1877. In February 18S6, she once more re- 
turned to this county and this time located at Macv where she now 
resides in a quiet happy way. She has been a member of the M. E. 
Church since August 1838. 

A. F. GEPHART, a promising young man of Macy, was 
born in Pickaway County, Ohio, Oct. 5, 1857. He was the onh- 
child born to Abraham F. and Ann W. (Mays) Gephart, the 
former a natiye of Virginia, of German descent, and the latter a natiye 
of Pickawa}- County, Ohio. When our subject was six years old 
his mother came to this county and located in Allen Township, and 
in 1873 he accompanied her and his step-father to Moultrie County, 
111. There he acted in the capacity of a clerk and was othervyise 
yariously empWed until the spring of 1886, at which time he and 
his widowed mother returned to this county and took up their resi- 
dence at Macy. On the first day of March, 1886, he became the 
partner of his half-brother, L. J. Hurst, in the lumber business at 
Macy. He is, also, an equal partner of the latter in the agencies of 
the railroad and express companies at that place. Politically, he is 
a Prohibitionist. He is a young man of good habits and irreproach- 
able character, and is well worthy the confidence of the public. 

ALEXANDER N. HOOVER, one of the enterprising 
farmers of Allen Township, is a native of the township in which 
he resides, and was born December 4, 1846. He was the fifth 
son born to Daniel C. and Frances (Shrofe) Hooyer, both natiyes 
of Ohio, who setded in this county about 1832. Our subject 
spent his boxhood and youth working upon his father's farm in 
his native county. He attended the district school, in which he 
received a good common school education. In February, 1865, 
he made a third effort to enter the Union armj-, having been 
refused twice already on account of his youthfulness. This time 
he succeeded, and the name of Alexander N. Hoover appeared 
upon the roll of Company C, 151st Indiana Regiment. With 
this he served until the close of the war, receiving his discharge 
in September, 1865. An attack of a chronic disease, occa- 
sioned by exposure and the habitual use of unwholesome food 
and water, had impaired his health somewhat, in consequence of 
which two years were spent at the home of his father recruiting 
the same. As soon as it was sufficiently regained he resumed 
farming. He, however, availed himself of an opportunity to at- 
tend school during the winter time, which he did until the fall of 
187 1, at which time he took up, for his winter employment, the 
avocation of a teacher. In this capacity he was successfully en- 
gaged for eight years. In order to qualify himself for this pur- 
suit he attended the State Normal School at Terre Haute, during 
the spring of 1874, '^"'^ term. Since the spring of 1879 his at- 



520 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

tention has exclusive!}' been given to farming. He located where 
he now resides in the fall of 1874. Emma A. Cook, a native of 
Somerset County, Penn.syivania, born June 6, 1847, became his 
wife March 26, 1879. ^^^ ^^'^^ ^'^^ daughter of George and 
Rachel (Albright) Cook, who were respectively natives of Som- 
erset and Bedford Counties, Pennsylvania. This marriage has re- 
sulted in the birth of one child, Charles Guy, born January 22. 1882. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hoover belong to the M. E. church. PoHtically. the 
former is a Republican. He owns a handsome little farm of sixty- 
two acres, nearly all of which is in culti\ation. He is an industrious 
and successful farmer, and an honored and worthy citizen. He 
began with nothing, but through industry, perseverance and econ- 
omy, he is now in comfortable circumstances. 

" JOHN HORTON, an aged and venerable citizen of Allen 
Township, is a native of Berkley County, Virginia. He was 
born December 12, 1796, being the second son of John and 
Barbara (Hay) Horton. The former was born and reared in 
Germany, where, during our Revolutionary War^Jje was induced 
to join a company of German soldiers thaf^me to America 
and assisted the Brittish in their warfare against the colonists. 
At the close of the war he settled in the State of Virginia, 
where he became the father of the subject of this sketch. 
When the latter was six years old his parents emigrated to Steu- 
benville, Ohio, where the father engaged at the hatter's trade. 
At twenty years of age, or in 18 16, John came to this State 
and located in Jefferson County. Here he was engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits until 1836, at which time he came to this 
county and located in the woods of Union Township. A divis- 
ion that has been made places the site of the location in the 
present Allen Township. There he erected a rude log cabin, 
and with the aid of his sons, immediately went about clearing up 
a farm. He not only has the credit of erecting the tirst dwell- 
ing-house in Allen Township, but also the first school house. 
The latter, however, was not built for a number of years, or 
until the children of other settlers had come and made the num- 
ber sufficient to form a school. Mr. Horton continued upon the 
scene of his labors until old age compelled him to desist. He 
now makes his home with his son, T. G. Horton, where he is 
spending the decline of life in a quiet, pleasant way. He was 
married at the age of twent)-seven to Jane Holcome, who was 
born in Virginia about the year 1801. Their marriage resulted 
in the birth of eight children, as follows: William A., Thomas 
G., Calvin R., Aaron C, Nancy E., Ehza, Joseph H. and a son 
that died in infancy unnamed. Calvin R.. Aaron C, Nancy E. 
and Eliza are deceased. Politically, Mr. Horton formerly affiliated 
with the Whigs, but since 1856 he has supported the principles 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 521 

of the Republican parl\-. Though more than four score and ten 
years of age, he is in full possession of his mental faculties and is 
enjoying good health. He has lived to witness the \-oung grow 
old and sink to rest, his chosen companion among them, her 
death having occurred more than thirtv years ago. 

WILLIAM A. HORTON, one of the influential citizens of 
Allen Township, is a native of Jefferson County, this state, and was 
born September 25, 1824. He was the oldest son of John and 
Jane (Holcome) Horton, both natives of Virginia. William came 
with his parents to this Countv in 1835 <i"<^ *i''st located in Jef- 
ferson Township They removed to that part of Union Town- 
ship that is now known as Allen in the spring of 1836. They 
were among the first settlers of that part of the Countv. There 
William spent his youth working upon a farm. At twentj- years 
of age he went to Peru where one year was spent in learning 
the trade of an edge-tool manufacturer with J. W. Boone, who 
will be remembered as one of the most influential citizens 
of which the city could boast. He located at Millark, Ful- 
ton County, in 1846, where he worked at his trade eight 
years; after which he went to Rochester, but a year later he 
returned to this county and located upon a farm in Allen Town- 
ship. For twenty years thereafter his attention was divided 
between his trade, farming and the culture of bees. Since 1S76 
his entire attention has been ijiyen to his farm and to ajjricul- 
ture. In this latter pursuit his interests have become quite 
e.xtensive. A few j-ears ago he had the finest apiary in Miami 
County and it still ranks among the best. He was married on 
the 2 2d of October, 1846, to Serenia Callaway, a native of Deca- 
tur Countv, this state, born December 29, 1827. She was the 
daughter of Charles and Ella (Griflith) Callaway both natives 
of Virginia. She died November 4, 1854 "^""^ o" ^^^ lOih day 
of October, 1855 he was married to Hannah L. Buchanan a 
native of Montgomery Count\% Ohio, born May 21, 1S19. She 
was the daughter of George and Nancy (Cassaday) Buchanan, 
both natives of Virginia. By his first wife Mr. Horton had four 
children: Levi G., Charles S., Ella J. and another that died in 
infancy, unnamed. Charles S. died at the age of twenty-seven. 
Mr. and Mrs. Horton belong to the Christian Church. In ]ioli- 
tics the former is a Republican. He is an upright, square-dealing 
man and an honored and worthy citizen. 

THOMAS G. HORTON, a" prominent farmer of Allen Town- 
ship, is a native of Jefferson County, this State, and was born 
August 23, 1826. He was the second son born to Jolm and Jane 
(Hoicome) Horton, both natives of V^irginia, the f(n-mer of German 
and the latter of Irish and English descent. When Thomas was 
ten years old, or in 1836, his parents came to Miami County and 



522 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

located within the limits of the present Allen Township. There his 
youth was spent assisting his father to clear and cultivate the farm. 
As soon as the settlement was provided with a school he became 
one of its students and he thus obtained the rudiments of an educa- 
tion. But the advantages were poor and in consequence his early 
education was quite limited. By diligent study, both in and out of 
school, he, however, obtained suiticient education to take charge 
of the school himself, which he did at the age of nineteen. He was 
successfully engaged in the capacity of a teacher for eight years, 
spending his vacation upon the farm. After he became of age he 
began farming for himself and he has been chiefly engaged in this 
pursuit ever since. He located upon the farm he now occupies in 
1848. In 1858, in the hope of recovering his wife's health, which 
had become seriously impaired, he took his family to Winchester, 
Ohio. There Mr. Horton eniraffed in the manufacture of shoes 
and boots; but two jears later he returned to his farm in this count}' 
where, excepting two years spent upon his father's farm, he has 
since continued to reside. Harriet M. Fenimore became his wife 
April ID, 184S. She was born in Ross County, OHio, November 
3, 1826, being the daughter of William M. and Alaria (Hurst) Feni- 
more, who, also, were natives of Ross County, Ohio. Their rela- 
tionship remained unbroken until October 3, 1874, when the wife 
and mother died. On the i6th of March, 1876, his marriage with 
IVIrs. Mary L. Yost occurred. She was tiae daughter of John and 
Laura (Perham) York, who were respectively natives of North 
Carolina and V^ermont. By his first wife Mr. Horton was the father 
of nine children, as follows: John T., Emily J., William F., Joseph 
M., Mary E., Laura M., Charles G., Addison E. and Julia E., of 
Avhom John T., Emil}- J., Mary E. and Laura M. died in infancy. 
He and his present wife are the parents of six children. They are 
Hannah M., Ora, Cora M., Clara, one infant daughter, unnamed, 
and another that died in infancy, unnamed. Ora and Clara also 
died in infancy. Our subject and wife are members of the Christ- 
ian Church. Politically, he is an ardent Prohibitionist. He 
has held the ofhce of assessor one term, and during the campaign 
of 1886, he was the candidate of his party for the office of sheriff. 
He is an industrious and successful farmer, an intelligent (jentle- 
man and a worthy and honored citizen. 

JAMES W. HURST, grain merchant, farmer, and stock raiser, 
at Macy, is a native of Piqua County, Ohio, and was born Septem- 
ber 28, 1839. He was the youngest son born to William and Sarah 
(Alkire) Hurst, the former a native of Maryland, of English des- 
cent, and the latter a native of Kentucky, of German descent. At 
the tender age of two years James was left without a father, and in 
1845 his widowed mother came with her children to this county, 
and located; first, at Peru. In the spring of 1S46 the family located 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. S23 

upon a farm in Richland Township. A j'ear later they located in 
Allen Township, where the mother had pre-empted an eighty acre 
tract of land. There James spent his earl}- life working upon the 
farm. During the winter of 1859-60 he taught school. At the 
age of twenty-three he engaged in the mercantile business in Chili. 
A few months later he located upon a farm in Allen Township, 
where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until the fall of 1S67, 
at which time he located in Macy and erected the first business 
house in the town. In that building he placed a stock of goods, 
and during the ten years that followed his attention was simultan- 
eously given to merchandising, the buying and selling of grain and 
to farming. Since 1877 his attention has been divided between the 
last two. He was married to RominniaC. Hoover, April 12, 1876. 
Their marriage has resulted in the birth of eight children. They 
are Earl J., Eva M., Scott J., Herd J., an infant daughter, unnamed, 
and three children that died in infancy unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hurst are members of the Christian church. The former is a mem- 
ber of the F. & A. M. lodge at Macv, which he served as its First 
Master. Politically he is a Republican. He was elected to the 
office of County Commissioner in 1S78, and served one term. 
In that capacity he discharged his duties with credit to. himself 
and satisfaction to his constituents. In the fall of 1884 he was 
the candidate of his party for State Representative and succeeded 
in reducing an opposing majority from 340 to 229. He is an 
industrious and successful business man and a prominent and in- 
fluential citizen. 

IRA B. HURST, one of the enterprising young farmers of 
Allen Township, was born in the township in which he resides July 
6, 1 85 1. He was the third son born to John W. and Ann VV. 
(Hays) Hurst, who located in this county in 1846. Ira spent his 
early life working upon a farm. He was left without a father at 
the early age of two years. Shortly afterward he accompanied 
his widowed mother to Pickaway County, Ohio, the former home 
of his mother. When he was thirteen years old, or in the spring of 
1864, they returned to this county and again located in Allen 
Township. The youth of our subject was spent working upon a 
farm, by the month. At the age of fifteen he began doing farm 
work for his uncle, James W. Hurst, in whose employ he remained 
about seven jears, during the last five of which he clerked in a 
Store and assisted the latter in the stock and grain business. He 
then engaged in the mercantile business in connection with his 
brother, Levi J. Hurst. He was thus engaged between seven and 
eight years. In January, 1883, he accepted a position as agent for 
the I., P. &. C. R. R. Co. at Macy, still retaining as partner 
his brother, L. J. Hurst. They were also engaged in the 
lumber business. This position he filled with credit to himself 



524 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

until March 8, 1886, at which time he resigned and removed 
to a farm in Section i, Allen Township. He was married February 
I, 1874, to Ella J. Horton, by whom he has had five children — Ira 
A., Ethel S., Bertha, Mar\- and one infant son who died in infancy 
unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. Hurst are members of the Christian 
Church. He is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, and 
at present holds the position of W. M. in Lincoln Lodge, No. 523. 
He is a Prohibitionist. He is an intelligent and enterprising \oung 
man. 

LEVI J. HURST, agent of the I., P. & C. Railway Company 
at Macy, is a native of Allen Township, this county, and was 
born June 28, 1853. He was the fourth son of a family of four 
children born to John W. and Ann W. (Hays) Hurst, both 
natives of Ohio. His parents came to this county in 1846, and 
first located upon a farm near Chili in Richland Township. A 
few months later they removed to Allen Township, where Levi 
was born and where his early life was spent working on a farm. 
He attended the district school, in which he received an ordinary 
common school education. In 1876, in connection with his older 
brother, Ira B. Hurst, he engaged in the mercantile business at 
Macy. He was thus engaged about five years. In 1881 he 
accepted a position as agent for the United States E.xpress Com- 
pany at Mac}% in which capacity he has acted ever since. Since 
December, 1885, he has also held the position of agent for the 
railwa}' at that place. December 26, 1876, he was married to Vic- 
toria A. Enyart, a native of Fulton Count}-, this State, born June 16, 
1858. This marriage has resulted in the birth of three children. 
They are Ira A., Ora Glenn and Charlie R. . The second. Ora 
Glenn, died in the third year of his age. Mr. and Mrs. Hurst 
are members of the Christian Church. The former is a member 
of the F. & A. M. Lodge, and a Prohibitionist in politics. He 
is a young man of good habits, irreproachable character and 
good business qualifications, and he is w'ell worthv the confidence 
of his employers and the public. 

WILLIAM R. MARSHALL, blacksmith at Macy, was 
born in Bedford Count\-, \'irginia, November 7, 1S33. He was 
the eldest child born to William and Catharine (Walker) Mar- 
shall, both natives of Bedford County, Virginia. His father was 
born June 23, 1810, and his mother February 24, 1815. The for- 
mer died January 10, 1844, and the latter August 17, 1847. When 
William was about three years old his parents emigrated to Preble 
County, Ohio, and located upon a farm. Some years later they 
came to this State and located in Grant Count}'. About three 
years later they returned to Virginia, but soon afterward they 
again came to this State and this time located in Wabash County. 
A year later they removed to Whitley County. There his father 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 525 

died, and, his mother having re-married, William accompanied 
his mother and step-father to Cass County, this State. He was 
then about fourteen years old. At the age of t\\ent\-l\vo he 
went to Carroll County, where he worked at the trade of a 
blacksmith one year. He then went to West Urbana, Champaign 
County, Illinois, but a year later he returned to Fulton County, 
this State. He worked at his trade in the town of Fulton about 
four years; he went to Missouri in the fall of 1866; in 1870 he 
returned to Wabash County, this State; in November, 1871, he 
located at Rochester, Fulton County, but in the following year 
he came to this county and located at Macy, where he has ever 
since resided. He learned the trade of a blacksmith early in life, 
and this has been his occupation ever since. September 14, 1854, 
he was married to Mrs. Sarah A. St. Clair, who died May 28, 1863; 
May 10, 1864, he was married to Sarah J. Oliver, who died June 
2, 1871. He was married a third time to Mrs. Sarah Kamp, 
January 13. 1S78; she died January 12, 18S4, and on the 13th of 
April, 1886, he was married to Laura J. Hosey. In all, Mr. 
Marshall is the father of six children. They are Eugene A., 
Troylous B., Henry A., William A., Loyd I. and Florence N. 
Trovlous B. died in the 2 2d vear of his age. The first two 
were bv his first wife, the next two bj' his second wife, and the 
last two by his third. Mr, and Mrs. Marshall belong to the M. 
E. church. Mr. Marshall is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge 
and a Republican in politics. He is an industrious and skillful 
workman and a good citizen. 

DAVID McKILLIP, one of the prominent farmers of Allen 
Township, is a native of Union County, this state, and was born 
June 5, 1837. He was the seventh son in a familv of eleven 
children, eight sons and three daughters; born to Alexander and 
Elizabeth (Skillman) McKillip, the former a native of Scotland, 
who emigrated to America at the age of fourteen, served as a 
soldier in the war of 181 2 and w'as one of Commodore Perry's 
victorious crew on Lake Erie. He finally located in Union 
County this state, where he died about 1847. Our subject grew 
up to manhood in his native countv, working upon a farm. He 
attended the district schools, in which he received an ordinary 
common school education. In 1858 he removed to Henry County 
this state, where he landed on the 13th of January. There he 
worked upon a farm by the month about two years, after which 
he learned the trade of a cooper. He worked at this about two 
3'ears. He then learned the carpenter's trade which received his 
attention more or less for a number of years. In February, 1870, 
he went to Delaware County and located upon a farm, but in July, 
1872, he returned to Ileiny County. There he located upon the 
old home place of his father-in-law and was engaged in agricul- 



526 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

tural pursuits until August 1880, at which time he came to this 
county and located where he now resides in Allen Township. 
June 16, 1 86 1, he was married to Amanda Fonts, a native of 
Henrv County, this state, born April 16, 1840. She was the 
daughter of Elias and Mary (Shaffer) Fonts, the former a native 
of Randolph County, North Carolina, and the latter a native of 
Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. McKillip have had but two children; 
their names are Alfaretta and Forest, the latter of whom died when 
eleven months old. Mr. and Mrs. McKillip are members of the 
Christian Church. Politically the former is a Republican. In 
the spring of 1886 lie was elected to the office of Township 
Trustee and is the present incumbent. He owns a farm of 
■ eighty acres about half of which is in cultivation. It was for- 
merly low, swampy land and its present high state of culti\ation 
reflects very creditably upon the energy and industry of Mr. 
McKillip. He is a very successful farmer and one of the worthy 
citizens of the Township. 

MILTON MURPHY, one of the industrious young farmers 
of Allen Township, is a native of Perr}- Township, this county, and 
was born August 15, 1844. He was the eldest son born to Joshua 
and Tacy (Shoemaker) Murphy, natives of Indiana and Pennsyl- 
vania, respectively, of English descent. Milton spent his boN^hood 
and vouth working upon his father's farm in this county. At the 
age of twentv-two be began farming for himself. That was in 
Richmond Township. In 1869 he located upon a farm in Perry 
Township. Four years later he purchased and located upon a farm 
in Allen Township. His occupation, during his entire life, has been 
that of a farmer and stock raiser. August 11, 1866, he was mar- 
ried to Elizabeth E. Antrim, a native of Cass County, this State, 
born May 21, 1840. She was the daughter of Benjamin and Frances 
(Gray) Antrim. This marriage has resulted in the birth of four 
children : Laura A.', Wallace M., Tac\- M. and Lewis. Of these 
Tacv M. and Lewis died in infancy. In politics Mr. Murphy is a 
Republican. He owns a handsome farm of ninety-one acres, about 
sixty-five of which are in cultivation. He is an energetic, industrious 
and successful farmer and a No. i citizen. When he began doing 
for himself he had nothing but an o.x, but through industry, perse- 
verance and economv, he is now in comfortable circumstances. 

AMOS MURPHY, one of the enterprising citizens of Allen 
Township, is a native of Perry Township, this county, and was 
born February 4, 1846. He was the second son born to Joshua 
and Tacv (Shoemaker) Murphv, who came from Wayne to Miami 
County in 1845. When Amos was yet an infant his parents returned 
to Wa3ne County, but in the fall of 1846 they again came to this 
county and located in Perry Township, where the father died Sep- 
tember 12, 1882, and where the mother continues to reside. Amos 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 527 

remained at home, workinc^ on his father's farm until he became 
of age, after which he worked for a number of years on a farm 
by the month. He began farming for himself in 1876 on the farm 
where he now resides in Allen Township. There he has resided 
ever since, excepting four and one-half years, two of which were 
spent on a farm in Howard County, two on a farm near Macy, and 
six months in Akron, Fulton County. September 16, 1876, he was 
married to Eliza A. Hoover, who was born where she now lives, 
December 22, 1852. She was the daughter of Daniel and Frances 
(Shrope) Hoover, both natives of Miami County, Ohio. Mr. and 
Mrs. Murphy have had but one child — Roscoe D., born October 
26, 1884. In politics Mr. Murphy is a Republican. He owns a 
handsome little farm of eighty acres, nearly all of which is in culti- 
vation. He began life with a small sum of money given him b\' 
his father. This he invested, and through industr}-, perseverence 
and economy. He has been able to add to it until he is now in 
comfortable circumstances. He is an industrious and successful 
farmer and a good citizen. 

WILLIAM MUSSELMAN, one of the prominent farmers 
and stock-raisers of Miami County, and one of the industrious and 
influential citizens of Allen Township, was born in Lancaster 
County, Pennsylvania, Ma\' 22, 1844. He was the second son 
born to Joseph and Mary (Krider) Musselman, both natives of 
Pennsylvania, of German descent. When William was ten \-ears 
old his parents came to this county and located in Rich- 
land Township, where he spent his youth working upon his 
his father's farm. At eighteen years of age he entered the 
Union army, enlisting in Companj^ I, 99th Indiana Volunteer Infan- 
try, with which he did faithful service for his countr}- from 
August, 1862, until the close of the war. He participated in 
the siege of Atlanta, the March to the Sea, the siege of Vicks- 
burg, the battles of Jackson, Miss., Lookout Mountain, Mission- 
ary Ridge and some others on the Atlantic Coast. At the close 
of the war he returned to the home of his father in Richland Town- 
ship. There he farmed upon the old home place until 1872, when 
he located where he now resides in Allen Township. March 18, 
1869, he was married to Susan E. Kiem, a daughter of Samuel and 
Mary (Derk) Kiem, both natives of Pennsylvania, Mr. Mussel- 
man lost his first wife in March, 1872, and on the 5^h day of 
December, 1873, he was married to Priscilla C. Foor, a native of 
this county, born July 7, 1855. Sl^*^ i^ ^^''^ daughter of Stephen and 
Hannah (Runkle) Foor, who now reside in Allen Township. By 
his first wife Mr. Musselman had two children, Samuel H. and 
Mary E. He and his present wife have had but one child. Frank- 
lin I). Mrs. Musselman is a member of the Church of God. In 
politics, Mr. Musselman is a Republican. He has a beautiful home 



528 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

and a handsome farm of 256 acres of good land, about 200 of which 
is in a high state of cultivation. His farm is fitted up with good 
fences and splendid buildings, and is one of the most desirable loca- 
tions in Miami County. He is an industrious and successful farmer 
and an honored citizen. 

IRA PACKARD, one of the old residents of this countj', 
was born in Massachusetts October 28, 181 7. He was the oldest 
son born to Chester and Eunice (Sadler) Packard, both natives 
of Massachusetts, of English descent. The great grandfather of 
Chester Packard emigrated from England to America and loca- 
ted at Bridgewater, Mass. To him all persons in this country 
b)^ that name may trace their descent. In 1833 our subject ac- 
companied his father to Licking County, Ohio, where he grew 
up to manhood working upon a fnrm. In 1842 he came to this 
county and located in Union, now Allen Township. In February 1872 
he located in the town of Macy, where he has since resided. He 
learned the carpenter's trade early in life and this has been his 
chief occupation ever since. He, however, taught school some 
during his earlier life, and a portion of his attention has been 
given to agricultural pursuits. March 12, 1840, he was united in 
marriage to Eliza J. Bryant, a native of Licking County, Ohio, 
born of German and Scotch-Irish parents, June 15, 1820. She 
was the daughter of Charles and Nancy (Mesearvy) Bryant, 
both natives of Maine. Mr. and Mrs. Packard are the parents 
of eleven children, eight of whom are living: Charles C, Thomas 
J., Nancy E., Bryant W., Noah S., Franklin P., Silas E., Ira 
B., Laura B., Nelson S., and Sumner D. Of these Thomas J., 
Noah S. and Nelson S. are deceased. Mrs. Packard is a mem- 
ber of the Christian church. Politically, Mr. Packard is a Dem- 
ocrat. He has been honored with the office of Justice of the 
Peace two terms, and the office of Constable two and one-half 
terms. As such he discharged his duties in a creditable manner, 
He has now been a resident of Miami County over forty-four 
years, and is one of her most highly respected citizens. 

JOHN W. SAVAGE, one of the prominent farmers of 
Allen Township, was born in Schuylkill Count}-, Pennsylvania, 
June 21, 1826. He was the third son born to Jacob and Cath- 
arine (Nimenrod) Savage, both natives of Pennsylvania, of Ger- 
man descent. When John was four years old his parents emi- 
grated to Ohio and located in Fairfield County, but two years 
later they removed to Logan County, Ohio. After residing here 
three years, they located in Henry County, Ohio. In 1838 they 
returned to Fairfield County, Ohio, where our subject spent his 
youth working upon a farm b)^ the month. In November, 185 1, 
he came to this county and located in Union Township. He 
removed to Allen Township and located where he now resides 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 529 

in March, i860. During liis entire life he has been engaged in 
agricultural pursuits. A part of his attention, however, has been 
given to the stock business. January 8, 1854, ^^ ^'''^^ married 
to Ann Elizabeth Cover, a native of Frederick County, Marvland, 
born, of German descent, August 4, 1833. She was the eldest 
child born to William and Lucinda (Hina) Cover, both natives 
of Maryland. This marriage has resulted in the birth of seven 
children: Their names are Charles W., William I., Charlotte L., 
Rosa M., Elmer H., Noah W. and James G. Of these William 
I. died when eighteen months old. In politics Mr. Savage is an 
ardent Republican. He owns a handsome little farm of ninety- 
two acres nearly all of which is in cultivation. His farm is fitted 
up with good fences and buildings and is a very desirable loca- 
tion. Mr. Savage is an enterprising and influential farmer and 
one of the honored and worthy citizens of the township. 

LYMAN J. SAVAGE, one of the enterprising young busi- 
ness men of Macy, was born in Allen Township, this county, June 
30, 1858. Our subject spent his bovhood and vouth upon his 
father's farm and attending the district school. He received in this 
an ordinary common school education. In the fall of 18S0, he 
engaged in the furniture business in Macy, in partnership with his 
father, the name of the firm being L. J. Savage & Co. They have 
a commodious little business room well stocked with furniture, and 
are doing a good profitable business. Emma F. Farrar, daughter 
of Charles and Rebecca (Rammer) Farrar, of Macy, became his 
wife November i, 1879. Their marriage has resulted in the birth 
of three children, all of whom are living. Their names are William 
R., Edith, and Charles T. Mr. and Mrs. Savage are members of 
the Christian Church. The former is a member of the F. «& A. 
M. Lodge and a Republican in politics. 

ISAIAH SEIDNER, one of the prominent citizens of Allen 
Township, was born in Columbiana County (now Mahoning 
County), Ohio, December 20, 1S38. He was the youngest son in 
a familv of eleven children born to Jacob and Elizabeth (Rummel) 
Seidner, with whom he came to this county in 1856. They 
located on the farm where Isaiah now resides. There the father 
and mother spent the rest of their lives, their respective deaths 
occurring May 18, 1858, and in 1859. Our subject spent his boy- 
hood and youth working on his father's farm. During winter he 
attended the district school, in which he received a common school 
education. At the age of twentv-one he took up the vocation of a 
teacher, and this has been his winter's employment ever since. lie 
is now teaching his twenty-seventh winter term, having missed but 
one since he began. In this capacity he has had marked success, as 
is shown by the fact that all of his teaching has been confined to a 
comparatively few school districts. Though many improvements 



530 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

have been made in . the system of education since he entered upon 
the teachers' career, he has studied privately and thus kept fully 
abreast of the tide of advancement, and he now ranks among the 
best teachers in the countv. His vacations have been spent chiefly 
superintending his farm, though he has given some attention to the 
carpenter's trade. October 21, i860, he was married to Julia Ann 
Landis, daughter of Benjamin and Marv (Messinger) Landis, both 
natives of Pennsylvania. She was born in Wayne Countv, Ohio, 
August 7, 1838. Their marriage has been blessed by the birth 
of but one child, Mary A., born February 7, 1862. Mr. Seidner 
and daughter are members of the M. E. Church. The wife and 
mother is a member of the Church of God. Politicallv Mr. Seidner 
is a Republican. He has a beautiful home and a handsome little 
farm, fitted up with good fences and buildings, making it a very- 
desirable location. He is an industrious farmer, an energetic and 
successful teacher, and a worthv and honorable citizen. 

ABNER C. WAITE, member of the firm of Clendenning & 
Waite, of Macy, is a native of Union (now Allen ) Township and 
was born November 15, 1840. He was the second son born to 
SulHvan and Margaret A. (Woods) Waite, natives of New York 
and Ohio respectively. Our subject spent his early life w^orking 
upon a farm. He received in the district school a good common 
school education. In September, 1861, he entered the service of 
the Union Army in Company A, 26th Indiana Regiment, from 
which he received an honorable discharge in March, 1864. He 
participated in the Siege of Vicksburg, and the battle of Prairie 
Grove, Ark. His premature discharge was occasioned bv an 
injury received while in active service. He returned to the farm 
in this county, where he worked upon the same in summer and 
taught school in winter, until 1871. He then quit teaching, but 
continued farming until 1879. ^^ ^^^^ '^'"^^ ^'^ removed to a farm 
in Washington Township. In the fall of 1882 he located at Macy 
and engaged in the dry goods and grocery business. This has 
received his attention ever since. April 5, 1866, he was married to 
Rebecca E. Edwards, a native of Montgomerv Countv, Ohio, and 
daughter of Elias and Maria (Duevelbyss) Edwards, natives of 
Virginia and Marvland respectively. Their marriage has resulted 
in the birth of six children. Thev are Laura L., Charles E., 
Mary B., Lewis E., Thomas E. and Margaret M., of whom Charles 
E. and Lewis E. died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Waite are mem- 
bers of the M. E. Church. Mr. Waite is a member of the F. & A. 
M. and G. A. R. Lodges and a Republican in politics. He has held 
the office of township Trustee in Allen Township one term. He 
also was honored with the office of President of the first board of 
Trustees ever in the town of Macv. Mr. Waite is one of the lead- 




/ % 



c;4.i^, ^^r^^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. . 533 

m'j; and reliable business men of the town of Macy and one of her 
most influential citizens. 

SULLIVAN T. WAITE, one of the prominent farmers of 
Allen Township, is a native of the township in which he now resides 
and was born August 14, 1850. lie was the Noungest son born to 
Sullivan and Margaret A. (Woods) Waite, who emigrated to this 
county from Champaign Count}-, Ohio, in the fall of 1838. He 
located upon a farm in Allen Township upon which our subject 
was born. He attended the district school in which he received a 
irood common school education. At the age of nineteen he took 
up the vocation of a teacher and was thus successfully engaged for 
eleven years. His vacations were generally spent working upon 
the farm. His success in the school room is evidenced by the fact 
that, during his whole career as a teacher, he taught in about four 
school houses. He located where he now resides November 14, 
1876. September 28, 1876, he was married to Maria Baker, a 
native of Perry Township, this county, born February 28, 1855. 
She was the daughter of Timothy and Susan A. (Messinger) 
Baker, who were among- the most highly respected citizens of the 
count}-. Mr. and Mrs. Waite have four children. Their 
names are Lillie M., Timothy B., Deborah E. and Charles F., all of 
whom are living. Our subject and his wife are both members of 
the M. E. Church. Politically, Mr. Waite is a Republican. They 
own a handsome farm of 240 acres, over half of which is in cultiva- 
tion. Mr. Waite is an industrious and successful farmer and a first- 
class citizen. 

ANDERSON WILKINSON, one of the old pioneers of 
the countv, and one among the first settlers of Union Township, 
was born in Ross Countv, Ohio, Jan. 21, 181 3. He was the 
second son born to John and Delilah (Stinson) Wilkinson, both 
natives of North Carolina. Our subject spent his boyhood and 
\ outh in his native countv working upon a farm. He, in com- 
panv with his wife, father, mother, three brothers and two 
sisters, came to this county in 1836, and located in that part of 
Union Township that has since been changed to Allen Town- 
ship. He was tlien a married man, so, on arriving here, he 
immediatelv set up for himself. He located upon a tract of 
tifl}--six acres just north of the present site of Macy. Here 
he has resided ever since. During his entire life his occupation 
has been that of a farmer. He has since added to his farm 
eighty acres more, making in all one hundred and thirty-six acres. 
He has since, however, sold from his farm some town lots, so 
that his farm, at present, consists of but one hundred and 
twelve acres. When he came to the county he located in the 
woods, and to develop a farm out of the wilderness naturally 
devolved upon him a great deal .of hard work. He chopped. 



534 ' HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

grubbed, burned brush, rolled logs, plowed and, in fact, did all 
Icinds of hard work which the development of a new countr}- 
necessitates. He had erected a log cabin in the summer of 
1837, and the structure, with additions, though nearly fifty years 
old, still stands to shelter its occupants. Sept. i, 1836, he was 
married to Hannah Rains, who died April 24, 1854. Dec. 14, 
j:854, he was married to Mrs. Martha Sutton. She died March 
i, 1876, and, on the 25th of Januarj- following, he w'as married 
to Mrs. Hannah Baker. In all, Mr. Wilkinson is the father of 
ten children: George, John D., Andrew J., Charles A., William 
F., Allen S., Margaret J., Benjamin F.; the next was an infant 
son that died in infancy unnamed; then Azro H. and Mary C. 
The first eight were by his first wife and the last two by his 
second wife. Of those named, Charles A. and Benjamin F. are 
deceased. Mr. Wilkinson is a member of the Church of God 
and a Democrat in politics. He has held the olhce of Town- 
ship Trustee three terms. As such, he discharged his duties 
with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public. On the 
24th of March, 1886, he had the misfortune to lose his left 
hand — the result of an amputation caused by a cancer that had 
afflicted him three years. He is now in the 74th year of his 
age and is enjoying good health. He has been a resident of 
Miami County over lift}- \ears, and is one of her most highly 
respected .citizens. 

JOHN S. WILSON, M. D., at Macy, is a native of West 
Virginia, and was born January 12, 1852. He was the third son 
torn to Peter and Louisia (Hurd) Wilson, both natives of West 
^"irginia, of English descent. When our subject was eight years 
old he accompanied his parents to Clark County, Ohio, where 
his vouth was spent, working on his father's farm. During this 
time he attended the district school in which he received a good 
common school education. This was supplemented by a course 
in a commercial school at Springtield, Ohio. He graduated from 
that at the age of eighteen. After he had attained his majority 
he took up the vocation of a teacher, and was thus successfully 
engaged for seven ^ears. His vacations were generally spent 
attending normal schools. In 1878 he came to this State and 
located in Fulton County. During the winter which followed he 
taught school. In the fall of '79 he began the study of medi- 
cine with Dr. C. Hector, of Rochester. He entered upon the 
practice of medicine at Millark, Fulton County, in the fall of 
1880. He came to this county in the fall of 1882, and located 
at Macy, where he continues to practice his profession. In the 
meantime in December, 1882, he entered the Eclectic Medical 
Institute at Cincinnati, where he attended two courses of lectures. 
June 13, 1882, he was married to Mary E., daughter of Israel 



BUTLER TOWNSHIP. 535 

and Maria (Hoover) Johnson. She was born in Fulton County, 
this State, May 29, 1862. To tliem two children have been 
born — Beatrice and Ulysses Scudder — born respectively Mav i, 
1S83, and January 10, 1S86. In politics Dr. Wilson is a Republi- 
can. Though \oung in his profession, he is a verv successful 
practitioner. He has already built up quite an extensive practice 
at Macy, and he promises to become one of the leading phvsi- 
cians of Miami County. His portrait appears in this volume. 



CHAPTER IX. 



HuTLKR Township — Natural Features — Early Occupants — 
First White Settlers — E.\rly Mills — Religious His- 
tory — First Occurrences — Peoria — Santa Fe. 

BUTLER Township is bounded on the north bv the 
Wabash River; on the east by Wabash County, on the 
South by Harrison Township; on the west by Washington Town- 
ship, and includes a superficial area, equivalent to about thirty- 
two square miles. Wabash and Mississinewa Rivers afford 
ample drainage for the northern part of the Township while 
Pipe Creek, and its tributaries water and drain the southern 
portion. The Mississinewa flows in a northwesterly direction 
and in its course passes through one of the most fertile and 
well developed agricultural districts of Miami Count\-. The sur- 
face of the township is agreeably varied: that portion bordering 
an the water courses being level while a short distance back the 
countrv presents a series of rolling but fertile hills. The south- 
ern half may be described as quite level with undulations at 
irregular intervals. The soil presented by the surface of the 
country varies with each localit}-. Along the river bottoms it is 
\ery fertile and produces immense crops of corn, while the 
broken portions, though not so rich in vegetable matter are very 
productive and well adapted to wheat and the other cereals. 
Tlie southern part of the Township is characterized by a black 
loam soil which responds generously to proper cultivation. Before 
disturbed, this region was heavily timbered and some gigantic 
trees still exist as silent monuments of the past grandeur of 
these forests. While much \aluable timber was ruthlessly 
destroyed bv the early settlers in clearing their lands: and later 
immense quantities were lavishly sacrificed to the demands of 



536 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

trade, there still remains a sufficiency for all practical purposes 
for years to come. The leading varieties of native trees are 
walnut, hickory, sugar tree, beech, ash, basswood, several kinds of 
oak, elm and sassafras, among which originallj^ grew a dense 
undergrowth of spice brush, pawpaw, grapevine, &c., &c. These 
woods, when Hrst seen by white men, were infested with all 
kinds of game, the pursuit of which afforded many of the earlj' 
adventurers a means of profit as well as amusement. Deer 
roamed' the country in vast herds and it required no extraordinary 
skill on the part of the huntsman to kill eight or ten of these 
animals without changing his position. Mr. Sullivan states that 
deer would frequently come up. to his yard fence and upon one 
occasion immediately after the completion of his first residence, 
three or four very large ones deliberately walked up and looked 
throu<{h the back window. Wolves were also numerous and 
gave the early settlers considerable annoyance by frequently 
raiding the pig pens and barn yards. By far the most trouble- 
some animals however, were a species of the wild hog; long, 
gaunt and savage creatures, which had run wild in course of 
nature. Thej' would frequently attack the domestic hogs and 
literally cut them to pieces with their sharp tusks. Dogs learned 
by sad experience to let these monsters of the woods alone, and 
they were only gotten rid of by the rifles of the settlers. The 
other game of this part of the country were turkeys, raccoons, 
squirrels, foxes, an occasional bear, wild geese and duck on the 
water courses and an abundance of the finny tribe in the streams. 
This was indeed a veritable hunter's paradise, and upon the 
abundance of game thus afforded, the earlv pioneer mainly sub- 
sisted until thev could clear and bring their lands into cultiva- 
tion. 

As is well known, Butler Township was formerly the hunt- 
ing ground and dwelling place of the Miami Tribe of Indians 
and is still the home of a scattered remnant of that once powerful 
people. It was here that their noted Chief, Francis Godfrov lived, 
and in an Indian gravevard, on the farm of his son, Gabriel 
Godfroy, near the Mississinewa River, his remains, with man\' 
other noted men of his tribe, lie buried. Near this spot is point- 
ed out a place, where, manv years ago is said to have been 
fought a bloody battle between detachments of hostile tribes, but 
all information concerning the engagement, is purelv legendarv. 
Butler Township was organized as a separate jurisdiction on the 
first da}- of September, 1841. Under the order providing for 
the organization, an election was held a little later the same year 
at the cabin of Isaac Litzenbarger on the present site of Peoria 
for the purpose of choosing the necessary township officials. 



THE FIRST SETTLEMENTS. 537 

Tlie lirst Justice of the Peace was Samuel Robertson. Unfoitu- 
natelv the names of the other otlicers could not be learned. 

The F"irst Settlements within the limits of Butler were made 
hv emigrants from Pennsylvania and Ohio. A large portion of 
the northern part of the township was included in the strip donated 
b\- the Goverimient to the Wabash and Erie Canal, and was 
placed at the disposal of settlers several years before the south- 
ern half came into market, the latter at that time forming a part 
of the great Miami Reservation, which was not opened for set- 
tlement till late in the forties. The first sale of land took place 
in 1S40, at which time a number of men, availing themselves of 
the opportunities thus offered of securing cheap homes, purchased 
tracts in various parts of the township, to which the)' moved 
their families soon after. The first actual settler, however, made 
his appearance the year prior to that date, and laid claim to a 
piece of land in the extreme eastern part of the township near 
tlie Wabash County line. He was a Pennsylvanian by the name 
of Wilhelm, and the site of his original settlement was on the 
land owned at this time by J. Long. After a short residence in 
that locality, he sold his claim to Isaac Litzenbarger and moved 
about two miles southwest of the present site of Peoria village, 
choosing for his home what is now the Johnson farm, when his 
death occurred over thirty years ago. James Cla^'ton came a 
short time before the land sale also, and settled on the north 
bank of the Mississinewa river, opposite the village of Peoria, 
where he subsequently entered a tract of Government land, a part 
of which is owned at this time by J. L. Farrar, of Peru. Mr. 
Cla\ton was a man of many excellent qualities, and is remembered 
as a very civil and trustworthy citizen. His death, six years later, 
was one of the early events of the kind in the township. Another 
pioneer of 1839 ^^^^ Benjamin Barnes, who settled first where 
Joseph Bo\-er now lives, a short distance west of Peoria. He sub- 
sequently disposed of his claim to Frederick Wilds, and bought 
land north of the Mississinewa, where he made a number of substan- 
tial improvements. He, with a brother and two other men, was 
accidentallv drowned a number of years ago at the feeder dam in 
Peru, while rafting logs down the river. Hugh Banks made the 
first improvements on what is now the Boyer farm, the site of 
Barnes' original settlement, as early as 1839, but did little besides 
erecting a rude cabin for the reception of his family. Unlike many 
of the early settlers of a new county, he was possessed of consider- 
able means, which enabled him to purchase several valuable tracts 
of land in Wabash Countv. to which he remo\ed after a brief resi- 
dence upon his original claim. Thomas Clayton, brother of James 
Clayton, and son-in-law of Benjamin Barnes, settled on land 
adjoining the latter's place prior to 1840, and was a resident of the 



538 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

township until his death, which occurred a number of years ago. 

In the year 1840 Isaac and John Litzenbarger became resi- 
dents of the township, the former purchasing tlie Wilhelm chaim 
north of Peoria, and the latter settling where he still lives on the 
present site of the village. They came to this countv from Penn- 
sylvania, and were among the substantial citizens of ISIiami Countv. 
Isacc died about ten or twelve years ago, and John is the oldest 
resident of Butler at this time. In company with the Litz- 
enbargers came James Beard, who resided near Peoria, in 
the vicinitv of which he purchased a hne tract of land. About 
that time, or perhaps a little earlier, Moses Falk came to this 
county and established a trading post, where Peoria now stands, 
and for a number of years carried on a successful traffic with the 
Indians, purchasing valuable tracts of land in the meantime, which 
he subsequentb, disposed of at good financial profits. He after- 
wards moved to Peru, in which cit\- his death occurred several 
years ago. 

John, David and Benjamin Hahn, with another brother (name 
unknown), were reported to have settled south of Peoria early in 
the year 184O, a«d about the same time one Samuel Robertson, 
a son-in-law of Benjamin Beard, was li\ing near the latter's place 
in the vicinity of the village. 

Prominent among the arrivals of 1841 was Joseph Votaw, who 
settled the summer of that year on land which he had previously pur- 
chased in the northeastern part of the township. Mr. Votaw describes 
his tirst habitation as ha\ing been a hastily improvised structure, 
resembling in its make up, an Indian wigwam covered with a tent 
cloth, the construction of which required the united labors of him- 
self and wife for about two or three hours. In this rude shelter the 
pioneer family managed to live with a reasonable degree of comfort, 
until a better, but less picturesque building of logs, could be erected 
hard by. With the energy characteristic of the man, Mr. Votaw 
soon had a respectable area of land in cultivation, and in connection 
with his early efforts at farming started a blacksmith shop, the lirst 
in the township, which he carried on with encouraging success 
for many years, lie bore a conspicuous part in the moral as well as 
material development of the county, and is still an honored resident 
of the township. The next settler deserving of special mention was 
Jonah Sulli\an, who, while on a tour of inspection in 1836, selected 
a home site in section 3, township 26, north range 5, east, which 
he purchased at the land sale in 1840. Soon after securing his land 
Mr. Sullivan went back to his native State (Ohio), and the follow- 
ing year, accompanied by his wife, whom he had married in the 
meantime, returned to his new home in the wilderness of the Mis- 
sissinewa, where unfortunately no shelter of any kind awaited them. 
He states that over two weeks were required to make the trip, and 



THE FIRST SETTLEMENTS. 53^ 

that all their housohold goods, provisions, farming implements, etc., 
were hauled in a single wagon, which at frequent intervals mired ta 
the hubs in the muddy and ahnost impassible roads. Mr. Sullivan's 
brother accompanied him as assistant on the journe)', and the two,, 
after an immense amount of hard work cutting a wa\ through the 
dense woods, prying the wagon out of the mire, etc., finally reached 
their destination, where a shelter, much after the fashion of the one 
described above, was hastil}- prepared. Quite a number of Indians-, 
passing and repassing while the goods were being unloaded, caused 
the ^•ounger brother no little uneasiness, and as soon as the tent was 
pitched he took his departiu'e for what he considered safer quarters, 
leaving Mr. and Mrs. Sulli\an alone in their wild forest home. The 
place of settlement being remote from a spring or stream of any 
kind, and water being an important item, Mr. Sullivan determined 
Hrst of all to dig a well and after that to erect his dwelling. 
Accordingly an eligible site was fixed upon and in due course of 
time the hole was completed, but the months dragged h\ until the 
latter part of December before the family exchanged the original 
residence for a better one. Mr. Sulli\-an. against the advice of sev- 
eral of his neighbors, determined to erect a house more in conform- 
it\' with his ideas of comfort than the conventional round pole shanty 
of the period, and accordingly took his time in preparing the nece.s- 
sarv materials for the same. The buildinir, although a log struc- 
ture. was a storv and a half high, smoothed down both in side and 
out. and for many years W'as considered the best dwelling in the 
township. It was subsec]uently abandoned for a more modern dwel- 
ling, but is still standing in a remarkable state of preservation. Mr. 
Sullivan resided upon his original purchase until 1874, when he 
movx'd to Peru, of which cit\- he is at this time an htjnored resident. 
Job Morris settled on land adjoining the Votaw farm in 184 1 and 
is remembered as one of the substantial pioneers of the township. 
He purchased three eighty acre tracts in the vicinity, but subse- 
quentl\- disposed of the same and moved to Illinois. Isaac Deeter 
came the later part of 1841 or early in 1842, and made a settlement 
south of the river near Peoria. William Parks located in the vicin- 
ity of Peoria in an early da}", as did also Re\'. Joseph Davis, a min- 
ister of the Baptist Church, who visited the county at intervals sev- 
eral years before making a permanent settlement. After 1841 and 
1842 settlements began to multiply quite rapidly, and it is impossi- 
ble to name the pioneers in the order of their arrival or to give any- 
thing like a full and complete list of them. The following, however, 
with those alreadv enumerated, constitute the majoritv of the pio- 
neers in northern l>utler, to-wit: Eclnuind Wright, near the Wabash 
Count}' line; Michael Bradley, near the Votaw farm; Jacob Iletlley, 
one and a half miles south of Peoria; Adam Fansler, southeast of 
Peoria, where he is now living: John Davidson, near the central part 



540 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

of the township; Jonathan ("Speck") Johnson on the Wilhelrh 
place; William Cipher, one mile southeast of Peoria; Samuel Ram- 
sey in the sariie locality; Mr. Bosden, about two miles west of the 
village; Henry Watts in the vicinit}- of the town; Zachariah Wallick 
in the western part of the township; James and Thomas Keyes, near 
the central part; Thomas Timmons, Joseph Werhle, David and 
William Miller, James Long and Jeptha Long, near Peoria; John 
King, John Fegle\', Solomon Fegley, Samuel Kiem, Benjamin Wal- 
lick and J. Thomas, whose places of settlement are at present 
unknown. The earliest settlement in the southern part of the town- 
ship was made late in the fifties by the Fenimores, who in 184S, 
projected and laid out the village of Santa Fe. Others came in dur- 
ing the following two years and by 1850 every part of the township 
was settled bv an intelligent and thriflv population. 

JJ/7/f. — The first mill patronized bv the earlv settlers of north- 
ern Butler was a small log mill in Wabash Countv, erected by the 
general government for the Indians, prior to 1S40. The first mill 
in the township was built at Peoria, in 1845, by Isaac Litzenbarger. 
The original structure was a primitive log building, supplied with 
machinerj' for sawing lumber, and one run of nigger head burrs, 
which ground a very coarse article of flour. After operating the 
mill several years Mr. Litzenbarger sold out to Dr. Helm. It was 
afterwards burned down, but has since been rebuilt, and is still in 
operation, belonging at this time to the lieirs of E. H. Shirk, of 
Peru. With the exception of several steam saw-mills operated at 
different times, the above is the only mill of any kind in the town- 
ship. 

T/ir Rcliifioiis Hislorv of Butler dates from its earliest settle- 
ment, though no attempts were made towards the organization of 
churches until a number of years later. The first religious service 
of which there is any definite knowledge was held at the cabin of 
Mr. Beard, by Rev. Mr. Beloit, of the Methodist church, in the 
year 1841. Ministers of several denominations began visiting the 
settlements about that time, holding services in cabins and groves, 
which were attended b\' the earl)- settlers for many miles around. 
These meetings were the means of accomplishing much good, 
and served to check manv of the prevalent evils of the times. A 
number of settlers in the northern part of the township were 
members of the Baptist church and attended meetings of that de- 
nomination in Wabash County, where a society was organized 
at quite an early day. The Christians organized a society in 
Peoria a number of vears ago, and erected the first house of 
worship there in 1856. This organization was never strong in 
numbers, and at this time no services are held. The Presbyter- 
ians organized a societ}' in the township some years since, which is 
still maintained. The Methodists have a small class and a neat house 



RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 54I 

of worship at the village of Santa Fe, at which place the Duiik- 
ards also hold services at regular intervals, using the school 
house for a meeting place. 

The first frame dwelling houses in the township were built 
by Joel Davis, Job Morris and Joseph \'otaw, and in 1841 the 
first orchard was planted b)- Jonah Sullivan, the trees of which 
were obtained from Matthias Mo^-er's nursery in Richland Town- 
ship. James Clayton ^and Joseph Votaw set out orchards about 
the same time, a number of the trees of which are still standing, 
bearing fruit. The first marriage celebrated in the township was 
that of James Wilhelm to Nancy White in 1S41. Probabh' the 
first birth was that vi Frank Litzenbarger, born to Isaac and 
Sarah Litzenbarger in 1841. William Sullivan, Esq., of Peru, 
son of Jonah and Louisa Sullivan, was born here, and earl)^ in 
the forties births occurred in the familv of Joseph Votaw. 

Among the earliest deaths in the township was that of Mr. 
l'ller\-, who was killed b}' Mr. Wilhelm, Sr. It appears that 
Wilhelm had a daughter to whom Ullery desired to pay his 
respects. This did not meet the approval of the father, who 
forbade the voung man entering the house. The lover, how- 
ever, failing to comply with this request, continued his visits. 
This, with other things, so exasperated Wilhelm that, upon one 
occasion, he shot the young man, at the same time hallowing so 
as to attract the attention of his son, who came out of the house 
and fired, but, as he persisted afterward, at random. UUer}' was 
killed, and the son, who was supposed to have committed the 
bloody deed, was arrested, tried and sentenced to the penitenti- 
ary. The father, just before his death acknowledged firing the 
fatal shot, upon which the son was released. Another verj' 
early death was that of Washington Godfroy, son of Chief 
Francis Godfroy. He was struck b}- lightning in the presence 
of a white man and a number of Indians, and instantly killed. 
This created the wildest excitement among the Indians, and in a 
ver\'' short time hundreds from different \illages were assembled 
to witness the sad spectacle. James Clayton and Mrs. Thomas 
Clayton died many years ago and were among the earliest per- 
sons buried in the Clayton graveyard in the northeastern part 
of the township. A couple of children of Michael Bradley were 
early buried in the same, as were also several Indians, names 
unknown. 

ViNiioc of Peoria is situated ' on the west bank of the 
Mississinewa River in Section 10, Township 26, North Range 
5 East, and dates its history from 1849. ^^'^'^ \'awA upon 
which the \illage stands, was purchased in an early day by Isaac 
Litzenbarger, who, to further the interests of the locality, laid out 
the town in October of the above year. The original plan of the 



542 



HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY, 



town consisted of thirty-six lots and four streets, viz.: Hill, Wal- 
nut, High and Race. Mr. Litzenbarger opened a general store 
about the time the lots were surveyed, and sold goods for a num- 
ber of years thereafter. Previous to that time, however, Moses 
Falk, to whom reference has alread\' been made, established a trad- 
ing post on the town site, and during the early settlements of the 
county carried on a successful traffic with the Indians. Mr. McClain 
was an early merchant of the village, and . since about the year 
1865 the commercial business of the town has been carried on at 
at different times by Ira Litzenbarger. John Lieurance, Samuel 
Jameson, Noah Minnick and the present merchant, James A. Long. 
William Luce settled in the village in an early day, and worked at 
the tailor's trade. Among the earliest residents was John Younce, 
who operated the hrst blacksmith shop. Peoria was ne\er a place 
of much importance, and at this time has one general store, kept 
by Mr. Long, and a blacksmith and repair shop carried on b\- John 
Hahn. The last physician of the village was Dr. Frank Black. 

Santa Fc. — The little villaa^e of Santa Fe is situated in the ex- 
treme southern part of the township, on the southeast quarter of 
Section 32, Township 26, North, Range 5 East, and was laid out 
Mav, 1884, by Ebenezer Fenimore. An addition of 26 lots was 
made to the town in January, 1850, b}- Matthew Fenimore, one of 
the first settlers in the southern part of the county. One of the 
first residents of the village was William S. White, who erected a 
business house and engaged in merchandising as early perhaps as 
1848. Messrs. Bond & Harper brought a stock to the place about 
the same time and sold goods for a period of two or three years. 
Nelson McGraw kept a general store during the early history of 
the place, as did also Samuel Metret,, David Bowers, Noah Reese, 
Thomas Jones, Henry Bowers, Noah Bowers and others. David 
Jewells. William Kessler, Noah Reese, David Jones and a Mr. 
Frick were among the early mechanics, and Drs. Hendricks, 
Barnes, Ginther, Stewart, Foraker, Pence and Pugh practiced the 
healing art from time to time. An industry of the place was a 
mill erected on Pipe Creek by Messrs. Fenimore & Britton, who 
operated it for a period of about eighteen or twenty years. They 
sold to Solomon Stout, who ran it for some time in partnership 
with Thomas Cla\ton. It was destroyed by fire in 1869 or 1870, 
and afterwards rebuilt by Amos West. The present proprietor is 
John Thorn, who is doing a fair business. 

Until the construction of the Pan Handle railroad through 
the county a couple of miles distant, Santa Fe enjoyed the repu- 
tation of one of the best country villages in Miami County, but 
the completion of the road and the consequent springing up of 
towns in the county, proved an effectual check to its further 
development. It still commands a respectable proportion of the 



BIOGRArillCAL SKETCHES. 



543 



current trade, and supports a couple of general stores and about 
the usual uumber of shops found in a country village. The 
Methodists have an organization and a neat house of worship in 
the town, and the Dunkards have preaching at regular intervals 
in the school house. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

GEORGE BINKERD, of Butler Township, is a native of 
Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, born near Miller's Eddy, 
December 20, 1816, being next eldest in a familv of twelve 
children born to John and Elizabeth (Buzard) Binkerd, who 
were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively. Our 
subject was reared in his native state, recei\ing a limited educa- 
tion, mostlv obtained by working and paying his own tuition. 
In 1845 he emigrated to and and settled on the farm where he 
now lives. November 7, 1850, his marriage with Mar}' A., 
daughter of John Miller, was solemnized and to their union three 
sons have been born, viz.: James P., who married Martha McDow- 
ell: Jacob, whose wife was Elizabeth Difert, and Isaac E., the 
latter living at home with his parents. Mr. Binkerd has always 
made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. 
Me now owns 280 acres of well improved land. In politics he 
is a Democrat, but he does not allow partv bias or prejudice to 
control his vote. His property is the accumulation of his own 
industry and economv. He first worked as a farm hand, at 
which he was engaged one year, and at intervals cleared on his 
land. 

OLIVER BORDEN, a prominent and early settler of But- 
ler Township, is a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, where he 
was born December 17, 1829, being the eldest in a family of 
four children, born to John and Jane (Acklev) Borden, who were 
both natives of New Jersev, the latter ot Scotch-Swede descent. 
The mother came with her parents to Hamilton County about 
1808 or iSio, and the father came to that county about 1S23. 
They emigrated from there to Indiana, and settled in Miami 
Countv in 1848, of which thev continued residents until their 
death. Our immediate subject was reared to manhood in his 
native county. He received a common school education. April 
4, 1852, his marriage with Elizabeth Benner was solemnized and 
to their union four children were born, of which only this one is 
now living — Joseph. Ma}' 20, 1857, Mr. Borden suffered the be- 
reavement of losing his beloved wife. November 20, i860, his 
and Sarah A. Blood's nuptials were celebrated, and their union 
has been blessed with four children, these three now living: Al- 



544 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

bert, Mark and Alice. His father was a cooper, and he learned 
in early life that trade, continuing to follow it until 1826, when, 
for the five or six years immediately subsequent, he divided his 
attention between his trade and farming, since which time he has 
followed agricultural pursuits exclusiveh', and he has been verj' 
successful. He now owns 160 acres of well improved land. He 
and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. In politics he 
is a Republican, and he was honored with an election to the office 
of Township Trustee, which he filled in a very creditable manner. 

JAMES BOWERS, of Butler Township,"is a native of Scioto 
Count}', Ohio, where he was born July 26, 1828, being the onl}' 
child born to George and Mary (Deaver) Bowers, who were 
natives of Ohio and Maryland, respectively. They emigrated to 
Indiana and Miami County in the year 1848 and settled in Harri- 
son, living there until their death. Our subject was reared in his 
native state and received a common school education. June 13, 
1850, his marriage with Martha M. Sitt was solemnized, and to 
their union thirteen children were born, of which these three are 
now living: Thomas J., who married Margaret Kessler; Charles 
S., whose wife was Flora Ogborn; Maggie F., wife of Ira McLane. 
Mar}- grew to womanhood and died at tlie age of twenty years. 
Mr. Bowers has always made farming his occupation and he has 
been very successful in that pursuit. He now owns 220 acres of 
of well-improved land. In politics he is an ardent Republican, and 
always manifests a good live interest in the political affairs of the 
county and community in which he lives, where he enjoys the 
respect and esteem of all who know him. He was honored 
with an election to the office of Justice of the Peace in 1882. 

JOHN S. CONN, a leading pioneer of Butler Township, 
is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born near Salem, Janu- 
ary 24, 1842, being the fourth in a family of eight children 
born to Joseph H. and Alice A. (Pierce) Conn, who were natives 
of Ohio and Virginia respectively, the former of Irish descent; 
the latter dying in 1846 little is known of her origin. Subject's 
father emigrated to Indiana in 1851, locating in Wabash County, 
and died there July 22, i860, since which time John S. has 
been upon his own resources. He had obtained a common 
school education, such as was to be acquired in the primitive 
log school houses of those days. August 22, 1863, occurred his mar- 
riage with Elizabeth A. Manning, a native of Ohio, and daughter of 
Silas and Lydia Manning. To this union one child, Milo P., 
was born. August 5, 1873, Mr. Conn suffered the bereavement 
of losing his wife. September 10, 1875, his and Martha J. 
Webb's nuptials were celebrated. August 14, 1878, death re- 
moved Mr. Conn's second wife. March 11, 1880, Martha A. 
Wright became his wife, and their union has been blessed with 



• BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 545 

two children, Omer C, and Lettie L. His occupation lias always 
been farming, and he has been very successful. He now owns 
1 88 acres of improved land. He is a member of the I. O. O. 
F.. holding membership in Miami Lodge, No. 52, both Subordi- 
nate and Encampment. In politics he is Democratic, and he 
always manifests a good, live interest in the political affairs of 
the county and communitj- in which he lives. He is at present 
acting as the Central Committeeman for his precinct. 

GEORGE S. EVANS, a citizen of Butler Township, is a 
native of the adjoining County of Cass, where he was born Decem- 
ber 9, 1842, being the eldest of a family of six children, born to 
Hugh and Mary E. (Oliver) Evans, who were natives of Virginia 
and Indiana, respectivel}', and were among the pioneer settlers of 
Cass County. Both died before our subject had attained the age of 
fifteen j-ears, and he was at that early age thrown upon his own 
resources. He engaged in 1858 with John W. Miller as a farm 
hand, with whom he continued four years. The next two years 
subsequent he rented farms, when, in 1863, he realized the neces- 
sity of the preservation of our Union, and when the 
countrv needed aid, enlisted in Compan}' G, 128th Indiana Vol- 
unteer Infantry as private, where he served until the close of the 
war, and was honorably discharged at Indianapolis April 20, 1866. 
He participated in the following important engagements: Nash- 
ville, Tenn., Atlanta, Franklin, Tenn., Dalton, Ga., Resaca, Ga., 
Kenesaw Mountain, Lost Mountain, Burnt Hickory, Rough and 
Ready, Jonesboro, Lovejo}-, Columbia, Kingston, N. C. Septem- 
ber 26, 1867, his marriage with Josephine Tillett was solemnized, 
and to their union eleven children have been born, of which these 
ten are now living: Marv A., Nora E., Susanna, Hattie P., 
Jessie M., Grade O., Ira M^, Geo. E., Frank O., and Carl G. The 
deceased child was James H., who died November 5, 1884, aged 
four years. Our subject has always made farming his occupation, 
and he has been very successful; he owns 507 acres of improved 
land; he is a member of the I. O. O. F., both Subordinate and En- 
campment, and G. A. R. fraternities. In politics he is a Democrat, 
and he has alwa>s manifested a good lively interest in the political 
affairs of the county and community in which he lives, where he has 
been honored with the election, in 1882, to the office of County 
Commissioner, and as a recognition of the creditable manner in which 
he filled that office he was re-elected. 

JOHN B. IDDING, a resident of Buder Township, was born 
in Peru Township, August i, 1847, being the youngest of seven 
children, born to John D. and Susan (Hoover) Iddings, who were 
natives of Ohio, both of German descent. They emigrated from 
there to Miami County about 1840, locating in Peru. A gunsmith 
by trade ; he established a shop which he carried on about twenty- 



546 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNT\». 

five years. A part of the time he owned and operated a farm. 
About 1865, he closed his gun shop and devoted his entire atten- 
tion to farming in which he was successful, owning at the time of 
his death, a good farm. He died in June, 1880. at the advanced 
age of 68 years. He experienced religion a short time before his 
death and united with the Catholic Church. He formerly was a 
member of the I. O. O. F. fraternitv. The immediate subject lived 
with his parents until their death, receiving a common school education. 
October 2, 1877, his marriage with Marv Huber, of Lancaster, 
Ohio, was solemnized and to their union these three children have 
been born; Edward, Samuel and Mary. He has always made 
farming his occupation and he has been verv successful. He now 
owns over 200 acres of improved land. He is a member of the 
Catholic Church. In politics he is a Republican. 

JONATHAN JOHNSON, better known as "Spectacle" 
Johnson, a prominent citizen of Butler Township, is a native of 
Connecticut, born near the town of Greeidge, August 8, 181 2, 
being the third in a familv of nine children born to Robert and 
Doll}' (Patterson) Johnson, who were also natives of the New 
England States. They emigrated to Ohio by wagon, coming to 
Pittsburg, then down the Ohio on a flat-boat, and locating in 
Hamilton, where they ever afterward lived until their death. 
Our subject was reared to manhood there, receiving a common 
education, such as the facilities of those davs afforded — such as 
was to be obtained in the primitive log school houses. At the 
age of sixteen he was bound apprentice to learn the cooper's 
trade for four years and nine months, when he engaged in that 
trade for himself. Februar}- 26, 1836, his marriage with Rebecca 
Miller was solemnized, and to their union five children have 
been born, of which four are now living, viz.: Elizabeth J., wife 
of Josiah Hann: James L., who married Mary May: William, 
whose wife was Marv A. Keves, and Jonathan, Jr., whose consort 
was Phoebe J. Armantrout. July 17, 1871, Mr. Johnson suffered 
the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. November 9, 1874, 
his and Eliza J. Wilson's nuptials were celebrated. Their union 
was of comparativelv short duration, she dving August 12, 1878. 
October 4, 1883, Lorenia Daley became his wife. In 1S49 he 
emigrated to Miami County, Indiana, settling on the farm where 
he now lives. Since 1873 he has devoted his entire attention 
to farming, prior to which time he followed coopering and farm- 
ing together, and he has been verv successful. He now owns 
forty acres, and formerly owned about 400 acres, but started his 
children in life each with a farm. He is a member of the M. E. 
and his wife of the Presbyterian church. He also belongs to the 
Masonic fraternitv, holding a membership at Peru. In politics he is 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 547 

a Democrat, and he was honored with an election to the office of 
Township Trustee two terms. 

JOHN LAVENGOOD, a citizen of Butler Township, is a 
native of Coshocton County, Oiiio, born near New Bedford, Novem- 
ber 21, 1S36, being the next eldest in a famih' of fourteen children 
born to George and Barbara (Bickel) Lavengood, who were natives 
of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. John was reared in his 
native State and county, remaining at home and assisting his parents 
on the farm until he attained his majorit}'. He received a limited edu- 
cation such as the schools of those days afforded. In 1857, at the age 
of 21, he emigrated to Indiana and Miami Count}-, of which he has 
since remained a resident. January 22, 1S64, his marriage with 
Margaret J., daughter of Robert Long, was solemnized, and to their 
union five children have been born, of which these three are living: 
William H., Levi and George M. The deceased children were 
Schuyler and Annie V. His occupation has always been farming, 
in connection with which he operated a saw-mill, and he has been 
very successful. He now owns no acres of well improved land, 
which is the accummulation of his own industry and economy, 
besides he is the proprietor of 80 acres located in Clarke Count}-. 
February, 1864, Mr. Lavengood realized the necessity of the Union 
and enlisted in Company F., 153d Regiment of Indiana Volunteer 
Infantry, where he served until the war closed. He is a member 
of the Luthern and his wife of the M. E. Church. In politics he is 
a staunch Democrat and he always manifests an interest in the polit- 
ical affairs of the county and community in which he lives, where 
he was honored with an election to the office of Township Trustee 
in 1884, his term expiring in 1886. 

JAMES A. LONG, merchant at Peoria, or Reserve Postoffice, 
embarked in business in 1883, purchasing the stock of Noah 
Minnick, who had been employed in the business for fourteen 
Acars. The present proprietor carries a stock of about $2,000, 
doing an annual business of about $6,000. Mr. Long is a native 
of Wabash County, born January i, i860, being the fourth in a 
family of seven children born to Joseph and Lavina ( Lutz) 
Long, who were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. 
He emigrated to Indiana about 1S46. For some time thereafter 
Joseph worked as a farm hand at various places in Miami and Wabash 
Counties. In the spring of 1850 he went to Cuba, remaining 
tliere about eighteen months, when he returned and located in 
Wabash County, living there until 1874, when he removed to 
Peoria, of which he has since been a resident. By occupation 
he has always been a farmer, in which he has been very suc- 
cessful. He' is now the proprietor of 588 acres of land, the 
accumulation of his own industry and economy. He is the father 
of the following named children: William, Martha, Nancy, 



548 HISTORY OF AMAMI COUNTY. 

James, Marv, Lemora and Luville. The immediate subject of 
this sketch remained at home until he had attained his majority, 
receiving a common school education sufficient to enable him to 
teach, which he did for three terms, since which time he has 
been in the mercantile business. November '], 1886, his mar- 
riage with Eva Poor was solemnized. He belongs to the I. O. 
O. F. In politics he is .a Republican, and he is now postmaster 
for the village of Peoria. 

DANIEL MALONEY, of Buder, is a native of the 
Count)- of Karey, Ireland, where he was born, May, 1827, 
being the youngest of a family of six children born to Michael 
and Katharine (Flife) Maloney. Daniel was reared to manhood 
in his native countrv. He received a limited education. His 
parents were reasonably well-to-do. August, 1858, his mar- 
riage with Henora Rardon was solemnized: the day following^ 
they embarked for America and the United States. They were 
en route about sixty-six dajs. They landed at New York City,, 
from whence they came to and located near Greenville, Ohio, 
where thev lived about one vear, when he moved to Blackford 
County, and one year later moved to Marion County, living 
there one year, thence to Wabash County, staying there seven 
years, when he came to Miami Countv where he has since 
lived. Mr. Maloney came to the United States a poor man; he 
worked at anything he could get to do, such as ditching, chop- 
ping cord wood, etc., principalh' as a farm hand. He rented a 
farm for 16 years and by untiring industry and the strictest economy 
he is now one of Miami Countv's most substantial citizens. He 
is the proprietor of 260 acres of well improved land. To the 
union there have been seven children born. Mary, wife of Michael 
Riley; James, who married Kate Hays; Kate, Joanna, Daniel, 
Ellen and Bridget. He and family are members of the Catholic 
Church. In politics he is a L^emocrat. 

DR. SIMEON S. MARSH, phy.sician and surgeon in Butler 
Township is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, born near 
Germantown, February 5, 1837; being the third in a famih* of eight 
children born to John and Catharine (Leavell) Marsh, who were 
natives of New York and North Carolina respectivelv. They em- 
igrated from Miami County, Ohio, to Cass County in September, 
1842, locating in Adams Township, that County. Where the for- 
mer lived until killed by lightning in May, 1855,. His widow 
resided there until 1874, when she removed to and made Peru her 
home until her death, which occurred November i, 1885. The 
immediate subject of our sketch was reared to manhood in Cass 
County. He received a common school education. At the age 
of nineteen he was thrown upon his own resources. He from 
that time worked at intervals and went to school, supplementing 




mm ^^^ 





O^^TM^c^U^^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 55 1 

his education by attendance at high school until 1861. In July 
of that year he entered the service of his country, enlisting in 
Company A, 20th Indiana Regiment of Volunteer Infantry-, as a 
private, where he served for over three years. He participated 
in the following important engagements: Seven days fight at 
Ciiickahominy, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and the battles inci- 
dent; Grant's Campaign from Culpepper to Petersburg, and nearly 
all the fights in which his regiment took part. He was hon- 
orably discharged July 29, 1864 at Indianapolis. That same 
year he commenced the studj- of medicine with Dr. W. H. 
Brenton, now of Peru, then practicing at Reserve, with whom he 
continued four years during which time he took a course of lec- 
tures at Bellevue Hospital Medical College at which he since has 
taked three and part of a fourth course, graduating from that 
institution in 1874. He has practiced almost without interruption 
since taking his first course and he has been ver}' successful. 
He is a member of the G. A. R. and Masonic fraternities. In 
politics he is a staunch Republican, casting his first vote for Abraham 
Lincoln. 

JACOB E. MARSH, the next younger brother of Dr. S. S. 
Marsh, was born January 8, 1839, '" Montgomery County, Ohio. 
In early life he received a common school education, and in 1862 
he enlisted in the 99th Regiment of Volunteers, in which he served 
until Jul}', 1865, and was then honorably discharged. He was with 
the Army of the Potomac from the beginning of the Seven Days 
fight, at Chickahominy, before Richmond, in nearly all the en- 
gagements around which his regiment participated. He married 
Elizabeth Miller, and they have the following family of five children 
now living: Levi, Irene, Nora, Delbert and Josie, the last two 
twins. 

EDWARD H. MILLER, a citizen of Butler Township, is a 
native of Peru Township; was born April 22, 1842, being the next 
youn£*est in a family of eight (four now surviving) children, born 
to John W. and Julia A. (Leas) Miller, who were natives of York 
Count}-, Pennsylvania, and Preble County, Ohio, respectively, the 
former of German descent. The marriage occurred in Preble 
County about 1826; two years later, 'in 1828, they came to Indiana 
and Miami County, settling on the farm where our subject was born. 
They remained residents of this county until their death. Edward 
H. remained at home and assisted his parents on the farm until he at- 
tained the age of twent3--two jears. He received a limited educa- 
tion in the schools of the vicinity, which was supplemented by at- 
tendance at Notre Dame College for one term. January 21, 1864, 
his marriage with Luan Nesbit was solemnized. She was a daugh- 
ter of Waiter D. and Luan (Riley) Nesbit. To the union of Mr. 
and Mrs. Miller eleven children have been born, of which these 

18 



552 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

seven are now living: Carrie E., Maxamillian C, Edward O. 
Louie, Jessie, John W., and Nellie B. His occupation is now farm- 
ing, in connection with which he formerl}- dealt in stock, and he has 
been very successful. He now owns 238 acres of well improved 
land. In politics, he has been a life-long Democrat. 

ROSS O. MILLER, an enterprising and progressive farmer 
of Butler Township, was born in Peru Township October 26, 1846, 
of a family of eight children born to John W. and Julia A. (Leese) 
Miller, of which he was the youngest. His parents, natives respec- 
tivel}- of Pennsylvania and Ohio, were among the earliest settlers of 
Miami County of which they remained residents until their death. 
Ross O. lived with his parents until he obtained the age of twenty- 
live vears, receiving a common school education. About 187 1 he 
embarked in the business of trading and dealing in stock, which he 
continued four j-ears, when he engaged in farming which he has 
since followed meeting with very good success. He is the proprie- 
tor of 233 acres of well improved land. November, 1882, he was 
united in marriage with Harriet Evans. Mr. Miller is a member of 
the I. O. O. F. In politics he is an ardent Democrat, being hon- 
ored by his party with an election to the office of Township Asses.^ 
sor. 

ANDREW PEARSON, a prominent citizen of Buder Town- 
ship, is a native of Miami County, Ohio, where he was born Janu- 
arv 8, 1846, being the next eldest in a familv of eight children born 
to William and Sarah (Million ) Pearson, who were also natives of 
Miami Count}-, Ohio, the former of English and the latter of par- 
tial German descent. They came to Wabash County, the latter part of 
the year 1846, of which they have since continued residents. Our 
immediate subject was reared upon a farm, remaining with his par- 
ents until he attained the age of twentj'-five vears. He received a 
common school education, supplemented by three terms attend- 
ance at High School. October 6, 1870, his marriage with Sarah 
Armstrong was solemnized, and to their union six children have 
been born, viz: Bertha, Annetta, Mary, Susan, Augusta, Pearl and 
Harrv Andrew. His occupation has been mostly farming in connec- 
tion with which he worked for a period of eight years at the black- 
smithing trade, and he has Keen very successful. He now owns 
160 acres of well improved land. In politics he is a Republican. 

ADAM RAMER, a prominent farmer of Butler Township, is 
a native of Tuscarawas Countj^ Ohio, where he was born 
April I, 1829, being the eldest of eight children born to James 
and Catharine (Moore) Ramer. Thev moved, when our subject 
was quite young, to Coshocton where he was reared until 
he was seventeen years of age, which was in 1845, when the 
family emigrated to Williams County, Ohio, where they stopped 
for the winter, coming to Miami County the following spring, 



, BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 553 

settling in Butler Township, wheix' they remained until 1861 or 
1862, when they moved to Whitley County. After a residence 
there of a few j-ears they returned to Miami County and located 
in Perry Township, where Mrs. Ramer died. After her death 
he Hved for a time again in Butler Township, after which he 
removed to Pulaski County where he died March, 1885. In 
early life Mr. Ramer received a limited education in conse- 
quence of the poor facilities of those days. March 29, 1850, 
his marriage with Hannah (York) Shortridge was solemnized. 
B)' her former marriage Mrs. Ramer had one child, a daughter, 
Laura, now Mrs. David Lemon. His occupation has always 
been farming, and he has been very successful. He now owns 
124 acres of well improved land which is the accumulation of 
his own industr\- and economy. He made rails for 31^ cents 
a hundred for the man that owned the farm of which he is now 
the proprietor. He and wife are members of the Christian 
Church, of which he has been an Elder, and is now leader. In 
politics he is a Republican. 

NATHANIEL RUNYAN, of Butler Township, is a native 
, of New Jersey, where he was born October 8, 1822, being the 
third in a family of five children born to Lewis and Mary 
Britton Runyan, who were also natives of New Jersey. The 
former died about 1830, when Nathaniel was taken and reared 
to manhood by his uncle, Robert Armstrong. He provided himself 
with a common school education. He at the age of twent}^- 
four started westward, working for a time in Ohio and Michi- 
gan, when he came to Miami County, to which his mother had 
preceded him in 1846. December, 1850, his marriage with 
Rachel Brown, daughter of Aaron Brown, was solemnized, 
and to their union four children were born, of which these two 
are now living — Charles L., and Mary, wife of John Miller. He 
had in early life learned the wagonmaker's trade, which he fol- 
lowed until he came to Peru, since which time he has made 
farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He 
now owns 320 acres of improved land. In politics he is a Demo- 
crat, and he always manifests a good, live interest in the politi- 
cal affairs of the county and community in which he lives, where 
he enjoys the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. Mrs. 
Runvan died some vears ago. 

SEYMOUR SMITH, of Buder Township, is a native of 
Augusta, Kentucky, where he was born February 3, 18 15, being 
the tiiird in a family of ten children born to Aquila and Polly (Sey- 
mour) Smith, who were natives of Maryland and Virginia respec- 
tivelv, tiieir marriage occurring in Newark, Ohio. Our immediate 
subject was reared mostly in Pickaway County, Ohio. He received 
a very limited education, such as the subscription schools of those 



554 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

days afforded. He remained at home until he attained his majority. 
October, 1844, his marriage with Margaret (Robinson) Strader 
was solemnized, and to their union ten children were born, of which 
these six are now living: Jane, now Mrs. F. Hay; Sarah, widow 
of Graham Bradley; John, who married Chatlie Ater; Elizabeth, 
consort of Levi Hurley; Irene and Martha. October 9, 1S82, Mr. 
Smith suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. His 
occupation has always been farming, and he has been verj- suc- 
cessful. He now owns 120 acres of improved land. In politics 
he is a staunch Republican. 

JASPER D. SMITH, a leading citizen of Butler Township, 
is a native of Kosciusko County, born February 28, 1845, being 
the fifth in a famil\- of eleven children born to George C. and 
Rosanna (Dilsaverj Smith. The former, a native of Virginia, 

born on Crab Bottom, April 6, 1802, the son of Smith. 

In 181 1 his parents emigrated to Ohio, where he grew to man- 
hood and was married to Elizabeth Van De vender; his first mar- 
riage was of comparatively short duration, his wife d\ing after four 
children had been born. His second marriage also occurred in 
Ohio. About 1842 he came to Indiana, first settling in Kos- 
ciusko County, where he lived until the spring of 1S46, 
when he came to Miami County, locating first on the 
Mississinewa, and subsequently moved to Pipe Creek, in what is 
now Jackson Township. He entered land in what is now Harri- 
son Township, on which he lived until 1877, when he traded for a 
farm in Butler Township, to which he removed, living there until 
within ten months of his death, when he had become so enfeebled 
that he made his home with Sarah Plotner, his daughter, ending 
his days at her home March 7, 1881. He had been a member of 
the M. E. Church, having joined that organization when a young 
man. He was an exemplary, true and consistent Christian, and in 
his death the community lost an honored and respected citizen. He 
was elevated to the position of County Commissioner, being the 
incumbent of that office when the location and building of the Indi- 
anapolis, Peru & Chicago railroad was in process, he being largely 
instrumental in securing and protecting the county's interest. He 
also served Harrison Township as one of its Trustees for a number 
of j^ears. Our immediate subject grew to manhood on the farm, 
remaining at home and assisting his parents on the farm until he 
attained his majority. He received a common school education, 
such as the facilities of those days afforded. At the age of 20, in 
1865, he entered in the service of his country, serving until the 
close of the war, being honorablj' discharged on September of the 
same year. March 5i 1868, his marriage with Susan Plotner was 
solemnized, and to this union live children have been born, of 
which three are now living — Florence I., Clarence E. and Donna 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 555 

E. Both of the deceased children were infants. Mr. Smith's occu- 
pation has been principally farming, and he has been very success- 
ful. He now owns sixty acres of improved land. The family are 
members of the M. E. Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and 
he has always manifested a good, live interest in the political 
affairs of the county in which he li\es, being the present member 
of the Central Committee representing his precinct. 

JACOB S. THOMAS, a prominent citizen of BuUer Town- 
ship, is a native of Jefferson Counlx', Virginia, where he was 
born October i6, 1812, being the eldest child of a family of 
thirteen children born to Archibald and Catharine (Swimley) 
Thomas, who were natives of Maryland and Virginia respectively, 
the former of Welsh-Irish and the latter of German descent. 
Leonard Thomas, paternal grandfather of our subject, was a 
native of Maryland from whence he removed to Virginia, where 
he lived until his death. Archibald Thomas, father of our subject, 
was born April 11, 17S7. He was a soldier of 1812. The 

Captain of his company being Davenport. By occupation 

he was a farmer. He died March 31, 1S63, at his home in 
Champaign, Green County, Ohio, to which he had emigrated in 
the year 1827. They making the entire journey from Virginia 
on foot. The immediate subject of our sketch remained at 
home and assisted his parents until he attained the age of 
twenty 3-ears. He had receiyed a meager education in his native 
State; this subsequent to his marriage was supplemented by his 
acquiring more knowledge by reading sufficient to enable him 
to teach which he followed several terms. March 6, 183^, hi.s 
marriage witli Elizabeth Stanley was solemnized. She was a 
daughter of Robert and Edith (Mason) Stanley. In 1853 he 
emigrated to Indiana and Miami County, settling on the farm 
where he now lives. He had learned milling in early life, and 
follo\\ed that vocation until he came to Indiana, where he en- 
gaged exclusively in farming for a period of ten years when 
in 1S63 he purchased a mill which he operated until 1S74, 
when his mill burned and he again resumed farming in which 
he has since continued. From a business point of view Mr. 
Thomas has been very successful. He is now the proprietor of 
233 acres of \\ell improved land. To the union of Mr. and 
Mrs Thomas, ten children were born, of which these six are 
now living: Benjamin F., Joseph W., Arabell (now Mrs. R. 
Thornburg ), Catharine V. (w^ife of Dr. E. K. Friermood), E\aline 
and William R. H. October 22, 1S73, Mr. Thomas suffered the 
bereavement of losing his beloved wife. He is a member of the 
M. E. Church. He formerly belonged to the Masonic and I. O. 
O. F. fraternities. In politics he is an ardent Republican. Ben- 
jamin F. and Robert S., sons, served their country in the Rebel- 



556 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

lion. The latter died while in the service at Nashville, Tennessee. 
JOSEPH VOTAW, a farmer of Butler Township, is a 
native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born near Salem, August 
2 1, 1812, being the fifth in a family of eight children born to 
Joseph and Phoebe (Yates) Votaw, who were both natives of 
Virginia, of French and English descent, respectively. Our sub- 
ject was reared in his native State, securing a limited education, 
such as the facilities of those days offered. When 16 years of 
age he was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith trade. At 
about the age of 21 he emigrated to Wayne County, Indiana, 
where he remained about six years working at his trade. June, 
1841, he came to Miami Count)' where he entered 80 acres of 
the land he now owns. In the fall he established a shop, in 
which he continued to work until 1876. November, 1836, his 
marriatre with Ruth Wersner was solemnized, and to their union 
four children were born, of which these two are now living, 
Phoebe, wife of Charles Pavy, and Daniel, who married Louisa 
Yuant. February 25, 1849, Mr. Votaw suffered the bereave- 
ment of losing his beloved wife; in 1852 his and Lydia Macy's 
nuptials were celebrated, and to their union nine children have 
been born. These four are now living; Nathan, Allen, Hannah 
M. and Emma L. Since 1876 he has devoted his entire atten- 
tion to farming, which he had followed in connection with his 
smithing, prior to that, and he has been very successful. He 
now owns over 320 acres of well improved land. He and wife 
are members of the Friends Church. In politics he is a Repub- 
lican, and he has alwaj's manifested a good, live interest in the 
political affairs of the county and community in which he lives, 
where he enjoys the respect and esteem of all wlio know him. 
Mr. Votaw was one of the pioneer settlers of Miami County, 
coming when the country was a wilderness of woods which 
abounded in wild game of all kinds. 

ANDREW E. WALLACE, Trustee of Butler Township, is 
a native of Decatur Count}', born June 8, 1843, being the eldest of 
a familj' of seven children born to James and Margaret (Babcock) 
Wallace, natives of Ohio and of German-Scotch descent. Thev re- 
moved from Decatur to Fulton County about 1846, where the former 
still lives. Our subject was reared in Fulton Countv. He received 
a common school education. He remained at home with his par- 
ents until he attained the age of twenty ^ears, when in February, 
1864, he entered the service of his countrv, enlisting in Companv F, 
87th Regiment of Volunteer Infantrv, serving until the close of the 
war. He was present and participated in all the engagements inci- 
dent to Sherman's campaign on his march to Atlanta and the Sea, 
and was honorablv discharged at Louisville Julv, 1865. April 20, 
1867, his marriage with Sarah J. Wright was solemnized, and to 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 557 

their union eight ciiilchcn have been born, of wliicii these six 
are now hving: Cora E., Minnie M., Charley E., Anna INI., 
Edward II. and John R. The two deceased children were Bertha 
E. and an infant unnamed. Mrs. Wallace is the daugiiter of 
Edmund and Anna (Arnold) Wri<rht, who were natives of Warren 
and Miami Counties, Ohio, respectively. They were among the 
early settlers of this county. Mr. Wallace's occupation has always 
been that of farming, and he has been very successful. He now owns 
133 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the 
Baptist Church. He also belongs to the I. O. O. F. and Grange fra- 
ternities. In politics he is a Republican, and he always manifests a 
good live interest in the political affairs of the county and commun- 
ity in which he hves, where he was in 1886 honored with an elec- 
tion to the oflice of Township Trustee, and is the present incum- 
bent. 

WILLIAM P. WAY, an old citizen of Buder County, is a 
native of Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, born near Lewistown, 
August 20, 1S14, being the ninth in a famil\' of eleven children 
born to Joshua and Mary (Boyd) Way, who were also natives of 
Pennsvlvania, where the\' lived and died. Our subject was reared 
in his native State and countv, receiving a limited education, such 
as the facilities of those days afforded. February 15, 1838, his mar- 
riage with Martha McKinstry was solemnized, and to their union 
seven children were born, of which these five are now living: Mary 
C, wife of James Johnson, Thomas J., whose present wife was 
Carrie Sifert, William, who married Jennie Starbuck, Samuel B., 
whose consort was Elizabeth Baker, and George L., who espoused 
Marv Baker. August 12, 1844 Mr. Way suffered the bereavement 
of losing his beloved wife. November 17, 1876, his and Mary J. 
(CaiUrel) Baker's nuptials were celebrated, by whom he became 
the father of this one child, Flora B. He emigrated from Pennsyl- 
vania to Indiana, and Miami County in 1844, where he has ever 
since lived. He now owns 205 acres of well improved land which 
is the accumulation of his own industry and economy. He and 
wife are members of the Presb}'terian Church. In politics he is a 
Democrat and he was honored with an election to the oflice of 
Township Trustee in 1880 and 1882, filling the position in a very 
creditable manner. 

BENJAMIN S. YORK, of Butler Township, is a native of 
Preble County, Ohio, born near Eaton, January 18, 1832, being the 
fourth in a family of si.\ children born to Nathaniel and Elizabeth 
(Bishop) York, who were both natives of North Carolina and of 
English descent. In 1836 they emigrated to Indiana settling in 
Henry County, where they lived until 1842 when they came to 
Miami County, locating near where Peoria now stands, where the 
father died in 185 1. The mother is still living at the advanced age of 



558 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

82 years. Our immediate subject remained at home and assisted his 
mother until he obtained his majority. August 20, 1857, his mar- 
riage with Elizabeth Laymon was solemnized, and to their union three 
children have been born, of which onl\- this one is now living, John 
H., who married Ruth A. Reese. The deceased children were 
Susan E. and Lucretia, who died at the respective ages of nine and 
two years. His occupation has alwa3-s been farming and he has 
been very succesful. He now owns 109 acres of well improved 
land. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. In poli- 
tics he is a Republican and manifests a good interest in the political 
affairs of the community in which he lives, where he enjoys the 
respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. 

JOHN YOUNCE, a leading farmer of Butler Township, is a 
native of Ashe County, North Carolina, born near Jefferson Court 
House, Mav 22, 1832, being next to the youngest in a family of six chil- 
dren born to Joseph and Elizabeth (Sheets) Younce, who were 
also natives of Ashe County, North Carolina. They emigrated to 
Miami County, Ohio, in 1842, where they lived until the fall of 
184S, when thev came to Miami County, Indiana, and located on 
the ground where the village of Peoria now stands. In 1S56 they 
removed to Minnesota, living there three 3-ears. Then they 
moved to Green County, Missouri, staying there until i86r, when 
he was compelled to leave that county and State in consequence 
of his views on the question of slavery. They then returned to 
Miami County, where they lived until their death. John went 
with the famih' to Minnesota, but only resided there two years, return- 
ing direct to this county, where he has since hved. In early life 
he had no opportunities afforded for obtaining an education. After 
attaining the age of eighteen he pursued a course at his home 
without the aid of a teacher, acquiring in that waj' a reasonabh' 
good education. His father was a blacksmith and wagonmaker, 
and he learned that trade, following it until January r6, 1862, 
when his marriage to Rachel Smith was solemnized, and to their 
union three children were born, of which these two are now liv- 
ing — Lettie, wife of Frank Kilander, and Webb. Since his mar- 
riage his occupation has been farming, and he has been very suc- 
cessful. He now owns 140 acres of well-improved land, the accu- 
mulation of his own industry and economy. He is a member of 
the M. E. Church. In politics he has always been a Republi- 
can, and he was honored with an election to the position of Town- 
ship Assessor, tilling that office for two terms in a very creditable 
manner to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. April 8, 1868, 
Mr. Younce suffered the bereavement of his loving and beloved 
wife. 



CLAV TOWNSHIP. 559 



CHAPTER X. 

Clav Township — Boundary and General Features — Early 
Settlers — Organization — Religions — -Waupecong, &c. 

CLAY Township, named in honor of the illlustrious Statesman, 
Henry Clav, is situated in the Southern tier of Townships 
bordering on Howard Count}- and includes a geographical area of 
twenty-four square miles; bounded on the north, east and west by 
the townships of Washington, Harrison and • Deer Creek, respec- 
tively. Deer Creek flows in a westerly direction through the central 
part of the township and with its tributaries which ramify to almost 
every part of the country, affords drainage and stock water for a 
large area of territory. The northeast corner of the Township is 
watered and drained by Pipe Creek which flows in a northwesterly 
course through section i. The surface, except in the immediate 
vicinitv of the water courses is quite level and the soil a black loam 
of great depth and fertility ; is unexcelled for agricultural purposes. 
A portion of the Township is so flat that a resort to tile drainage is 
necessary and from these wet lands have been developed some of 
the tinesl and most productive farms in the county. The timber is 
very heavy, consisting of varieties common to other parts of the 
county. Walnut, poplar, sugar tree, beech, ash and oak predom- 
inating. Agriculture and stock raising are the chief occupations of 
of the citizens of Clay and in point of material prosperity the town- 
ship will rank well with the other divisions of Miami. 

The first settlements in Clay were made about the j'ear 1844, 
at which time Henry Daggy, who is supposed to have been the 
earliest pioneer, located near the eastern line of the township, on 
Negro Creek, where John Zodynow Hves. He made substan- 
tial improvements on this farm, and is remembered as an honest 
and trustworthy citizen. One daughter, Mrs. Groves, still lives 
on a part of the original purchase. Otis Fish came the same 
yenv and located a home near the Biggs farm, in the northern 
part of the township, where he lived until about the year 1850 
or '51, when he sold out and emigrated to one of the Western 
States. Early in 1845 John Smith settled near McGrawsville, in 
the eastern part of the township, moving here from one of the 
older settlements on Eel River. He was joined the same year by 
Abel House, who made an improvement on the John Zod\- place, 
Andrew Woolpert, who settled where his widow is still living, 
Eli Butler, a noted hunter, who purchased land near McGraws- 
ville, and Benjamin Fish, brother of Otis Fish, who purchased 



560 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

real estate and made improvements in the same locality. Prom- 
inent among the earl}- comers was William Biggs, who settled 
where he is still living, near the central part of the township. He 
is one of Clay's representative men, and has held the office of 
Justice of the Peace for a period of over thirty years. Nathaniel 
Bunn located near the Biggs place in 1845, as did also Caleb 
Adams, who purchased land and made good improvements. Con- 
spicuous among the arrivals of 1S46 was Thomas Murden, who 
located near the village of McGrawsville, where he has since 
resided. He was one of the first pedagogues of the township, 
and early earned the reputation of a successful instructor. Mr. 
Humrickhouse and son, Ebenezer Humrickhouse, settled in the 
southern part of the township as early as 1846 or "47. The 
former was a man of fine business abilitv and at one time served 
as Treasurer of Miami Countv. Christian Livingood made an 
improvement near Waupecong in 1846, but in a few years sold 
out and moved to Harrison Township, near Deer Creek, on the 
land now owned by W. H. Cunningham. There settled, in quite 
an early day, a man by the name of William McCIure, who 
lived chiefly by hunting and selling whisky, which he doled out 
to his neighbors "on the sly." He was a man of fine social qual- 
ities, and had manj- friends among the early settlers, some of 
whom severely condemned his wa}- of obtaining a livelihood. John 
Roller settled near the Biggs place late in the forties, and after a 
brief residence sold out to Mr. Miller and left the township. John 
Hoover came as early as 1846 or '47, and settled the place which 
he still owns, about one mile east of the village of Waupecong. 
John Wilkinson located on the Samuel Glassbaum farm, near the 
central part of the township, about the year 1847, and in company 
with his son-in-law, Cyrus Marquis, who settled a short distance 
north of Deer Creek, where he lived a few years, hi an early 
day came Joseph Kessler, a man of substantial worth, and made 
a settlement in the vicinity of McGrawsville, where his death oc- 
curred several years ago. Among his early neighbors were 
Thomas Kellison, who made improvements in the same locality, 
and James Finney who settled on the Marion and Delphi road, 
near the Harrison Township line. An early settler in the central 
part of the township was ^lorris Littlejohn, who improved the 
place upon which Abraham Miller at present resides. The farm 
just north of this place was first settled and improved by Harrison 
Dixon, who moved to the country about the year 1847. Joiin and 
James Tracey were early settlers north of Waupecong, and Rev. 
Benjamin Underwood, a minister of the Methodist church, improved 
a home east of the Littlejohn settlement, prior to 1849. One of the 
earliest settlers near Deer Creek was Riley Martin, who laid claim 
to the land now owned by Levi Clvmer, which he sold to the latter 



CLAY TOWNSHIP. 56 1 

in 1847. He thun entered land in the northern part of the town- 
ship, and made the first impro\ements on the farm where the widow 
Daniel now lives. Richard Webster settled near the west line of 
the township prior to 1848, locating the farm where William Stude- 
baker lives, upon which he made the first brick in the township. 
Isaac Mooney settle4 in the western part, about the same time, and 
improved the land owned and occupied this time b}- the widow 
Herrell. Adam Hissing settled one mile south of the Clymer farm 
late in the forties, but did not make many improvements, selling his 
claim after a short time to Mr. Ch'mer, and moving to Deer Creek 
Township. Samuel Workman took a claim in an earlv day on the 
Marion and Delphi road, in the southern part of the township, 
which he subsequently sold to a Mr. Evans. 

An early comer, deserving of special mention, was John 
Clvmer, who moved from Jefferson Township about the year 
1846 or '47, and settled in Section 15, where his death occurred 
a few years ago. He was one of the township's first officials, 
and also taught school in an early da}'. His brother, Levi Cly- 
mer, one of the oldest residents at this time, came two years 
later and settled on the farm which has since been his home. 
Mr. Clymer has taken an active interest in the township's wel- 
fare, and is justly esteemed one of its most intelligent and public 
spirited citizens. Additional to those mentioned, the following 
men come to the township in an early day, viz.: Isaac Ilarter, 
Samuel Livingood, William Wilkinson, Jacob Beaver, Jacob 
Hiatt, Moses Ward, Samuel Edwards, Asel Griffey, Matthew 
Bowen, M. Vandevender, Mr. Tates, Da^■id Armstrong, James 
Shahan, John Barkerhcof, John Guelt, William Hicks, Stokley 
D. Sharp, Ilezekiah and Jacob Crutt, Cornelius Platz, John W. 
Platz, John James, Hiram Ward, Daniel Pettv, William AIcGuire, 
Abner Pisel, Daniel Cates, Morgan Williams, Samuel Wiley, 
Andrew Kerskadon and John Condo, the majority of whom pur- 
cased Government land and became residents prior to the j-ear 1849. 

Clav Township was organized in the vear 1846. "Under 
this organization the first election was held at the residence of 
John Wilkinson in April of the above year." John Lucas acted 
as inspector, and the first officers chosen were the following: 
John Clvmer, John Hicks and Simeon Farlow, Trustees; Wil- 
liam Biggs, Justice of the Peace, and Samuel Wiley, Constable. 
Among other earl}^ trustees were Benjamin Balinger, Michael 
Kern and Harrison Dixon. Among those called to fill the office 
in a later dav were C. C. Brandon, A. J. Phelps, John Cun- 
ningham, Jacob Shrock, Dr. F. A. Smith and the present incum- 
bent, John Jenkins. 

"The first religious meeting held in the township was held at 
the cabin of Hem-v Daggy in 1845, by the Methodists, Rev. J. R. 



S62 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Davis preaching." These meetings were continued from time to 
time at the residences of different settlers, and proved the means of 
accomplishing a great deal of good in the community. As early as 
1847-8, ministers of the Methodists preached at the dwellings of 
Morris Little and John and Christian Livingood, but it was not until 
several j'ears after that date that an organization was effected. A 
society was organized at Waupecong earl\- in the fifties, and in 1854 
a frame house of worship, the tirst in the township, was built in the 
village. The society at one time quite strong has greatly fallen off 
during the past ten years, and is in a weak condition at the present 
time. The United Brethern organized a societ}- in the western part 
of the township several years ago, and in 1874 erected a frame 
house of worship on the Marion and Delphi road, in section 28. 
The society is in fine condition and numbers among its members 
some of the leading citizens of the township. A Methodist class 
was organized a number of ^-ears ago in the northeast corner of the 
township, where camp meetings were frequently held. A hewed log 
house of worship was erected on the land of Mr. Woolpert. It was 
used by the congregation until within a recent period, when a more 
comfortable frame structure was erected at the village of McGraws- 
yille in Harrison township. In the northern part of the townsiiip is 
a society of the Progressive Dunkards, organized a few years ago 
with a substantial membership which has since greath' increased. 
A large frame house of worship, with a seating capacity of four 
hundred, was built on the land of 01i\'er Worll, and the society is 
reported in excellent condition. The United Brethern have a 
society at Waupecong organized recently with a small membership. 
The first saw-mill in the township was started bA' a Mr. Hill a 
number of years ago. It stood near the southwest corner of the 
township and was operated by Mr. Hill and a partner, who did a 
very extensive business. A steam saw-mill was brought to the 
township several years ago by Messrs. Macy, Darby & Smith, 
who ran it with encouraging success for several years. The 
manufacture of drain tile is at this time an important industry, 
there being two extensive kilns in successful operation, one by 
William Rine in the northern part of the township, and one near 
the southern boundary by James L. Kling. Mr. A. J. Phelps 
has recently engaged in the manufacture of cheese, which has 
already acquired considerable reputation for its superior quality. 
Mr. Phelps has a fine dairy farm, and the enterprise so far has 
proved very remunerative. The first marriage in the township 
was that of Lewis Reese to Catharine Love, soleiunized in the 
fall of 1846. The same year William Love was married to 
Jemima Smith. Probably the first death in the township was 
that of Henry Daggy in the year 1845. " In 1845 Naomi, wife 
of Andrew Woolpert, gave birth to a daughter — Martha Wool- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 563 

pert — who was the first white child born in the township." 
Among tlie early mechanics of the township were Henry Kern, 
who worked at the blacksmith trade near where William Rines' 
tile kiln now stands. A man by the name of Swank, who oper- 
ated a cabinet shop on the Abraham Miller farm, and Uriah 
Blue, the poet, made and 'repaired wagons in the northwestern 
]iart of the township, where he still lives. 

The ViUagx of Waupccong — The only town in Clay Town- 
ship is situated in sections 26 and 35, Township 25 North Ringe, 
4 East and dates its histor-\- from the earliest settlement of the 
country-. It is impossible at this late day to determine who the first 
residents and business men of the village were, as the early history 
of the place is involved in considerable obscurity. Several small 
trading houses were established at different times; but the first busi- 
ness of any importance appears to have been carried on by 
Otto Webb, who opened a good store in an earl}- day, which he 
operated very successfully for some j-ears. A man by the name 
of Petty sold goods for a while as did also Dr. H. D. Hattery, 
George W. Lawver, Joseph and Henry Mjgrant and Andrew 
Cable. There are two general stores at this time both of which 
are doing a fair local trade. John Justice was one of the first 
mechanics of the town and Dr. Morehead is said to have been 
the first practicing phj'sician. The resident medical men at this 
time are Drs. G. C. G. Maughmer and A. Smith both of whom 
have lucrative practice in Clay and adjacent Townships. An 
early industry of the town was a saw mill erected by a Mr. 
Miller, who for some time carried on a very extensive lumber 
trade. Other mills ha\e been operated at different times by Mr. 
Teagarden and Jacob Shrock. A steam flouring mill was erec- 
ted several years ago by John Smucker who, after operating a 
short time sold to Mr. Shrock. It is a frame building two 
stories high, supplied with good machinery and under the man- 
agement of the present proprietors, Messrs. Beck and Shrock, is 
doing a reasonably fair business. At this time there is in addi- 
tion to the flour and saw mill a planing mill and shingle machine 
operated quite extensively by William Kling, who reports his 
business good. The first postmaster of Waupecong was Andrew 
Cable, the postmaster at this time is Mr. Mygr;uit. The village 
is situated in the midst of a fine farming country and is likel}' 
to remain a good local trading point for years to come. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

WILLIAM T. BOWLAND was born in Perry County, 
Ohio, May 18, 1823. His parents, Alexander and Tamsy 
(Ratliff) Bowland, were the parents of eight children, viz: 



564 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Jolin C, Elizabeth, Eleanor, Robert, William T., -Samuel, Absa- 
lom and David. William T., our subject, was married in 
Seneca County, Ohio, Dec. 5, 1844, to Elizabeth Heck, who 
was born in Seneca County, Ohio, Jan. 8, 1826, and was a 
daughter of George and Sarah (Baum) Heck. In the fall of 
1849 Mr. Bowland, our subject, moved to Miami County, Ind., 
and settled upon the same farm on which he now resides, in 
Section 24, Clay Township. Has hkd born to him eight chil- 
dren, viz: Cerelda J., born Sept. 24, 1845; Sarah T., born 
April 25, 1848; George A., born Sept. 2, 1851; Rheuhama C, 
born Dec. 27, 1853 (deceased); John H., born Sept. 3, 1858; 
Mariah E., born Dec. 5, i860; Mary A., born June 20, 1865, 
and Charles W., born Dec. 17, 1870. 

JOHN CONDO, was born in Center County, Pennsylvania, 
March 14, 1822. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Shaffer) Condo, 
were natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively. The for- 
mer, John Condo, the father of our subject, was a son of Jacob and 
Elizabeth Condo, who were among the earlv pioneers of Marvland, 
and from thence, in an early day, moved to Center County, Pennsyl- 
vania, where they afterwards resided until death. He was a soldier 
in the war of 18 12, was the father of nine children, of whom six 
were sons, viz: Nichols, Jacob, George, Samuel, Joseph and John, 
the father or our subject. He was born in Marvland, March 10, 
1784. He moved with his parents to Center County, Pennsj'lvania, 
and was there married to the above Elizabeth Shaffer, who was 
born in Center Countv, Pennsylvania, October 19, 1790. After 
their marriage the}' first settled in Center County, Pennsj-lvania, and 
from thence, subsequentlj' moved to Wayne County, Indiana, pur- 
chasing and settling on land which is now within the limits of Ger- 
mantown, Wayne Count}', where they afterwards resided until 
death, which occurred as follows: The father died on August 17, 
184 1, and mother died April 30, 1872. They were the parents of 
ten children, viz : Adam, Peter, Christena, Elizabeth, Catharine, 
Margaret, Susan, John, Matilda and Abigal. John, our subject, 
came with his parents to Wayne County, Indiana, and was there 
married Jaunarv 22, 1844, to Catharine, daughter of Michael and 
Rosanna (Coffman) Beaver, she was born in W'est Virginia, 
August 26, 1 82 1. In 1849, ^^- Condo, our subject, moved to 
Miami County, Indiana, and settled near Waupecong, where he 
resided about one vear, and then settled upon his present farm in 
Clay Township, section 28, where he has resided since. He lost 
his wife by death January 29, 1856, having borne to him 
six children, viz: John M. (deceased), George (deceased), Eli E. 
(deceased), Samuel S., Sarah C. (deceased), and Adam B. On 
July 2, 1857, Mr. Condo married Cynthia A., daughter of Isreal and 
Elizabeth (Ulrey) Phillips, she was born in Warren County, Ohio, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 565 

June I, 1836. Five children has been born to this union, viz: 
Joseph P., David D. (deceased), Isreal T., Daniel W., and Charles 
E. Mr. Condo and wife are members of the U. B. Church. 

JOHN W. GASAWAY was born in Highland County, Ohio, 
January ii, 1828. His parents, Thomas and Elizabeth (Lum- 
beck) Gasawa}^ were natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. 
They were married in Ohio, and from there in about 1837 moved 
to Tippecanoe County, Indiana, and from there to Carroll County, 
Indiana, where they afterward resided Until death. They were 
the parents of nine children, viz.: Rebecca J., John W., David 
I., Catherine E., William A., Thomas B., Isaac J., Mar}^ E. and 
Matilda C. John W., our subject, came with his parents to Tip- 
pecanoe County, Indiana, and from thence to Carroll County in 
about the year 1840, and was there married, April 14, 1859, ^o 
Mary C. Ross, who was born in Carroll County, Indiana, Sep- 
tember 25, 1840, and was a daughter of Richard D. and Sarah 
J. (Brown) Ross. In about 1871 Mr. Gasaway, our subject, 
moved to Miami County, and settled first in Deer Creek Town- 
ship, and shortl}' afterward moved to Clay Township, and settled 
on his present farm in Section 14. He has had born to him five 
children, viz.: Sarah A., born August 20, i860; Matilda E., 
born June 5, 1863; George R., born September 21, 1869; 
Rebecca E., born May i, 1872; James B., born October 29, 
1876. Mr. Gasawav and wife are members of the M. E. Church. 

WESLEY HAYNES was born in Clinton County, Ohio, 
June 23, 1834. His parents, James and Martha (Harlan) 
Haynes, were natives of New York and North ^ Carolina, 
respectively, and of English and French extraction. The former, 
James Haynes, was a son of Enoch and Elizabeth Haynes, who 
were both natives of New York, where they were married, and 
from thence emigrated to the State of Ohio, where they after- 
wards resided until death. They were the parents of ten 
children, viz: Samuel, Wright, Charles, Deborah, Stephen, 
James, Elizabeth, Asa, Content and Sarah. James, the father of 
our subject, and Martha, daughter of Nathan and Sarah (Hunt) 
Harlan, were married in Clinton County, Ohio, and from thence, 
in 1854, moved to Miami County, Ind., settling in Deer Creek 
Town.ship, where they afterwards resided until death. They 
were the parents of ten children, namely: Milton, Lydia, 
Malinda, Eliza, Martha, Wesley, John, Franklin, Andrew J., and 
a son which died in infancy and not named. Wesley, our sub- 
ject, came with his parents to Miami County in 1854, and has 
resided here principally since. He was married in Deer Creek 
Township, Nov. 24, 1858, to Rebecca, daughter of Joseph G. 
and Hester A. (Rogers) Stevenson. She was born in Warren 
County, Ohio, Jan. 15, 1843. After Mr. Haynes', our subject's. 



566 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

marriage, he first settled in Deer Creek Township, where he 
resided until Angust, 1869, at which time he moved to Clay 
Township, and settled upon the farm on which he now resides, 
in Section 16. His wife died June 14, 1877, and on Sept. 
18, 1878, he married Sarah Oren, who was the first lady to 
fill the office of State Librarian of Indiana (wife of Charles 
Oren, deceased). She was born in Clinton County, Ohio, March 
2, 1836. Four children have been born to Mr. Haynes, viz; 
Charles, born Oct. 11, 1859, ^"'^' ^'"^^ Nov. 27, i860; Warren, 
born Aug. 28, 1862, and died July 26, 1864; Frank E., born 
June 23, 1865, and Joseph W., born June i, 1876, all of whom 
are by the first wife. Mr. Haynes owns 202 acres of fine and 
well-improved land. In March, 1863, Mr. Haynes enlisted in 
the service in Company G, 8th Indiana Cavahy, and served 
until the close of the war, and was mustered out in August, 1865. 
JOHN W. JENKINS, Trustee of Clay Township, was born 
in Franklin County, Virginia, November 20, 1845. His parents 
were David C. and Mary (Feilder) Jenkins, also natives 
of Virginia, where they were married and resided until his 
(the father's) death, which occurred March 24, i860. His 
widow subsequentlv moved to Texas where she still resides. 
They were the parents of eight children, viz: Susan, James H., 
Nanc\- J., David C, Thomas A., Octavo, Sarah B., and John W. 
Our subject, the eldest member of the family, remained in 
Virginia until January, 1868, at which time he came to Miami 
County, Indiana, and located in Clay Township, where he has re- 
sided principalh', since. He was married in Cla\- Township, this 
county, March 2, 1870, to Mary Morris, who was born in Frank- 
hn Count}', Virginia, June 14, 1S49. ^" October, 1872, Mr. 
Jenkins, our subject, purchased the farm on which he now resides 
in Section 2, Cla}' Township, where he settled in the fall of 1873 
and has resided since. He owns sixt}' acres of fine and well 
improved land. He has had born to him seven children, viz : James B., 
died in infancy; John T., born October 13, 1871 ; Louisa A., born May 
4, 1874; Melissa J., born December 23, 1876; Walter E., born October 
4, 1880; Charles H., born October 11, 1883; and George W., born 
April 18, 1885, Mr. Jenkins was elected to the office of Trustee 
of Clay Township in 1886. He is a member of the Odd Fel- 
lows order and is an enterprising and highlj' esteemed man. 

GEORGE C. MAUGHMER, M. D., is a native of Ross 
Count\', Ohio, and was born July 19, 1848. His parents, George 
and ]\Iar\- A. (Street) Maughmer, were also both native of Ohio, 
and were born as follows: The father w'as born in Ross County, 
February 2, 1814, and the mother in Fayette County, August 17, 
181 3. They were married in Ross Count)-, Ohio, January 8, 1835, 
and from thence in i860 moved to Miami County, Indiana, where 





■0' 




; /T.^(Uyi^?7a^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 569 

they still reside. The}- were parents of six children, viz: Sarah 
C, Margaret N., Hannah J., John W., George C. and Ehzaheth 
C. George C, our subject, came with his parents to this count}- in 
i860, where he has resided ever since. lie was educated at the 
Oberlin College, of Oberlin, Ohio, after which he engaged in 
teaching school for some time, and in 1870 began reading medicine 
under the instructions of Dr. E.J. Kendall, with whom he remained 
for about three years, and in the winter of 1871-72 attended the 
Indiana Medical College of Indianapolis, Indiana, after which he 
resumed his studies and did some practice, and in the winter of 
1872-73 took his second course of lectures at the same college and 
graduated on February 28, 1873. He then returned to Waupe- 
cong, Indiana, and opened up a practice for himself, which he has 
continued since. He was married in Howard County, Indiana, 
December 24, 1872, to Margaret, daughter of John G. and Julia A. 
(Lovins) Gayer. She was born in Howard County, Indiana, June 
15, 1854. In 1883, Dr. Maughmer attended his third term of lec- 
tures at the Indiana Medical College and received his diploma of an 
Aii Eundoii Degree. Has had born to him two children, viz: 
Stella, born October 8, 1873, and Germanicus, born June 20. 1876. 
The Doctor and his wife are members of the U. B. Church, and he 
is a member of the Howard County Medical Society. He is an 
intelligent and enterprising man and a thorough medical scholar, 
as well as a successful phvsician and surgeon. 

BISSELL PHELPS, an old and highly esteemed pioneer of 
Miami County, is a native of Lewis County, New York, and was 
born March 27, 1S05. His parents, Noah and Ruth Phelps, w-ere 
both rratives of Connecticut, where they were married, and from 
thence iu an early day, moved to Lewis County New York, where 
the father died in 1807. His wife survived him a number of 
years, and died at Wolcottville, Indiana. They were the parents of 
ten children, ^•iz: Hannah, Lvdia, Noah, Julius, Rachel, Ruth, Mil- 
lie, Statira, Solomon and Bissell, our subject, the next to the 
youngest member of the family. He was married in Lewis 
County, New York, October 28, 1832, to Margaret Loucks, who 
was born in Herkimer County, New York, August 24, 1806. 
After Mr. Phelps married he first settled in Lewis Countv, New 
York, and in 1853 moved to Miami County, Indiana, and in June 
of that same year, settled upon the farm on which he now resides. 
Clay Township, section 28. His wife died April 30, 1884, having- 
borne him five children, viz: Charles J., born July 24, 1833, de- 
ceased; Andrew J., born November 21, 1835; Mary M., born May 
23, 1838; Charles R., born December i, 1840, deceased, and Caro- 
line, born April 4, 1845. 

ANDREW J. PHELPS (farmer and manufacturer of 
cheese, section 28, Clay Township, Miami County, Indiana), is a 

19 



570 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

son of Bissell and Margaret (Loucks) Phelps, and was born in 
Lewis County, New York, November 21, 1835. He came to 
Miami County, Indiana, in 1853, where he was married Decem- 
ber 21, 1869, to Caroline C. Wyrick, who was born in DeKelb 
County, Indiana, February 8, 1844 and is a daughter of Jacob 
and ^iary M. (Feglar) W)-rick. After Mr. Phelps, our subject's 
marriage, he settled upon the same farm on which he now lives, 
a part of which he had purchased in 1865. He owns at present 
240 acres of hne and well improved land: all in Clav Township, 
Section 28. He has had born to him four children, viz: George 
B., born September 17, 1871; Franklin C, born April 13, 1874; 
Albert J., born July 26, 1876 and Thomas W., born January i, 
1879. In i860 Mr. Phelps was elected to the office of Trustee 
of Clay Township and held the otlice until 1878; with the ex- 
ception of about 18 months, and in 1863 was elected to the office 
of Countv Survevor which he resigned the following vear. 

GEORGE W. ROSS was born in Carroll County, Indiana, 
November 2, 1842. His parents, Richard D. and Sarah J. (Brown ) 
Ross, were natives of Tennessee and Indiana respectivelv, and 
were born as follows. The father was born in Blount Count\-, 
Tennessee, August 22, 181 2, and the mother in Union County, 
Indiana, June i, 1819. They were married in Carroll County, 
Indiana, September 12, 1837, and from there in 1861 moved to 
Miami County, Indiana, settling in Deer Creek Township. There 
he still resides. The mother died September 27, 1872. They 
were the parents of ten children, viz.: Thomas W. (deceased); 
Mary C, George W., Matthew L. (deceased): Rebecca J., Har- 
vey D., James B., Joseph D. (deceased); Emily E. and Laura B. 
(deceased). George W., our subject, came with his parents to 
this county in 1861, and in March, 1863, enlisted in the service 
in Company G, Thirty-ninth Regiment or Eighth Cavalry, in 
which he served until the close of the war, and was mustered out 
at Lexington, North Carohna, on July 20, 1865. After his dis- 
charge he returned home and was married at Peru, Indiana, on 
June 6, 1867, to Elizabeth R., daughter of Joseph G. and Esther 
A. (Rogers) Stevenson. She was born in Warren County, Ohio, 
Ma}' 18, 1849. After Mr. Ross, our subject's, marriage, he settled 
upon the farm on which he now resides, where he has resided prin- 
cipallv since. His wife died August 22, 1878, having borne to him 
five children, viz.: Anna L., born July 21, 1868, and died Januar}- 
29, 1869; Joseph D., born September 39, 1870; Harry B., burn 
October 7, 1872, and died January 31, 1873; Lorrinah E., born 
April 5, 1874, and died May 7, 1877; Pearl, born May 5, 1878, 
and died July 10, 1878. On September 23, 1879, ^'"- Ross 
married Nannie A., daughter of James S. and Phebe A. (Co.x) 
Lovejoy. She was born in Decatur County, Ind., October 10, 



BIOGR^VPHICAL SKETCHES. 57l 

1847. Her father was born, in Maine, April 12, 1806, and her 
mother was born in Ohio, June 1, 1825. The}- were married in 
Decatur County, Indiana, February 25, 1846, and in 1871 moved 
to Howard County, Indiana, where the}- still reside. They are 
the parents of eleven children, viz. : Nannie A., Thaddeus M., 
Samuel S., Mary, Warren, Mattie E., Rose, James S., Alice L., 
Frank E., and a son, the twin of Mattie E., which died in 
infancy not named. Four children have been born to Mr. Ross 
bv his present wife, viz.: George W., born October 10, 1880, 
and died July 31, 1881; Ruth E., born October 28, 1881: Jessie 
H., born April i, 1884, and Will Antrim, born August 26, 1886. 

SAMUEL M.SHARP was born in Franklin ^County, Ohio, 
Noxember 11, 1837. His parents, William and Mary (Teegar- 
din) Sharp, were also both natives of Ohio, and were born as 
follows: The father. May 12, 1806; and the mother, Julv 17, 
1S12. They were married in Franklin County, Ohio, and after- 
ward resided there until death. He died on June 30, 1845, and 
his widow subsequently moved to Pickaway County, Ohio, and 
from thence to Miami County, Indiana, in 1864, and made her 
home with her children until death which occurred March 18, 
1880. They were the parents of live children, viz: Nancy, 
Peter, Samuel M., Aaron T. and Margaret. Samuel M. our sub- 
ject, moved with his parents to Pickaway County, Ohio, and was 
there married, November 2, 1859, to Isabelle, daughter of Reason 
and Anna (Hoymen) Bailev. She was born in Pickaway Countv, 
Ohio, July 13, 1840. After our subject's marriage, he first set- 
tled in Pickaway County, Ohio, and in 1863 moved to Franklin 
County, Ohio, and from thence to Miami County, Indiana, in the 
pring of 1873, purchased and settled upon the same farm 
on which he now resides. He has had born to him thirteen 
children, viz: Mary M., William H., Elizabeth M., Jennie D., 
Anna M., Margaret M., George L., Myrt A., Daisie B. (deceased), 
Leon C, Edwin G., Reuby N. and a son which died in infancy and 
not named. 

JOHN ZODY, was born in Richland County, Ohio, April 
I, 1831. His parents, Henry and Susan (Fessler) Zody, were 
natives of Pennsylvana and Maryland respectively. The former, 
Henry Zody, was a son of Henry Zody, who was a native of Ger- 
manv, and emigrated from thence to the State of Pennsvlvania in 
a very early day, where he afterwards resided until death. He 
was the father of five children, viz: Conrad, Henry, Jacob, Elizabeth 
and Louisa. Henry, the father of our subject, was born in Frank- 
lin Countv, Pennsvlvania, December 4, 1798, and was married in 
Washington County, Maryland, to the above Susan Fessler, who 
was born in Washington Countv, Maryland, May i, i799- ^" ^^^ 
year 1830, Mr. Henry Zody, the father of our subject, moved to 



572 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Richland County, Ohio, and afterwards resided there until death, 
which occurred as follows: The mother died January lo, 1859, '^"*i 
the father died January 20, 1873. They were the parents of nine 
children, viz: Elizabeth, Louisa, Nancy, Susan, John, Henry, 
Aaron, Catharine and David. John, our subject, came to Miami 
County, Indiana, in the fall of 1849, and was married in Claj- 
Township, this county, December 7, 1856, to Nancy E. Kessler, 
who was born in Henry County, Indiana, March 14, 1837, and was 
a daughter of Joseph and Nancv (Baltimore) Kessler. In 1S66, 
Mr. Zod}', our subject, settled upon the farm on which he now 
resides, in section i, Clay Township. He owns at present 238^^ 
acres of land. He has had born to him nine children, viz: Sarah 
C, Harlan F., Laura B., Ida M., George H., Ursula O., Viola A., 
David O. and Mary. Mr. Zody is a member of the Masonic Order. 



CHAPTER XL 



Deer Creek To\vnship — Situation and Surface Features 
— First Settle.ment by the Whites — Land Entries — 
Township Organization — Industries — Secret Societies 
— Village of Miami — Biographical Sketches. 

DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP lies in the extreme south- 
west corner of the county, and derived its name from 
Deer Creek, its chief water course. The area of the township 
is equivalent to twenty- four square miles, or 15.360 acres, and its 
boundaries are as follows: Pipe Creek Township on the north, 
Clay Township on the east, and the counties of Howard and 
Cass on the south and west respective^. Deer Creek, the 
largest stream, is very permanent and constant in its supply of 
water, and affords ample drainage for a large area of territory. 
It enters the township from the east, flows a westerly direction 
through Sections 17 and 18, of Township 25 North, 4 East, and 
crosses the ^vestern boundary from Section 23, Range 3, East. 
The general surface of the country is level with the exception 
of occasional undulations along the creek, and the soil may be 
described as a black loam of great depth and fertility. It is well 
adapted to agriculture, and the principal productions are wheat, 
corn, rye, oats, grass and all the fruits indigenous to the north- 
ern part of the State. The timber which originally covered the 
entire surface of the countrj^ consisted of the usual varieties — 



DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP. 573 

black walnut, poplar, elm, beech, maple and oak predominating. 
Much of this was ruthlessh' destroyed by the early settlers, 
although sufficient still remains for all general purposes. Deer 
Creek occupies no second place as an agricultural region, and 
within its borders are to be seen many of the best and most 
highly improved farms in Miami County. 

Settlement. — The first recorded settlement within the present 
boundaries of Deer Creek was made about the y^ar 1844 by Rich- 
ard Miller, Thomas Pearson and David Hoffman. Mr. Aliller made 
an improvement on what is known as the John O. Smith farm, 
about one mile west of Miami, and was perhaps the first permanent 
settler of the township. He was a true type of the pioneer, spent 
much of his time in hunting the game in which the country at that 
time abounded and was an honored resident of the County until 
within a very few years. 

Thomas Pearson made a home two miles west of Miami vil- 
lage, and early earned the reputation of a good and substantial citi- 
zen. Hoffman settled near the northwest corner of the Township, 
in the vicinity of Bunker Hill, and was one of the leading citizens of 
the township for a number of years. 

In 1845 a number of settlers came to the township; but it will 
be impossible to name them in the order of their arrival. One 
James McCrary, a transient settler, located near the northern boun- 
dary early in the above year, and about the same time Eli Oliver 
and James Davis selected homes; the former on the Haggerty farm 
xind the latter on the Coulter land. Richard Webster came early 
in the year and settled in the central part of the township and with 
him came his brother-in-law, Thomas Lewis, who located near 
Miami where Mr. Herrell now lives. Others of 1845 were David 
Armstrong in the vicinity of Miami; Jesse Julian in the western 
part of the township: D. C. Jenkins, Elisha Garrett, W. Garrett, 
Joseph McConnell and William McConnell, near the western boun- 
dary; William Mahon in the eastern part of the township; Allen 
Busby on land adjoining the Herrell farm and James Adamson near 
the southwest corner. Prominent among the arrivals of 1846 was 
Austin Herrell, who had previously made a settlement in the 
northern part of Richland Township. Mr. Herrell has been iden- 
tified with the growth and development of Deer Creek for a period 
of over forty years and is one of the oldest settlers now living within 
its borders. Oliver Sandifur came in 1846 and is still living where 
he originally settled, a short distance west of the village of Miami. 
Isaac Herrell, brother of Austin Herrell and proprietor of Miami, 
located on the town site in 1846 and others of the same year were 
Sylvester Tumlin, in the northeast corner of the township; John 
Hicks near Miami; Frazee Swinford, J. D. Larimer, William and 
George Swinford, near the Howard County line. The years 1847 



574 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

ai^d 1848 witnessed the arrival of a number of substantial settlers 
among whom were Sampson Reed near Miami ; William Balinger 
in the southwest corner of the Township: Thomas Caster, Christian 
Caster, Samuel Truax and Corneilus I'homson in the southern and 
western parts and Reuben Mendenhall near the northern boundary. 
Additional to those enumerated, the following settlers came in an 
early day and made substantial improvements, namely: John 
Beesley, ill Section i. Township 28 north, Range 2, East: Joscjih A. 
Burr, Section 2: William G. \'andorn. Section 2: Oliver and James 
Jenness, Section 1 1 ; John B. Brown, Isaac Burrough, Alfred Mur- 
phy and Hiram Lott, Section 12; Adolphus Runnells, John Nock 
and G. W. Cline, Section 13: John Dixon, B. F. Brown, William 
Pearson, James N. Crist and Leonard Dixon. Section 23: Thomas 
A. Long, Emery Daggett, William Daggett, C. L. Brown and 
Thomas Woodrick, Section 2g\ Samuel Truax, Samuel Martindale 
and Thomas Martindale, Section 36. 

Lewis N. Snodderlv, William Marrow and George Hagertv, 
in Section 5, Township 25 North, 4 East; George W. Larimer, 
Jacob Hockman, Benjamin Ilann and Joseph Pontius, in section 7, 
same township and range: Nathan Overman, D. R. Taylor, Svh'ester 
Tumlin, James Adams, Simeon Farlow and Jacob Knettle, Section 
17; Jesse Gettinger and Noah Sandifur, Section 18; James Lewis, L. 
Platts and Stephen Chittick, Section. 20: Archibald Chittick and 
Philip Vandevender, Section 29: Christopher Carter, Section 30; 
James Avelin, Zebedee Wright and Andrew Snyder, Section 31 
and Daniel Russell, section 32. The above named men formed the 
basis of the early settlement of the township and the majority of 
them purchased land from the Government and moved on to the 
same prior to 1849. 

Land Entries. — Deer Creek Township formed a part of the 
"Great Miami Reservation" and consequently was not surye\ed and 
opened for settlement as early as many other parts of the county. 
The land was put upon the market subject to entry in 1847, and dur- 
ing that year patents were obtained b\ the following parties in var- 
ious parts of the township, to-wit: John Beeslv, John B. Brown, B. 
F. Brown, Isaac Burroughs, A. Runnells, James S. Davenport, W. 
McConnell, James McCrary, G. W. Larimer, James R. Davis, John 
W. Davis, O. H. Sandifur, S. R. Reed, R. M. Daniel, Benjamin 
Beaver, D. C. Jenkins, Jesse Gettinger and James Avelin. During 
the year 1848 the following persons purchased Government lands, 
viz: Grandison Merrill, Jos. Graves, James Tillett, Isaac Hiatt, J. 
A. Burr, W. G. Vandorn, O. Jenness, John Ilinthman. James Jen- 
ness, senior, A. Murph\', R. R. Reed, H. Lott, John Mock, G. W. 
Cline, Wm. Dixon, J. M. Dixon, L. Dixon, J. Crist, J. T. Watkins, 
M. Bell, Wm. Miller, John Truax, George Spray, T. A. Long, F. 
Daggett, Emery Daggett, T. M'^oodrick, Nathan Piles, A. Watkins^ 



DEER CREEK TOW.NMIIP. 575 

John Keever, Samuel Richards, S. Truax, S. Marlinchile, Thomas 
Martindale, John Hicks, L. N. Snodderl\% Wm. Morrow, Jos. Lari- 
mer, Jacob llockman, B. Hann, D. R. Taylor, Geo. Pontius, N. 
Overman, James Adams, S. Tumlin, Austin Ilerrell, Elisha Gar- 
rett. \V. E. Johnson, A. B. Walter, Arthur Compton, James Lewis, 
S. Cliettick, J. B. Detray, W. Swinford, C. Caster, G. W. Swin^ 
ford, Archibald Chittick,' L. Platts, Z. Wright, A. Srtyder, Daniel 
Russell and James Fettis, quite a number of whom became per- 
manent residents of the township. 

Tuivnship Oro'(iuiz:t/ion. — Deer Creek Township was form- 
ally organized in the vear 1847. The lirst election was held at 
Reynold's mill, when the following officers were elected: D. C. 
Jenkins, Justice of the Peace: Austin Herrell, Thomas Pearson and 
Lewis Snodderly, trustees; W. H. Miller, Clerk, and Daniel Ellis, 
Treasurer. Warren Truax served as trustee in an eirly dav, as 
did also William Zehring. The present township officers are Ed. 
McConnell, Trustee: Jacob Shaffer and Da\id Sherrick. Justices of 
the Peace. 

///dits/r/cs. — The honor of building the first mill in the town- 
ship is due to one "Dolph" Re\'nolds, who, as earl}' as 1846, con- 
structed a small corn cracker on Deer Creek, the water of which 
stream furnised the motive - power. The mill stood in the western 
part of the township, and was a primitive affair, the building being 
a rude log structure, and the grinding apparatus consisting of a sin- 
gle run of buiirs, which manufactured a coarse article of meal. 
Indifferent as it was the mill was higli!}' prized by the early settlers, 
and it was kept running almost constantly for a period of about five 
years. Another mill was erected bv John Hicks, about the vear 
1850, and stood on Deer Creek, one half mile southeast of the vil- 
lage of Miami. This mill was a great curiosity, and its like has 
never been seen in this or any other country. The building was a 
square box structure, built upon four slender posts, and the rude 
buhrs were chisled b\- Mr. Hicks out of a couple of rough nigger 
heads found in the vicinitv. Its capacity under favorable circum- 
stances is said to have been as much as a bushel of corn per day, 
but ordinarily it fell much below that amount, as is attested bv the 
lact that a gentleman who brought a half bushel early one morning, 
insisted upon the miller "retolling'' the grist in order that he might 
be enabled to reach home with the meal before midnight. It is 
related upon another occasion, while the machinery was in full 
operation, and the corn grains were falling from the hopper at the 
rate of about thirty or forty per minute, the wheels, as if by mutual 
consent, suddenly stopped short, and to the miller's intense disgust 
refused to proceed further with their work. Investigation revealed 
the fact that a good sized sow seeing a cool place wherein to pass 
the sultry afternoon, had made her bed in the race way, thus effect- 



576 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

ualh' damming the race and cutting off the water supply. Many 
other incidents of the quaint mill and quaint miller could be narrated — 
how a boy was kept employed to scare the black birds from the 
hopper, and how the resolution that the mill was a nuisance to the 
country was ably discussed in the backwoods debating club of the 
day. But enough has already been said to convince the reader that 
Hicks' corn-cracker was something extraordinary in the line of 
of manufacturing enterprises. The first saw mill in the township 
was erected by Oliver and Nelson Sandifur, about the year 1850, 
or 185 1, and stood a short distance below Miami, on Deer Creek. 
It did a fairly successful local business, and was in operation about 
four or tive years. The other industries of the township will be 
appropriately mentioned in the history of Miami village. 

Lodges. — Crescent Lodge No. 280, F. and A. M., was estab- 
lished about the year 1854, '"^"^ among the charter members were 
the following, viz: A. Armstrong, Allen Hatheld, M. T. Norman, 
E. Humrickhouse, Warren Truax, and Joseph \'andevender. The 
first place of meeting was a hall over the Christian Church, .which 
which was used until the erection of the present brick hall in the 
year 1882. The lodge has enjoyed a reasonable degree of pros- 
perity ever since its organization, and at the present time has an 
active membership of forty-four. The officers are Elijah Vore, W. 
M.; S. L. Phister, S. W.^E. E. Kling, J. W.; A. J. Haynes, Sec'y.; 
James Coulter, Treasurer; Eugene Masters, S. D. ; Jesse D. Get- 
tinger, J. D., and Robert Larimer, Tyler. 

Deer Creek Lodge No. 256, I. O. O. F., was instituted 
May 16, 1866, with the following charter members, viz; T. Ellis, 
E. Bowman, S. B. Sprinkle, D. Shewman and H. Murden. The 
lodge purchased a hall in 1868, and sold in 1875, erecting their 
present hall that year, at a cost of about $700. The organization 
is not so strong as formerly, numbering at the present time only 
about ten or twelve members. The following is a list of officers: 
S. L. Pheister, N. G. ; W. B. Pryor, V. G. ; Isaac Records, Secre- 
tary; J. P. Coulter, Treasurer; H. Dye, Warden. 

Present Business of Miami. — J. D. Gettinger, general mer- 
chandise; M. C. Bennett, general store; H. B. Herrell, dealer in 
groceries, notions, etc.; Dr. A. Armstrong, drugs; O. Herrell, 
notions; Jackson Crane and Howard Lawrence, carpenters; S. L. 
Pheister, wagonmaker and blacksmith; T. E. Cassingham, harness 
maker; W. B. Prvor, shoemaker and dealer in flour and meal; 
Needham Brothers, manufacturers of drain tile; William H. Coucher, 
grain dealer; O. Herrell, barber. 

Religious. — Many of the early pioneers of Deer Creek were 
religious people and no sooner had a settlement been founded than 
measures were taken towards the establishment of churches. "The 
first meeting in the township was held at the residence of L. N. 



DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP. 577 

Snodderly in 1846 by the Methodists, Rev. James Rickets, officiat- 
ino'." A society of the denomination was founded in due time which 
is still kept up in the village of Miami. A good house of worship 
was erected a number of years ago, and the societ}- although, not 
so strong in numbers as formerly, is still a power for good in the 
community. 

"The denomination known as tlie Christians, or Disciples, was, 
perhaps, the next church organized." They held public worship in 
the dwelling of Austin Herrell, and later in the neighboring school 
houses. Among the early preachers were Elders Geo. W. Smith, 
Daniel Flinn, Shocky, and Hansberry. The society increased 
in numbers to such an extent that within a few years after 
the organization a substantial house of worship was erected in 
Miami. The church enjoyed a reasonable degree of prosperity for 
some \ears, but at the present time is quite weak having lost the 
greater number of its members by deaths and removals. Elder D. 
A. McDowell is pastor in charge. 

The Deer Creek Baptist Church was organized sometime prior 
to 1850 and is now one of the progressive societies of the count}-, 
having upon its records the names of about one hundred active mem- 
bers. The present pastor is Rev. R. B. Ward. 

In the southwest corner of the township is a flourishing church 
of the old Christian (New Light) denomination, organized a few 
years ago bv members of the Cassville congregation in Howard 
County. Meetings are held regularly and the society is reported in 
good condition. 

Vilhii^c of Miami. — This flourishing little town, the out- 
growth of the I., P. & C. R. R., is situated near the central 
part of the township, and dates its history from August, 1849. 
It was laid out by James Herrell, and the original plat consists 
of forty-five lots and five streets, three of which — Main, Elm and 
Walnut — run north and south, and two — Fulton and Cherry — 
east and west. In March, 185 1, an addition of fifty-one lots was 
made by William H. Cox. In 1852 an addition of twelve lots 
was made by Richard Miller, and Isaac Herrell platted an addi- 
tion of seventj'-two lots in February, 1853. The first house in 
the village was a log store building near the railroad, erected 
by .\le\ander Blake shortl\- after the plat was surveyed. Mr. 
Blake brought a small stock of general merchandise to the place, 
and for several years carried on a fairly successful business, his 
store having been extensively patronized by the settlers in the 
vicinitv. Another earl\- resident of the town was S. R. Reed, 
who purchased a lot in 1849 and built the house now occupied 
by Jesse Needham. E. Hum was perhaps the second merchant, 
and about the year 185 1 Austin Herrell engaged in merchandis- 
ing, and was prominentlv identified with the business interests of 



578 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

the village for a period of twenty years. Among those who 
sold goods from time to time in the town were the following: 
E. B. Farmer, Timothy Scott, Small, Warren, Truax, Need- 
ham, Yates, Nelson, Sandifur, William Burt, John Turley, W. 
H. Coucher, C. Davis, C. L. Vanwinkle, John Farlow, R. Gar- 
rett, D. C. Craig and E. Humrickhouse. 

The early mechanics of the village were S. R. Reed, Wil- 
liam Ellis and Harvey Miller, carpenters, and Jacob Saylers, 
blacksmith. 

J-'/iysir/aiis. — -The following list comprises the medical men 
who have practiced their professions in Miami since the founding 
of the village, viz: T.J. Raybell, David Ellis, H. B. Rood, A. Arm- 
strong, who has been in the town since 1858, Dr. Reeves, Dr, 
Watkins, J. B. Hass, J. B. Peters, W. R. King, Dr. Grimes, Dr. 
McCann. Samuel Da\is and Theodore Snyder. The resident physi- 
cians at the present time are A. Armstrong and George Davis. 

Iiichistrics. — The earliest industry of Miami was a large steam 
saw-mill, brought to the village in 1852 by Alexander lilake, who 
operated it successfulh' for several years. It was burned down at 
one time and afterwards rebuilt, after which it passed through the 
hands of various parties, closing operations several years ago. In 
1870 Austin Herrell built a steam saw-mill and ran it upon quite an 
extensi\ e scale for a period of ten years. About that time, or per- 
haps a \ear later, a steam flouring mill was built by Eh. Humrick- 
house, w ho afterwards sold out to William Tubbs. The mill was 
operated until 1880, at which time Mr. Tubbs moved it to Walton, 
Cass County, w'here it is still running. 

The leading industry of the town at the present time is the 
large steam saw mill erected in 1883 b\- Lewis Miller, who 
does a flourishing business in the manufacture of lumber, fencing, 
lath, mill hops and various other kinds of wood- work. The first 
hotel in the village was operated by Sampson Reed whose house 
early became a favorite stopping place. The present hotel is kept 
by F. M. Ewing. 

Casualties. — In about the year 1867 or '68, a man met 
with a violent death in the village by being thrown from his 
horse. He was intoxicated at the time, and several mischievous 
boys, thinking to have some sport at the poor fellow's expense, 
frightened the horse, which ran furiously down the street, and 
threw him upon the hard, frozen ground, resulting in almost 
immediate death. In 1881 an old man by the name of Wesner 
was killed by a train on the bridge across Deer Creek, a short 
distance south of the village. He attempted to cross the bridge 
in company with his daughter, but before reaching the end was 
overtaken bv a part of a freight train, which had been cut off 
at the switch and crushed in a horrible manner. A number o£ 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 57^ 

vears ago several stores in the village were broken open and a 
large amount of goods were stolen. A couple of men passing 
through the tow'n one night were strongly suspected as the 
guiltv parties, and shortly after they had left the town a drunken 
mob. composed of the rougher element of the neighborhood, 
started in pursuit with the determination of extorting from them 
a confession and then hanging them. The travelers were over- 
taken about one mile from the village, and the scene that fol- 
lowed was disgraceful in the extreme. The poor wretches were 
set upon without mere}- and hanged to a tree until nearly dead, 
and let down in order to make them admit their guilt. This 
was repeated several times with no success, as the men strongly 
persisted that thev were innocent of the charge. A couple of 
men in the crowd, convinced that they were persecuting the 
wrong parties, tinallv cut the rojies and permitted the poor fel- 
lows to proceed on their wa}'. 

Bennett!., or Bennett Switch, a railroad station in the ex- 
treme southern part of the township, is a local trading point of 
considerable importance, and at this time has a large general 
store, several shops, a saw-mill and ware-house. The population 
does not exceed two hundred, but the place is likely to com- 
mand a good share of the current trade for years to come. 



BIOGRAPHICAL, SKETCHES. 

JOHN COMERFORD, a native of Ireland, came to Amer- 
ica in 1S50. He was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, August 
26, 1826, where he received a common school education. On 
his arrival in New York he found himself without friends and 
only a few dollars in money. He soon found employment on a 
farm at $iO per month. His marriage with Miss Ann Lawler,. 
also a native of Ireland, born in 1830, was celebrated April 21, 1851. 
In 1855 i'fter having lived in Ohio, he removed to Rush County, 
Indiana, where he continued to reside until i860, at which date 
he came to Miami Countv and purchased forty acres of land 
which comprises part of his present home. Mrs. Comerford has 
blessed her husband with a famil}- of seven children: Margaret 
Ann, Mary J., Thomas, Elizabeth, John L., Catharine and James 
H. The youngest child is at present taking a collegiate course 
at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Comerford now resides upon a 
farm of 236 acres and since his settlement has been among the 
most influential and upright citizens of the county. He is polit- 
ically a Republican, and with his wife belongs to the Catholic 
Church. 

NOAH COTTERMAN, is a native of Montgomery 



580 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

County Ohio, and was born September 6, 1837. His parents, 
Andrew and Barbara (Stiver) Cotterman, were also natives of 
Montgomery Countv. Mr. Cotterman's early life was spent on 
a farm and in receiving a common school education. Catharine 
Weaver became his wife January 13, 1859. '^'''*^ ^^'"^^ born in 
Hagerstown, Indiana, March 5, 1838, her parents, David S. and 
Hannah (Mason) Weaver, were natives of Virginia and Ohio 
respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. Cotterman have been born 
twelve children, ten of whom are living: David T., Elva A., 
Barbara E. (deceased), Clara E., Jacob S. (deceased), Francis 
M., Andrew Y., Lottie L., Lizzie J., Charles E., Robert M. 
and Laura A. Mr. and Mrs. Cotterman were married six 
months before thev could afford a set of chairs or a table. He 
came to Miami Countv in 1858, and began life with no capital 
but a determined will, and has succeeded b\- diligent attention 
to business, in accumulating a comfortable home. He has been 
a life-lonir Democrat. Mrs. Cotterman is a member of the Ger- 

o 

man Baptist Church. 

JAMES W. CROCKETT was born in Deer Creek Township, 
Cass Count}-, October 25, 1861, and is a son of Asher and Susannah 
(Plank) Crockett. Asher Crockett was born in Montgomer}- 
Countv, Ohio, July 4, 1820, and was the fifth son of William and 
Nancy (Asher) Crockett, natives of North and South Carolina. In 
the paternal line Mr. Crockett is of Scotch-Irish extraction and of 
Welsh in the maternal line. At the age of ten years he was taken 
bv his parents to Carroll County, Indiana. At this time Carroll 
Countv was almost a wilderness, it being four miles to the nearest 
neighbor. His marriage with Miss Susannah Plank, daughter of 
Henry and Mary M. (Guice) Plank, natives of Adams County, 
Pennsylvania, was solemnized April 3, 1845. This union was 
blessed with seven children: Irmaiida (deceased), Henry A., Eliza 
J., Delilah E., Sarah C, James W. and Susan A. (deceased). Mr. 
Crockett is an ardent Democrat, but has never been an aspirant for 
political honors. With his wife he belongs to the Christian Church. 
His early hfe was spent amid the stirring scenes of pioneer times, 
and he earlv became accustomed to those rugged duties which fit 
him for the active labors of subsequent life. James W. Crockett, 
the subject of our sketch, was trained to farming and now resides 
on the old home farm ; his education in youth was fair. On March 
23, 1884, he united in marriage with Miss Martha L. Pollock, a 
native of Howard County, Indiana, born July 27, 1864, and a daugh- 
ter of John and Rosanah (Kettenhouse) Pollock, natives of Ohio. 
Bv this union two children have been born, named: Rosanah L. 
and David H. 

G. W. DAV'IS, M. D., prominent in the ranks of the med- 
ical profession of Miami, was born in Carroll County, Februarj' 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 581 

26, 1S55. At the age of twenty-one he began the stud}- of 
medicine under the instruction of a brother, Dr. S. H. Davis, 
then of Miami, but now of Bunker Hill, with whom he remained 
for a period of three years. In 1879 he entered the Electic 
school of Medicine at Cincinnati and graduated in surgery and 
medicine the year following. Immediately after graduating, he 
returned to Miami and engaged in the practice of his profession. 
His parents were Benjamin and Elizabeth J. (Watts) Davis, natives of 
this State. Miss Sadie Perry became his wife March 1,1877. She 
was born in Decatur Count}', December 3, 1859 '^"^ ^^ '^ daughter 
of Stamper and Margaret Perry. Mrs. Davis received a good 
education in youth, especially in music. Dr. Davis is a RepuH- 
can. but liberal in his political opinions, believing in every man 
voting his own sentiments. 

JACOB DUCKWALL, a prominent farmer of Deer Creek 
Township, is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, and was 
born Julv 21, 1S24. His father, Henry Duckwall, was a native 
of Viririnia, and married in 1800, to Rosanah Lriiminfelter, of 
Maryland. Upon arriving at man's estate, Jacob began to work 
for himself. His first year's wages amounted to $100. In 1845 
he came to Cass County, Indiana, and received $8.00 per month. 
His wages were raised the two following years to $10.00 per 
month, and during the year 1847 he made some money trading, 
and his wages were again raised to $11.00 per month. He \vas 
united in marriage, November 3, 1848, to Miss Mary Emrick, 
native of Montgomery County, Ohio, and born October 27, 1829. 
Six children have been born to them, as follows: x\nna V., 
Henry A., John W., Ella L., Oliver S. and Cora A. Mr. 
Duckwall began married life as a renter. In 1857 he came to 
this county and bought eight}- acres of land in Section 32. As- 
his means increased he added to what he already had so that 
by economy and industry, he now owns a valuable farm of 42a 
acres, and p.ays a larger tax than any man in Deer Creek 
Township. He is a staunch Republican, firmly believing in the 
principles of his party, and he and wife are consistent members 
of the Methodist Church. 

JESSE GETTINGER (deceased), was born near Frederick- 
town, Maryland, March 10, 181 1. His parents, Jacob and Eliza- 
beth (Hooker) Gettinger, were natives of Germany and Mary- 
land, respectively. Mr. Gettinger's early life was spent in Mary- 
land, where he received a good education, his father being well 
educated both in German and English. He began life upon his 
own responsibility, at twenty-one years of age, by engaging as 
superintendent in a boot and shoe factory in Paris, Ohio, which 
business he followed until his marriage, September 15, 1839, 
with Miss Melissa Miller, of Lebanon, Ohio. Mrs. Gettinger 



582 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

was born July 8, 1818, a daughter of Richard and Julia (Jaqua) 
Miller, both of Pennsylvania, and of German and French descent. 
Her grandfather, Gamaliel Jaqua, was a native of France, where 
he received a collegiate education, and emigrated to America for 
the purpose of teaching the languages. He entered a New York 
regiment during the war and fought three years. Eight child- 
ren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gettinger, namely: John T., 
Mary J., Sarah E., Charles C, Kiziah M. (deceased), Jesse D., 
Anna A. (deceased), and Ellsworth. Mr. Gettinger was up- 
right and generous in all his dealings and esteemed by all who 
knew him. Mrs. Gettinger still resides on the old home farm. 

JESSE D. GETTINGER, merchant, Miami, Indiana. Among 
the successful business men of Miami may be found the name of 
Jesse D. Gettinger, born in this townsliip, September 5, 1852. His 
father, Jesse Gettinger, Sr., was born in Maryland. At the age of 
seventeen years, our subject began life for himself, by working in 
a saw mill. In 1874, he engaged in the grocery business, but fol- 
lowed it only a short time. He went into the drug business in 1881 
and continued in the same for five years. He then purchased the 
stock of goods known as the Coucher stock, owned by Shirk & 
Miller, and has successfully carried on the business ever since. He 
is a zealous Democrat, and when twenty-four 3'ears old was elected 
township assessor b}' a majority of thirty-tive, while at the same 
time the Republican State ticket received a majority of forty-rive, 
which is sufficient evidence of his popularity. In April, 1882, the 
confidence reposed in him by the community was attested by his 
being called to serve them in the office of township trustee, when 
he received a majority of forty-five. He was re-elected in 1884 by 
eighty-nine majority. He was married June 12, 1874, ^^ Miss Olive 
EUars, who was born September 8, 1855, in Clay Township. Two 
children were born to them: Gertie (deceased) and Ola, Mr. 
Gettinger is a member of the Masonic Order. 

GEORGE W. GRAVES, one of the leading farmers of 
Deer Creek Township, was born in Decatur County, Indiana, 
May, 15, 1835. He is of English origin on the paternal side and 
of Irish on the maternal side. His parents were Joseph and 
Sarah (Howe) Graves. George W. was reared to early man- 
hood in his native county and received such education as was 
afforded by the common schools. In 1854 '^^ bought eight}' 
acres of land in Deer Creek Township, where he has ever since 
resided, devoting his time to agricultural pursuits. This part of 
Miami County was then known as the swamps and he at once 
commenced the task to clear and improve it. He cut the first 
ditch in this township. Having no money he was obliged to 
clear his farm unaided. He went to work with a stout heart 
and willing hands, and, as a proof of his success, he now owns 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 583 

four improved farms. February 4, 1854, Samantha Fickle be- 
came iiis wife. She was born November 30, 1835. Daniel and 
Hetty (Tipton) Fickle, natives of Ohio, were her parents. Mr. 
and Mrs. Graves are the parents of the following children : Newberrj- 
J. (deceased), Arthur E., Warren, Oscar, Clement V., hy Pearl 
and Florence (deceased). Mr. Graves is a staunch Republican. 
JOHN W. HAGGERTY, a highly esteemed pioneer of 
Miami County, Indiana, was born in Fairfield Count}-, Ohio, 
February 15, 1824. His parents, David and Sarah (Larimer) 
Haggerty, were both natives of Pennsylvania. When John was 
four 3'ears old his father died, leaving a widow and six chil- 
dren. Until twenty-two years of age Mr. Haggert3-'s earn- 
ings went toward the support of his mother. He then purchased 
fort^• acres of land in Elkhart County, but soon left there and 
bought a tract of land in Pipe Creek Township. He again 
sold out and settled in Deer Creek Township. His marriage 
with Miss Sarah C. McCreary was solemnized in 1851. The 
result of this union was one child,' named George A. Mrs. 
Haggerty died in 1854. ^''- Haggerty's second choice was 
Miss Ellen Hann, daughter of Benjamin and Mary A. Hann, 
citizens of Pipe Creek Township. To their union seven chil- 
dren have been born: Carey, Annetty, Emma J., Alonzo E., 
Idella M., Melvin E. and an infant that died unnamed. Mr. and 
Mrs. Haggerty have lived to see the county develop from an 
almost unbroken forest into one of the most fertile and populous 
regions of northern Indiana. He is a Democrat in politics, and 
he and wife are members of the Baptist Church. 

AUSTIN HERRELL is one of the leading farmers of 
Deer Creek Township. The place of his nativity is Henry 
County, Kentucky, and the date of his birth, August 15, 1825. 
He is a son of William and Rachel (Wiley) Herrell, whose 
ancestors were of English extraction. He received in youth a 
limited education, and in 1842 came to Miami County and hired 
as a farm hand. He began life with no means, but has suc- 
ceeded, as the years went by, in accumulating a comfortable compe- 
tency for his declining j'ears, owning at one time over 500 acres 
of land. He served the people in the important office of Town- 
ship Trustee for several years. He has been twice married. 
His first wife was Elizabeth Hicks, daughter of Isaac and 
Elsie Hicks. Mrs. Herrell died in 1862. His second marriage 
occurred in 1863 with Miss Mattie Julian, by whom he had 
four children — Frankie T., Lulu, Clyde and Bell. His second 
wife was called away in 1875. In business Mr. Herrell has 
alwavs been thoroughlv energetic and straightforward. He is a 
member of the Baptist Church, and has been a Republican until 



584 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

the past few years, since which time he has inclined in his behef 
to the doctrines of the Prohibition partv. 

EDWIN T. McCONNELL, son of William H. and Sarah 
(Thornton) McConnell, was born in Deer Creek Township, 
December 29, 1849. The mother, widow of William H. McCon- 
nell, was a native of Highland County, Ohio, born October 15, 
1818. Her parents, John and Mary (Johnson) Thornton, were 
natives of South Carolina, and of English and Irish descent. When 
seventeen years of age her parents moved to Cass County, Indiana. 
Her father entered a ' piece of land near Logansport, where he 
resided until death. Mrs. McConnell was married in 184^. W. H. 
McConnell was born in Miami County, Ohio, in 181 5. He came to 
this county in 1846 and entered land where his eldest son, James, 
now resides. Mr. and Mrs. McConnell were the parents of eight 
children, as follows: Samuel W. (deceased), James H., Mary 
(deceased), Edwin T., Cornelia (deceased), Robert F., John W. 
and Fanny J. (deceased). The boyhood of our subject was like 
that of any other Indiana lad of the same period, and he earlv in life 
learned the bitter but beneficent lesson of self-dependence, and at 
the age of eighteen took up the business of life in manly earnest. 
In 1877 he engaged in the manufacture of drain tile, but disposed 
of his factory in 1882, and has since followed farming. Mr. McCon- 
nell is a man of public spirit and was elected Township Trustee in 
1886, making the race on the Republican ticket. He was married 
May II, 1882, to Miss Belle Underwood, native of Howard Count}', 
Indiana, and daughter of John and Acta E. (Leonard) Underwood. 
One child has been born to this union, Carrie, born April 18, 1884. 
Mr. and Mrs. McConnell are members of the Christian Chmxh. 

DAVID McCORMICK, farmer. Deer Creek Township, was 
born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, January 19, 1818, and 
is the eighth in a family of twelve children born to WiUiam and 
Mary (Clemer) McCormick, the father of Tennessee and the 
mother of Virginia. David McCormick removed with his par- 
ents to Montgomery County, Ohio, at quite an early age, where 
he remained until his eighteenth year. He then worked at the 
carpenter trade, but soon returned to the farm. He came to 
this county in i860 and now owns a tine improved farm in sec- 
tion 26. He was married December 20, 1838, to Miss Margaret 
Orellus, who died February 7, 1850, after bearing the following 
children: Levi (deceased), Mar}-, Rebecca, Absalom, Sarah J. 
(deceased), William and Henry. In 1850 he was united in mar- 
riage with Barbara Showalter, a native of Pennsylvania, born 
May 5, 1826, and to their union were born these children: Mar- 
garet, David F., Barbara I., Martha E. (deceased), and James. 
In politics Mr. McCormick acts with the Republican party. 

PATRICK McHALE, a native of Ireland, hearing of the 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 587 

advantages offered in America, sailed for this countr\-, in com- 
pany with his uncle, Mr. Brown, in September, 1S43, and landed 
at New Orleans in November. Our subject procured employ- 
ment for a short time and then began firing on a Mississippi 
steamboat and followed this occupation until June, 1844. The 
year following he worked on a farm, receiving $75 for his \ear's 
work. He then contracted with a man by the name of Snyder 
to work by the month, and worked out for four years. Septem- 
ber 26, 1847, he was married to Elizabeth Good, daughter of 
Philip Good, a native of Virginia. They began house-keeping 
in rented property, but the next year bought twenty acres of 
land in Brown County, Ohio, where he resided until 1850, when 
he came to Miami Count}- and purchased fort}- acres of the 
farm he now owns for $320. He has added by degrees to his 
first purchase until he now owns a fine farm with first-class 
improvements. Mr. and Mrs. McHale had a family of seven 
children: Edward (deceased), John W. (deceased), James, 
Rebecca, Ann, Philip L. and Nellie. Mrs. McHale was called 
away February 23, 1885. Mr. McHale was again married May 
30, 1886, to Sarah J. Groves, of Clermont County, Ohio. Mr. 
McHale was born March 15, 1826 and was a son of Edward 
and Mary McHale. 

JOHN C. McILWAIN, eldest son in a family of ten chil- 
dren born to John and Sarah (Logan) Mcllwain, natives of 
Scotland and Ireland. The parents emigrated to the United 
States, first settling in South Carolina, and removed from there 
in 181 3 to Fayette County, Indiana, where the}' entered a 
home. Our subject was born in South Carolina, May 10, 1810. 
He grew to manhood on his father's farm, and obtained the rudi- 
diments of an education in the rude log school house common to 
this country forty years ago. He was apprenticed to learn the 
saddler and harness trade when eighteen vears old, and engaged 
in that business in New Marion, Fayette County. April 10, 1834, 
Nancy Shafer, daughter of George Shafer, of Butler County, 
Ohio, became his wife. Mrs. Mcllwain died in 1865, leaving a 
family of seven children — William A., Theodore S., George O., 
Sarah E., Lida J., Mary and John W., of whom William, Mary 
and Theodore are now deceased. Mr. Mcllwain came to Deer 
Creek Township in 1856, and experienced all the hardships and 
privations incident to life in the backwoods, but actuated by 
energy and will, is now considered one of the successful farmers 
of the county. Mr. Mcllwain is a decided Republican, always 
readv in the support and defense of his political convictions. 

MRS. JANE MENDENHALL. Mrs. Mendenhall was 
united in marriage with Reuben E. Mendenhall, native of Ohio, 
September 9, 1853. He was born September 23, 1828. His 

20 



588 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

parents located in this county when the few settlements were 
but niches in the almost impenetrable forests. Mr. Mendenhall 
was a farmer by occupation, a man of local prominence, a mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church, and departed this life February 9, 
1885. Mrs. Mendenhall was born December 20, 1825, in Ohio, 
a daughter of Lawrence and Elizabeth (Hanes) Shirley, both 
of Virginia. The greater part of Mrs. Mendenhall's life has 
been passed in this county, haying resided here some forty-seyen 
years, and witnessed the forests give place to the growing fields, 
and the wild game that was once so abundant, disappear, and in 
her way has contributed her share to the work of ciyilization. She 
now lives on the farm her husband purchased a short time after 
their marriage. Mrs. Mendenhall belongs to the Baptist Cliurch. 
JOSEPH OLDHAM, the subject of'this sketch, is now a resi- 
_ dent of Bennett's Switch, and probably the oldest living pioneer of 
tj this county. He was born in Lampen County, Va., April 5, 1816. 
His parents were James and ETTzabetTi Oldham, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, the former of French and latter of German descent. When 
Joseph was quite young his parents emigrated to Preble County, 
Ohio, and later moved to Randolph Count\% this State, thence to 
Wells County, and in 1827, Mr. Oldham, Sr., Joseph's father, pur- 
chased 80 acres of wild land in Peru Township, this county, from 
Louis Godfroy, an Indian. The government had erected 
dwellings for the Indians, one on each section, into one of these 
houses Mr. Oldham moved, and resided there about seven years, by 
which time Mr. Oldiiam had built on his own land, and in 1834 occu- 
pied his own home. There were but few white settlers here then, 
Miami County was not organized yet, Peru was not thought of, and 
Mr. Oldham says there was only two houses on the site where 
Logansport now stands. It was here among the Indians that 
Joseph spent his young life. There were no schools and what edu- 
cation Mr. Oldham has was obtained after maturity. At the age of 
seventeen he began to do for himself by engaging at blacksmithing, 
but soon gave that up and tried the tanning business for a while, 
but finally gave that up and began butchering, which occupation he 
has followed principally through life. In September, 183S, he was 
married to Lucinda Fobs, and this union was blessed with six child- 
ren: Charles, James, Mar^^ Elizabeth, Sarah and David, one of 
whom. Mar}-, is now living. In September, 1854, Mrs. Oldham 
was called away. On June 23, 1855, he was again married to 
Mary Countryman, and to this union was born seven children: 
Jacob, Daniel, Julia, Eliza, Joseph F., Philip and Otto, of whom 
Jacob, Philip and Otto are deceased. Mr. Oldham began life a 
poor man and to-day has a comfortable home in Bennett's. 

OLIVER H. " SANDIFUR, was born in Fayette County, 
Indiana, July 17, 1824. When six years of age his parents, Noah 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 589 

und Mary Sandifur, moved to Carroll County, where he remained 
until his twenty-tirst year. In 1S46 he took a claim of 160 acres 
of heavy timbered land where he now resides. He went to work 
with a will and soon had a cabin erected and a few acres of land 
readv for cultivation. He and wife by diligence and economv, have 
acquired a good home and pleasant surroundings. He was married 
August II, 1853, to Sarah Beaver, and by her is the father of six 
children: Jacob A. (deceased), Mary E., Emma R., Noah A., 
Oliver U. and William H. Mr. and Mrs. Sandifur are members of 
the M. E. Church. Mr. Sandifur is a Republican, and held tlie 
otlice of Justice of the Peace for four j-ears. He possesses an 
unblemished character for honesty and integrity. 

WILLIAM H. STEDMAN, farmer, was born in Orange 
Count\', New York, May 4, 1823. His parents, Richard and Han- 
nah Stedman, were natives of Ireland and New York respectivelv. 
They moved to Muskingum Count}-, Ohio, in 1833, where our sub- 
ject remamed until thirty j'ears of age. He emigrated to Tippeca- 
noe, County, Indiana, and followed boating on the Wabash and Erie 
Canal for ten \ears. He then engaged in steamboating on the 
lower Wabash and Ohio rivers for a number of years. In 1867 he 
purchased the farm where he now resides. He makes farming his 
sole business, and is justly regarded as one of the progressive and 
wide-awake citizens of Miami County. Mr. Stedman was mar- 
ried in 1862 to Julia Todd, by whom he had five children — Hannah, 
Mary, James, John and Burt. He is a Republican in politics, 
believing the principles upon which that party is based to be condu- 
cive to the greatest good to his section and to the country at large. 

MRS. ELIZABETH A. THOMPSON, whose maiden name 
was Garretson, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, October 28, 
181 2. She is a daughter of Read and Jane Garretson, natives 
respectively of New Jersey and Virginia. Mrs. Thompson, when 
seventeen years of age, removed with her parents to Warren 
Count\-, Ohio, where she remained until the age of twenty, when 
she married Cornelius Thompson, a prosperous 3'oung farmer of 
Warren County. He was a son of Roden and Clara (Sayles) 
Thompson, natives of North Carolina. In April, 1849, ^^^- '^"'^ 
Mrs. Thompson removed to Miami County and entered forty 
acres of land where Mrs. Thompson now resides. Mr. Thomp- 
son was a member of the Baptist Church and a highly respected 
citizen. His death occurred August 15, 1870. Mrs. Thompson 
has been a member of the Baptist Church over half a century. 
She is the mother of six children, only one living — John C, who 
was born July 26, 1852. Miss Anna Stevens became his wife, 
October 22, 1873, and to them have been born three children: 
Charlev, Pearl and Harve\'. 

REV. BEVERLY R. WARD is the youngest of a family of 



59° 



HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 



thirteen children, born to Beverly R. and Nettie (Glore) Ward. 
His parents were married in Kentucky, October 23, 1799. Mr. 
Ward is a native of Rush County, Indiana. He remained with his 
mother until 1838, his father having died October 23, 1829. His 
early education was obtained in the country school, which in his 
youth were of rather an inferior type. In 1838 he accompanied 
his brother James to Clinton Countv, where James entered eighty 
acres of land. Our subject took a claim in 1841 in what was then 
known as the seven mile strip or canal lands. In 1848 he removed 
to Alto, Howard County, and engaged in the cabinet business, 
which he followed three years, and then sold out and entered the 
Franklin Theological College, a Baptist institution. He was 
ordained a minister in 1852, and has since been actively engaged in 
the ministry, having under his charge three appointments: Young 
America, Cass County; Dunkirk, and Mt. Pisgah Church, near 
Alexandria, Madison County. He is also a farmer and owns a tine 
farm in Section 14. He has been twice married, the first time to 
Miss Nancy Lett, by whom he had eight children: Williamson D., 
James O., Sampson L., John H., Carey J., Preston B. and a child 
that died in infancy. Mrs. Ward was a member of the Missionary 
Baptist Church, and her death, which occurred January 15,1864, 
was much lamented. Mr. Ward's second marriage took place in 
1864 with Mrs. Rebecca C. Okeson. Six children have been born 
to the marriage, four of whom are living, viz: Luella, Nellie G., 
Mary T., Lizzie May. Mr. Ward is a Republican. 

HON. WILLIAM ZEHRING, a prominent citizen and 
farmer of Deer Creek Township, is a native of Butler County, 
Ohio, born May 3, 182 1, and is a second son in a family of five 
children born to William and Elizabeth (Garst ) Zehring, both of 
whom were natives of Pennsylvania and of German extraction. 
The father died in 1872 and the mother in 1885. Although our 
subject's educational training was somewhat limited, attending 
school only two or three months of the year, he was selected to 
teach the school in his neighborhood, and continued in that vocation 
until he had taught eleven terms. In 1S56 he bought one hundred 
acres of land in Montgomery County, Ohio, for which he paid 
$2,000 down, the amount of his savings for thirteen years. In 
1857 he came to Miami County and purchased a farm of 160 
acres, where he has ever since resided. His life has been marked 
by industry and energ}', and b}- diligent labor he has amassed a 
competence to sustain him in his declining years. He is a Demo- 
crat in politics, and has filled the positions of Township Trustee, 
County Commissioner and Representative in the Legislature. His 
marriage with Susannah Feagler, daughter of John and Susannah 
Feagler, residents of Montgomery County, Ohio, took place 
August 20, 1845. Of their nine children these are now living: 



ERIE TOWNSHIP. 59I 

Josiah, William, Irving, Benjamin F., Sarah E., John H. and Alfred 
E. Mrs. Zehrin<r died March i8, 1865. Mr. Zehring's second 
marriage was solemnized March 16, 1869, with Mrs. Lucinda Wil- 
son. To their union one child has been born, namel}*: Katie 
(deceased). Mrs. Zehring is a member of the U. B. Church. 



CHAPTER XII. 



Erie Township — Surface Features and Products — Early 
Settlers — Black Hawk — Organization — Early Me- 
chanics — The First Mills — Religious Matters — Bio- 
graphical Sketches. 

ERIE TOWNSHIP embraces a superficial area of about eigh- 
teen square miles, and is the smallest division of Miami 
County. It is bounded on the north by Richland Township, on 
the east bv Wabash Count)', on the south by Wabash River, 
on the west by Peru Township, and constitutes the greater part 
of Township 26 North, Range 5 East, of the Congressional 
survev. The surface is pleasantly diversified, somewhat rolling 
in the South and East and level in the northern part. When 
first seen by the pioneer the face of the country was covered 
with a dense forest growth, the most numerous variety of which 
were walnut, poplar, ash, beech, maple, elm and sycamore. The 
bulk of these woodlands required but little surface drainage, but 
were at once fitted for cultivation as soon as the heavy growth 
of timber was removed. The soil of the township is of great 
depth and fertilit}', especially in that part of the country lying 
adjacent to the Wabash river. The northern part is also fertile, 
and for general farming will compare well with that of any 
other division of the county. Agriculture is in a flourishing con- 
dition, and all the fruits and cereals grown in Indiana are sure 
of rapid growth and profitable return. Stock raising is also 
enuatrinfj the attention of many of the farmers and is rapidlv 
becoming one of the leading industries of the township. 

Perhaps the first perm-anent setder in what is now Erie 
Township, was Henry King, who located a claim near the west- 
ern border in 1835, choosing for his home what is known as 
the Dingman farm occupied at the time by a Mr. Sampson. 
Prior to his arrival however, Samuel McClure, now a resident 
of Marion, Grant County, established a trading post in the same 



592 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

locality and for several years carried on a successful traffic with 
the Indians. "His business was that of a trader exclusively and 
consequently he made no attempts at improvements of an}- kind." 
Joseph Fox came as earh- as 1835 and laid claim to the land 
where Alfred Miller lives, not far from the old Wabash and 
Erie Canal. A Mr. Hale and his son, John Hale, arrived the 
same year and settled in the western part of the Township; the 
former la\ing claim to a small tract of land which was subse- 
quently entered by a Mr. Henton. John Hale's first place of 
settlement was near the lock, but he afterwards lived in various 
parts of the township and took an active part in the early 
development of the country. Daniel Potter settled on the canal 
opposite the Nichelson farm earlv in the thirties and was a per- 
manent resident of Erie until his death. He made substantial 
improvements on his place including the first orchard in the 
township and is remembered as a public spirited and honorable 
citizen. About the vear 1836, one James Farnash and son Wil- 
liam Farnash became residents of Erie, locatin<j a claim on land 
which William Lynd subsequently purchased. They were both 
types of a restless class of characters usually found in the early 
settlement of all new countries and their departure was not sig- 
nalized by the outburst of any great amount of sorrow on the 
part of their neighbors. William Farnash spent a goodly portion 
of his time with tlie Indians and was frequently seen on the 
streets of Peru in company with his red friends gorgeousl}- attired 
in genuine savage style. Two other early comers deserving of 
special mention were John and James Baile}-, who located in the 
southern part of the Township, sometime prior to the \'ear 1840. 
They both became noted hunters, and from the sale of deer and 
other game, which they killed in great abundance, managed to 
supply the few wants of their respective families. They made 
no improvements beyond erecting a couple of rude cabins and 
with the advance of civilization, took their departure for more 
congenial quarters in the far west. 

Sylvester Henton came to this country sometime in the 
thirties and early acquired the reputation of a successful Indian 
trader. He took claims in various parts of the country and for 
many years was know as "Black Hawk" Henton, a name which 
afterwards became attached to the township. His brother, Elam 
Henton, came later and settled where Lewis Baker now lives, pur- 
chasing the claim of John Hale. He subsequently filled the offices 
of Recorder and Clerk of the county, and was justly esteemed one 
of the representative men of Miami. A transient settler by the 
name of French was living in the southern part of the township as 
early, perhaps, as 1838 or 1839, "^"^ "^ ''^'■'^ later Anson Jewett built 
a cabin in the same locality, which he occupied for only a limited 



I 



ERIE TOWNSHIP. 593 

period. Lewis King early settled where his son Riley now li\es 
and about the same time Jeremiah Ta3lor settled on land adjoining 
Mr. Nichelson's farm, taking a claim which was subsequently pur- 
chased by D. R. Bearss. Other early settlers in the southern part 
of the township were Morris Baker, on the Jacob Elper place, and 
Joseph Misner, near the canal. Prominent among the arri\als of 
1S42 were Salathiel Cole, who moved from Ohio that year and pur- 
chased the farm where George Nicholson now lives. His death, 
September of the following year, was one of the earliest events of the 
kind in the township. John and William Nichelson, brothers of 
George Nichelson, came earlv in 1842 and settled in the eastern and 
southern parts of the townships respectively; the former is living at 
this time in Missouri, and the latter died at his home in Erie about 
the year 1854. George Nichelson moved to this township in the 
spring of 1844 and is still an honored resident of the same. A. 
Dingman became a resident in 1842, settling in the eastern part of 
the township; Martin Kennedy and John Carback were early settlers 
in the western part. In 1843 Samuel Philabaum moved to the 
township, locating about one mile from the northern boundrv, where 
he has since resided. He and George Nichelson are the oldest resi- 
dents of Erie now living. Among the many who came from time 
to time and shared in the hardships incident to pioneer life may be 
mentioned: Abner Beeson, in the southern part; Levi Wright, in 
section 5 ; John Downey, in the same section : Thomas Daily, sec- 
tion 7; Nicholas Berger, section 8; James Britton, section 9; Jacob 
Pier, section 17; William W. Lane, section 17; Dorastus Chandler, 
where his son lives; William Butt and sons, Daniel, William, Elias, 
James, Erastus, Lawrence, and Frank Butt, not far from the canal; 
Alfred Miller, where he still lives; George Nichelson, Sr., father of 
John, William, and George Nichelson already mentioned; Henry 
Niman, on the line between Miami and Wabash Counties; Thomas 
Mann, near what is now the Paw-Paw Turnpike: William Beeson, 
in the southern part of the township; Nicholas Dice, where he still 
resides; David Simmerman, who is still a resident; William Robin- 
son, in the northern part; Jacob Hostetler, Charles and Daniel Hen- 
derson, near the western boundary; Charles Rector, near the river; 
William Lynd, in the southern part, where his son still lives; Alfred 
Baker, not far from the canal: Pleasant Bell, Mr. Robertson, and a 
Mr. Stitts, the e.xact places of whose settlements were not learned. 
The following is a list of persons who obtained land in the 
township by entry prior to the year 1840: Israel T. Canby, frac- 
tional part of section 20, township 27, north, range 5, east, August 
II, 1830: John Tipton, northeast quarter of section 22, October 11, 
1830; William Marshall, southeast quarter of section 21. in 1833; 
James Britton, northeast quarter section 3, in 1835; Joseph W. ^loore, 
northwest quarter of section 3, in 1835. Other entries of 1835 were 



594 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

as follows: William N. Hood and Richard Britton, section 3; made 
James M. Ray, section 8: M. T. Williams, James Britton and J. M. 
Ray, in section 10: Enoch McCarty, James R. Mendenhall and 
James INI. Currv, section 15; Solomon Vermilyea and Alexander 
Worth, section 17. From the 3-ear 1836 to 1839 '■'^'^ following men 
purchased goverment land, to-wit: Richard and Robert Miller in 
section 4; Lewis Adkison and John Miller, junior, section 16; 
William O. Ross and William Hood in section 21. 

The township was organized August 27, 1839, and took its 
name from the Wabash and Erie canal, which run through the 
southern part. The first election was held the same year on the 
Anson Jewett farm, at which but nine votes were cast. "Jeremiah 
Taylor was elected Justice of the Peace, Henry King, Daniel 
Henderson and Samuel Philabaum, were elected Trustees." 

The tirst mechanic in the township was Thomas Kenned}', 
who operated a blacksmith shop, on the old canal for several 
3ears, during the early settlement of the count\'. A man by the 
name of Umstadt was also an early blacksmith, and William 
Lynd was one of the first carpenters of the township. Among 
the earliest marriages was that of John Passon to Priscilla, daughter 
of James Fasnash, solemnized sometime in the year 1838. 
The early deaths were those of Joseph Hale in 1838, Salathiel 
Cole in 1843, and John Hale, Jeremiah Taylor, Joseph Fo.\ and 
Daniel Potter, the dates of whose deaths were not learned. 
Perhaps the first birth in the township was that of John Hale, 
Jr., son of John and Hannah Hale, born in the A-ear 1837. 

The first saw mill in the township was built near the north- 
ern border, many years ago, by a ^Ir. Williams, who operated 
it quite successfull}- until taking a large contract for furnishing 
railroad timber which crippled him financially. The mill was 
subsequently purchased by a Mr. Cowger, who moved the boiler 
to Peru. The next enterprise of the character was started by- 
Miller and Ullman, who erected a large steam mill in the west- 
ern part of the township. It was operated by the above firm 
until destroyed by fire, after which Mr. Ullman rebuilt it. He 
is the present proprietor and is doing a prosperous business. 

Daniel Reicher ensjajjed in the manufacture of drain tile in 
1882, and still operates a large mill near the central part of the 
township. He also operates an extensive cider and jelly factory 
with which he does a very remunerative business. 

" The first religious meeting in the township was held at 
cabin of Salathiel Cole by the Baptists early in the forties. Rev. 
John Davis preaching." This denomination; although having no 
organized society, maintained regular services for a number of 
years, using what was afterwards known as the California school 



ERIE TOWNSHIP. 595 

house for a meeting-place. Among their preachers in after 
years were Revs. Cole and Witham. 

The Christian or New Light Church was early represented 
in Erie, altiiough no society was ever organized. Meetings were 
held at the cabins of different settlers from time to time by 
Elders Nicholas. Myers, John S. Winters and William Deal. 

Calvary M. E. Church. — The oldest religious society in the 
township dates its history from the summer of 1846, at which 
time a small class was organized, consisting of the following 
persons, viz.: Daniel Mendenhall and wife, Frederick White 
and wife and Alfred Miller and wife. Revs. Donaldson and 
Webster were perhaps the earliest preachers, and the residence 
of Daniel Mendenhall in the northeast corner of the township 
was used for a place of worship until about 1847 or '48. 

By that time a house, more in keeping with the wants of 
the congregation, became necessary- Accordingly a log building, 
24x30 feet in size, was erected on land donated for the purpose 
by Mr. Mendenhall. After this the society made fair progress, 
and it was not long until the majority of the early settlers in 
the vicinity were enrolled among its members. The old house 
was abandoned in the year 1865, and a new frame building, 
35x50 feet in size, erected on the same ground at a cost of 
$1,600. At that time the membership numbered nearly forty, 
and it has since increased until at present there are the names 
of about seventy communicants on the records. 

When organized, the society was attached to what is known 
as the Paw Paw Circuit. It is now a point in the Wabash 
Circuit, having been attached to the latter about the year 1S83. 
Among the pastors are remembered the following, viz. : Revs. 
Bradshaw, Rhodes, Black, Roberts, Munson, Shackleford, Reed, 
Wade, Markley, McElwee and others. The society has made 
commendable progress, and is in prosperous condition at this time. 

Eric Church — United Brethren in Christ, was organized in 
1849. at the residence of Samuel Philabaum. Among the early 
members were Samuel Philabaum and wife, Michael Dice and 
wife, David Rep and wife, David Zimmerman and wife and Mrs. 
Barnett. The early ministers were Revs. Mr. Peters, Hiram 
Freeman and Samuel Simons. Later came Rev's. John Surrand, 
John Lamb, Jesse Bright, Mr. Iliff, Mr. Martin, John Farmer, Mr. 
Turflinger, Mr. Gallaher and the present incumbent, James Grove. 
In 1850 a hewed log building was erected on the land of 
Samuel Philabaum. It was 26x30 feet in size and answered 
well the purpose for which it was intended until 1872. In that 
year the present substantial frame temple of worship on the 
Philabaum land was erected at a cost of about $1,700. This .so- 
ciety has been the outgrowth of faith and from an insignificant 



596 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

beginning, has increased to such an extent that there are at this 
time fully two hundred members belonging. It has accomplished 
a vast amount of good in the community and is in better condi- 
tion than at any other time since the organization. The Sunday 
School, under the superintendency of William Pettj- is well at- 
tended. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

LEWIS BAKER was born in Lima, Ohio, on the second 
day of October, 1835, and is the second son of Alfred and 
Mary (Osborn) Baker, who were natives of Virginia and Ohio 
respective!}', and came to Miami Count}- in 1843 and located on 
the farm on which Lewis now resides. He has always re- 
mained at home, and recei\ed his education in the common 
schools. Since reaching his majoritv he has continuously 
engaged in farming and stock-raising, at which he has been suc- 
cessful to a satisfactorv degree. He was married to Miss Mag- 
gie E. Wibel, April 2, 1863, a daughter of Solomon and 
Rose Wibel, who were natives of Pennsylvania. To the 
union of Mr. and Mrs. Baker were born five children, two of 
which are now living — Charles E. and Conrad L. — and the 
deceased were Ora M. and two infants unnamed. Mr. Baker is 
the owner of 400 acres of fine farming land, situated in Peru 
and Erie Townships, which is substantially improved and in a 
highlv cultivated state. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are members of 
the Christian Church. In political matters he is a Republican, 
and is one of the most reliable and substantial farmers of Erie 
Township. 

WILLIAM H. BELL, a native of Peru Township, was 
born Februarv 13, 1842, and is a son of Pleasant L. and Laurinda 
E. (Duffieldj Bell, natives of Indiana, the former of whom was 
born April 4, 1814, and the latter April 15, 1819. Wm. H. is 
the eldest member of his father's family of ten children, of whom 
there still eight living. Our subject received a good education, 
having attended Br\ant's Business College, at Chicago, for one 
summer, and the schools of Peru, which enabled him to teach 
school for several years. In 1864, after returning from Chicago, 
he entered the service of his country at the age of 22, in the 
i3Sth Indiana V'olunteer Infantry, Co. A, and continued about 
five months. After returning from the war, he engaged in farm- 
ing and teaching, and was married March 19, 186S, to Nancy 
I. Wolfe, a native of Pickawaj- County, Ohio, to whom have 
been born eight children, seven of whom are now living, viz: 
Cora, Horace E., Alice, Wm. A., Clarence T., Nellie, Lulu and 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 597 

Richard, who died at the age of five months. Mr. Bell and 
family are members of the United Brethren Church, lie is a 
Republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham 
Lincoln." which policy he has ever since pursued. He is the 
possessor of 80 acres of land in Erie township, which is under 
a fair state of cultivation. He is a gentleman that is held in 
high esteem of those with whom he is acquainted. 

WILLIAM BUTT was born in Ohio on the loth day of 
Ma}', 1829, he being the second son of William and Eflie (Mcln- 
tj're) Butt, natives of Virginia and New York, whose union was 
solemnized in the State of Ohio in 1826. In 1832 they emi- 
grated to Indiana and settled in Allen County, near Fort Wayne. 
Here thev remained about thirteen years, and from thence moved 
to Miami CountA', settling on the Richardville Reserve, and 
resided there until their deaths, which occurred in 1869 and 1856. 
Our subject was reared on a farm and has always followed the 
vocation of a farmer, in which he has been very successful, now 
being the owner of 570 acres of fine river bottom land in Erie 
Township, which is noted for its productive qualities. His home 
consists of an elegant and imposing two-stor}' brick residence, 
and he has a large and commodious bank-barn, the surroundings 
of which are pleasant in the extreme. He and Miss Elizabeth 
Lesher were united in marriage November 7, 1858, to whom 
four children were born, viz: James F., Mary E. (deceased), 
Ida A. and Dora E. His wife died February 23, 1869, and on 
the 2d day of December, of the same year, he was married to 
Miss Elizabeth Scovel, a native of New York. Their union has 
been blessed with two children, Eva L. and Rosa C. Politically 
Mr. Butt is a Democrat, and he has held the offices of Town- 
ship Trustee and Assessor. 

VALENTINE DURKES, a native of Bavaria, Germany, 
was born April 7, 1838, a son of Daniel and Susannah (Stalheber) 
Durkes, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1854, 
and located in Miami County. Our subject remained home 
until he reached his majorit}-, and he then learned the carpen- 
ter's trade, which he followed more or less for 20 years. He 
received a good education in the German language, but has 
never, since living in America, had the advantage of school. 
June 4, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Barn- 
hard, a native of Holmes County, Ohio, of German descent. To 
this union there were six children born, named Mary E. (deceased), 
Bena, George, Frank, Willie O. and Emma. In 1861, Mr. Durkes 
entered the service of his country in the 49th Illinois Volunteer 
Infantr\' and remained in Grant's division until the battle of 
Pittsburg Landing, when he became ill and was sent to his 
home. In February, 1871, Mr. Durkes and family located on his 



598 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

farm in Erie Township, which consists of 126 acres, well improved 
and under a high state of cultivation. He is the owner of a one- 
sixth interest in 72 acres of undivided land in Harrison Township. 
He and family are members of the United Brethren Church, and he 
has always been a Democrat. 

BENTON HARRISON, born June 22, 1845, is a son of 
Reuben C. and Judith A. (Keever) Harrison, natives of Ken- 
tucky- and Ohio respectively. In 1836 the father and famil}' 
came from Ohio and settled in Wayne County, where they 
resided two years, and in September, 183S, came to Miami 
Count}' and located in Richland Township, where they resided 
until their death. Reuben C. was born February 2, 1805, and 
died March 15, 1881. The mother was born April 12, 1814, 
and died July 30, 1886, at the age of 72. Our subject left the 
paternal roof and started in business for himself. He has alwa5'S 
followed farming. On the first day of February, 1872, he was 
united in marriage to Miss Melissa A. Nichelson, a native of 
Miami Count}-, who was born October i, 1849. "^^ '^'^^ union 
of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison seven children have been born — Will- 
iam L., Jessie (deceased), Reuben C, Emma M., George W., 
Julia A. and Leona M. Mr. Harrison has Hlled the position of 
Assessor of Erie Township, and was in 1883 Township Trustee, 
appointed by the County Commissioners to lill the vacancy of 
Jacob Hockstetler, resigned, and was re-elected to the same posi- 
tion in 1884, which he filled with credit to himself and his con- 
stituents. His politics are Democratic. He was a resident con- 
tinuously of Richland To\\nship until 1S73, when after his mar- 
riage he came to Erie Township and has here resided since 
that time. He is the possessor of 146 acres of fine farming 
land, which is nicely located on the Peru and Paw Paw pike, 
under a high state of cultivation, and is substantially improved. 
His education was obtained at the common schools. 

FRANK HOSTETLER, a native of Miami County and of 
Erie township, was born March 22, 1859. He is the third living 
son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Shetler) Hostetler, natives of Ohio, 
who emigrated to Indiana in 1845 and located on the farm now 
operated by Frank, our subject, but are now residents of Peru 
Township. He received a common school education and at one time 
attended college at Terre Haute, Indiana. At the age of 21 he 
commenced teaching school, and taught five terms in his immedi- 
ate neighborhood, and on April 24, 1S83, his marriage with Miss 
Sarah A. Dise was solemnized, and to them one child has been bom 
— Rav E., born November 2, 1885. Our subject was reared on 
the farm, and after his marriage resumed farming on the old home- 
stead first occupied bv his parents, a half of which he is the proprie- 
tor — the other portion being owned by his Elder brother, Gideon, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. . 599 

which consists of lOO acres. At tlie township election held in April, 
1886, lie was chosen by the residents of Erie township to act as its 
trustee for the ensuing two years. The subject is a Democrat. He 
and wife are members of the U. B. Church. 

RILEY G. KING, was born December 24, 1836, in Port- 
age County, Ohio, and is the son of Timoth}' L. and Mary M. 
(Wright) King, natives of Massachusetts and New York respec- 
tively, who were married in Portage County in 1835, ''"d came to 
this county in 1839, bringing their familjf of two children, our sub- 
ject and Isabel. Riley remained at home with his parents until he 
was 24 years old, and received a limited education. lie has alwavs 
followed the occupation of farming, and was employed as a farni 
hand until the opening of the war, when he enlisted in Co. B of the 
13th Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and remained in the service 
about three vears and three months, mustered out Julv 10, 1864. 
After he returned from the army he resumed his former occupation, 
farming, and his marriage with Miss Mary A. Burke, a 
native of Wayne Countv, Indiana, born September 9, 1837, was 
solemnized on March 12, 1868, at Paw Paw, this county. To this 
union three children were born, an infant (deceased) unnamed, Clar- 
ence Bruce and William Oscar aged 13 and 10 respectivel}-. Mr. 
King and family are members of the United Brethren Church. He 
is a Republican and alwa3's votes the straight ticket. He is 
the possessor of 188 acres of land in Erie and Richland Town- 
ships which is all, with an exxeption of 27 acres of timber, under 
a high state of cultivation. He has acquired all by hard labor. He 
is perhaps the oldest citizen of Erie Township now living in its bor- 
ders. 

JAMES E. MANIS, a native of Tennessee, was born Octo- 
ber 24, 1834, a son of Jesse and Alcy (Lawson) Manis, natives of 
Tennessee. Our subject was reared on a farm and received a lim- 
ited schooling, but has, since reaching his majority, acquired suffi- 
cient education to transact the ordinarv business of the times. He 
is the owner of 160 acres of land in Erie Township which is in a 
fair state of cultivation and comfortablv improved. He was mar- 
ried to Miss Euphemia Wright, a native of Wayne Count}-, Indiana, 
July 16, 1864, to whom nine children have been born, their names 
being as follows: Schuyler C. (deceased), Charles W., Dona 
(deceased), an infant daughter unnamed (deceased), Jesse, Benny F., 
James, another infant daughter unnamed (deceased), and Albert. 
He is a Republican. Mr. Manis emigrated from Tennessee to 
Indiana in 1852, and located in Henrv County, where he resided 
for about nine vears, after which time he followed the busi- 
ness of an auctioneer for about three years, and then came 
to Miami County where he became engaged in working 
by the day as a farm laborer, after which time by dint of the 



600 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Strictest econom}' and hard labor he had raised sufficient money to 
enable him to commence business for himself as a farm renter, which 
course he pursued about four years, and then purchased the farm 
on which he now resides. His land is situated in Sections 3 and 4, 
Erie Township. He is held in high esteem by his neighbors and 
those with whom he is acquainted. 

GEORGE W. NICHELSON, one of the pioneers of Erie 
Township, is a native of the eastern portion of Maryland, and was 
born October 6, 1816. His parents' names were George and Leah 
(Dorman) Nichelson, natives of Maryland, who emigrated to Picka- 
way County, Ohio, in April, 1817, where our subject was reared and 
remained until 1844, when he then came to Indiana and located 
in Miami County, where he has since continuously resided. He 
has always followed the occupation of farming and is now the pos- 
sessor of 300 acres of land in Erie Township which is well impro\ed. 
His marriage to Mrs. Emily (Beers) Cole was solemnized Septem- 
ber I, 1848, to whom three children have been born — .Melissa, Paul 
B. and George R. (deceased). His wife was the mother of one 
daughter — Mary — bj^ her first husband. She died at the age of 
nineteen. Mr. Nichelson is a life-long Democrat politically, and sin- 
cerely believes in the principles of that organization. Coming to 
Miami Count}- when he did Mr. N. will long be remembered as 
one of the successful pioneers, and one whose memor}' will ever be 
held in high esteem. 

PAUL B. NICHELSON, a native of Miami County, was 
born May 21, 1852, and is a son of George W. and Emily Nichel- 
son, whose sketch appears above. Paul B. received a common 
school education, and was reared on the farm on which he now re- 
sides. December 8, 1875, ^^^ ^^'is married to Miss Ellen Jackson, 
daughter of James Jackson, of Wabash County, to whom one boy 
was born; Hany B., May 13, 1S81. He is at present. Assessor of 
Erie Township. Has taught school several terms and now owns 
55 acres of land in Erie. He follows farming and stock raising. 
Politically he is a Democrat. 

DA'NIEL a. richer, a native of Miami County, was 
born April 26, 1850, a son of John and Magdalena (Naftzger) 
Richer, natives of Switzerland and France, who emigrated to 
Ohio in 1S40, and from thence to Indiana in 1848, and located 
in this county and are still residents of the same. He was edu- 
cated in the common schools, and remained on the farm with 
his father until about twenty-two years old, and was then mar- 
ried to Miss Mary J. Miller, December 21, 1871. Mrs. Richer 
is a native of Virginia, and was born December 11, 1850 a 
daughter of Daniel and Catharine Miller, who came to Indiana 
when she was about eight years of age. Our subject was bereft 
of his beloved companion on the 29th of November, 1885. To 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 6oi 

their union were born six children, the names of whom are: 
William L., Noah E., Effie R., John, Isaac N. and Laura M. 
Noah E. died Januar}' 23, 1875, and John died September 2, 
1878. Mr. Richer is the proprietor of 122 acres of land in Erie 
Township, all of which is under a high state of cultivation, and 
is improved in a substantial manner, which gives his house a 
very aristocratic appearance. On his farm he has had constructed 
a large two-story brick residence of modern pattern, and also a 
large and commodious bank barn, which afford comfortable 
quarters for those that surround him — both man and beast. He 
and family are natives of the U. B. Church. While living, his 
wife was a member of the Dunkard denomination of religious 
worshippers. When she was dying she expressed herself as 
ready to go, and bid the members of her famih- and friends an 
affectionate good-bye. Politically, Mr. Richer used to be a Demo- 
crat, but latterl}- is an advocate of the principles of the Prohibit- 
ionists. In connection with his farm he has in season been run- 
niug a cider-mill, and in the fall of 1886 he added a new depar- 
ture — hydraulic process — which enables him to manufacture sor- 
ghum molasses, apple jell}', vinegar, etc., affording him a remuner- 
ative trade. 

WILLIAM W. ROBERTSON, a native of Muskingum 
County, Ohio, was born June 24, 184], a son of William and Elvira 
(Jones) Robertson, who settled in Miami County in about 1845. 
Previous to his (the father] coming to Indiana with his famil}-, he 
and Mr. John Misener run the first grocery and provision store in 
Peru that was ever conducted in that place. W. W., our subject, 
has in his possession the account book, used b\- that firm, the intro- 
duction of which is an account with Alexander Wilson, to whom is 
charged two cords of wood at sixty cents each, Dated November 
30, 1839. This business was continued about one year, and then 
closed out, the reasons for w'hich are not assigned. When he re- 
turned to Indiana with his family he purchased about 250 acres of 
land lying in the re<fion of the line between Erie and Richland 
Townships — now owned by R. G. King, R. Wickiser, Louis King 
and what is known as the Kitsmiller farm. His death occurred in 
i860. His marriage was solemnized on the 25th day of September, 
1835. William, our subject, remained at home until about the age 
of seventeen, receiving a common school education, being reared 
upon the farm. His marriage \vith Miss Susannah A. Kitsmiller, 
was solemnized April 9, 1865, to whom eight children were born: 
Alfretta R., Mary E., Estella A., William C, Jessie V.; Louis D. 
and two deceased. Mr. Robertson has held the ofiice of Justice of 
the Peace, Constable and Assessor, having held the former position 
about six j-ears. He is the proprietor of sixty acres of land which 



602 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

is under good cultivation in Erie Township, Section 4. Politically 
he is a Democrat. 

JOHN WAYMIRE, a native of Preble County, Ohio, was 
born August 19, 1832, a son of Andrew and Sallie (Fouts) Waj'- 
mire, natives of Ohio. Our subject received a common school edu- 
cation, and at the age of about 19 years he commenced to learn the 
carpenter's trade, and has followed the trade more or less in connec- 
tion with his farming ever since. He came to Indiana in 1858 and 
settled on the farm on which he now lives, which was then a wilder- 
ness. It consists of 80 acres, in section 3, Erie Township. He 
was married in the spring of 1854 'o Harriet Speelman, a native of 
Preble County, Ohio, and they are the parents of ten children — five 
living — Mary C, Sarah A., Hulda, Alfred, Rosan, Andrew, Joseph 
H., Noah, Christian and John E. In 1863 he volunteered in the nth 
Cavahy, 126th, Regiment of Indiana Volunteers — was Corporal — ■ 
and continued until the war closed. He is a member of G. A. R. 
Post, No. 65, and a Republican. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



Harrison Township — Situation, Area and Boundary — First 
Settlements — - Township Officers — Early Events — 
Industries — Churches — Snow Hill — North Grove — 
McGr,\wsville — Biographical Sketches. 

HARRISON TOWNSHIP lies in the south part of Miami 
County, and embraces a geographical area of twenty -four 
square miles, bounded as follows: Butler Township on the north, 
Harrison on the east, Cla}' on the west and Howard County on the 
south. The principal water course is Pipe creek, which flows in a 
westerly direction through the northern part of the township, enter- 
ing in section 3 and leaving from section 6, township 25, north, 
range 5, east. Deer Creek flows through the southwest corner of 
the township, and affords ample drainage for a large area of the 
territor}'. The eastern part is watered and drained by the tribu- 
taries of Pipe creek, several of which flow through the country in 
different directions. The general surface of the countr^ is low and 
level, and the character of the soil may be judged from the heavy 
growth of black walnut and other varieties of valuable timber, which 
was found in great profusion by the first settlers. There is also a 
h^avy growth of oak, maple, elm, beech and the other forest trees 





fT^-e/j^ ^J^A£^^^ 



HARRISON TOWNSHIP. ^ 6o$ 

indigenous to this latitude. Large quantities of lumber were at one 
time exported from the township, and the revenue from walnut 
alone, to those who were so fortunate as to hold these trees, was 
quite lucrati\-e, as much as $400 and even more having been real- 
ized from the timber, growing on a single acre. That part of the 
township lying adjacent to Pipe Creek presents an exception to the 
general monotonous surface of the county, being slightly undulating, 
the banks of said creek being in some places quite precipitous. 
The lower portions of the township were originally quite wet, but 
of late a successful system of tile drainage has been resorted to, by 
means of which a large area of valuable lands have been reclaimed 
and put in cultivation. Agriculture is and always has been the pur- 
suit of the citizens of the township, and all the crops common to 
this part of the State are raised in abundance. 

The first settlements within the present limits of Harrison were 
made a short time prior to the "land sale" by Imri Murden and 
William Smith, the former in February, 1844, and the latter some 
time the following spring. Mr. Murden moved from near Mexico, 
on Eel river, and "squatted" upon a tract of unsurve}ed land near 
the southwest corner of the township, which he purchased from the 
Government in 1847. He made substantial improvements and was 
an honored resident of the township for a number of years. He 
afterwards disposed of his possessions here and returned to the 
northern part of the county where he has since resided, his home at 
this time beinjj near the town of Denver. Mr. Smith mo\ed to his 
new home under many unfavorable circumstances, chief among 
which was the almost impassable condition of the country, caused bv 
the spring freshets. The creeks were all "bank full" and in crossing 
the larger ones some of his household effects were very seriously dam- 
aged. He experienced his greatest dithculty in getting across Pipe 
Creek, the waters of w hich were entirely too deep and too rapid to 
be forded, thus obliging him to swim and ferry his goods across as 
best he could. He reached his claim in due time, and going to work 
at once soon had a cabin erected and several acres cleared and 
under cultivation. The site of his settlement is what is now the 
Elias Mummaugh farm, near the western boundary of the township. 

Among the next comers was one Joshua Dixon, who made 
a few impro\ements and started a blacksmith shop on the Gra- 
ham farm near the Cla}- Township line, some time in the sum- 
mer or fall of the above year. He was one of the earliest 
mechanics in the southern part of the county, and operated his 
shop from the date of his arrival until some time in the sixties. 
Joshua Tharpe came as early as 1844, and settled on the place 
now owned and occupied by Richard Crane in the northern part 
of the township. He was a true type of the pioneer huntei- of 
forty years ago, and nothing afforded him greater pleasure than 



6o6 HISTORY OF MIAMI COLNTY. 

the wild, free life of the back, woods. Another settler, reported 
to have come as early as 1844, was Jacob Stitt, who made his 
first improvements on what is known as the Plotner farm, on 
Pipe Creek, near the northeast corner of the township. After 
1844 settlers began to arrive quite rapidly, although the land was 
not at that time opened for settlement subject to entry, being a 
part of tile Miami Reservation, which did not come into market 
until about the year 1847. The desire to secure homes was so 
great, howevei", that before the survey was completed the little 
pioneer cabins could be seen scattered over the greater part of 
the countr)', and in some localities quite respectable farms were 
cleared and in cultivation. Among the various comers whose 
arrival antedated the land sale, were Samuel Spurgeon and Will- 
iam Burnett, in the western part of the township: James and 
Simeon Dryer, not far from the town of Santa Fe; Eli Stitt, 
brother of Jacob Stitt, in the northeast corner of the township, 
and a Mr. Reeves, who pre-empted land in the western part. 

Jesse Lee, where he still lives on Pipe Creek, and Joliii Wilson 

one mile west of the village of North Grove. Z. C. Smith made 
a settlement as earlj- as 1846 in section 16, and subsequently 
moved to a place about one-quarter of a mile south of North 
Grove. Levi Willis came about the same time, as did also Solo- 
mon Hauck, and settled in sections 9 and 3 respectively. 
Among other early comers were the following: Tillman Hall, 
where Mr. Lee now lives in section 10; Stephen Reeves, a 
transient settler, on the Darius Wilson place: Jacob Miller, near 
North Grove: William and James Love, a short distance south- 
west of Santa Fe: George Copper, in the southern part of the 
township; Emsley Overman, the first Justice of the Peace, near 
the eastern boundary, and George C. Smith, whose place of 
settlement was not learned, all of whom made claims as early as 
1847. During the years of 1847 and '48 a number of substan- 
tial men secured homes in the township, but it will be impossible 
at this late date to mention them in the order of their arrival. 
In the early part of the former year A. M. Ratliffe was Hving on 
the Joel Barnhart place, near the eastern boundary of the town- 
ship, and a little later. Smith Donohue, a man noted for his fine 
social qualities, made an improvement not far from the central 
part. An eccentric character in an earlv dav was one John G. 
Miller, a diminutive German, who settled in section 10, some time 
during the above vears. He was known far and wide for his 
wonderful conversational powers, and his marvelous propensit}- 
for talking early became proverbial throughout the entire south- 
ern part of the county. He would talk with every passer-by 
until thev became thoroughly worn out, and when he started on 
an errand his wife never expected him home until after dark, as 



HARRISON TOWNSHIP. 607 

he would be sure to talk everybody '■ blind " whom he chanced 
to meet. 

James Graham was one of the pioneers of 1847 and is still living 
where he originally settled, in the western part of the township. 
His neighbor in an early day was John Wilson, for manv years a 
leading citizen of Harrison. Other pioneers were Marshall Great- 
house, who located where his family still reside; Daniel Myers, who 
lived in various parts of the township; Joshua Sullivan, a transient 
settler, whose original location is not known ; David Rowe, where 
B. Busbv now lives. Joseph Overman in the southeastern part of 
the township, where he still resides; Eli Overman, on the place now 
occupied by C. Edwards; Charles Cox, in the northern part of the 
township, on the Crane farm; William Mowbray, in the northwest 
corner; Moses Hershberger, near the Howard County line; Benjamin 
Shrock, on the Delphi Road in the southern part ; Michael Gear- 
hart, south of the Shrock place; Charles Barnhart, near the southern 
boundary, where his son still lives; John Myers, near Deer Creek, on 
the Stetler farm; Abraham Hostetler, where he still lives;Jolin and 
M. \'innedge, in the southeast corner of the township; Abraham 
Garver, on the Delphi Road; Benjamin Benbovv, in the southern 
part; Edmund Lamb, near the eastern border; Peter Reger, a short 
distance south of North Grove; Joseph Cantle, not far from the 
south line of the countv; Jacob Livingood, on the site of McGraws- 
\ille and Abraham Hershberger in the southern part of the town- 
ship. 

Tinvuship On^'aiiization. — This township was set apart as a 
separate jurisdiction in 1846, and named in honor of the great 
soldier and president, William Henrv Harrison. The first election 
was held the same \ear at the residence of Mr. Smith, Sr., and for 
the several township officers then chosen, but eighteen votes were cast. 
The lirst Trustees were John Moorman and David Roe — Solomon 
Hauck was elected first Justice of the Peace and x\bel Hauck, 
Constable. Emslej' Overman and M. Vinnedge held the office of 
Justice of the Peace in an early da}% and William Mowbray, Jesse 
Lee, Harvey McCoy and Lewis Hensler served as Trustees, a 
number of j'ears ago. The Trustee at this time is Eli Shrock, the 
Justices are Henrv Rose and William T. Bowden. 

Earlv Events. — Perhaps the first deaths that occurred in Har- 
rison Township were those of the wife of a negro known as 
"Black Bill," some time in 1847, and Mrs. Wm. Wineburn, who de- 
parted this life the same ^-ear. "It being impossible to get through the 
woods with a wagon at that time, her coffin was carried from 
Santa Fe, a distance of four miles." 

The first birth in the township, so far as known, was that 
of Sarah A., daughter of Imri and Rebecca Murden, born in the 
year 1846; a son, Henry Murden, was born to the same parents 



6o8 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

in October of the following year. "January 4, 1848 there was 
born to Marshall and Elizabeth Greathouse a son, George, which 
was also one of the earliest births in the township. 

One of the earliest marriages was that of William Love and 
a daughter of William Smith, solemnized in the spring of 1847. 
" The same year Henry Daggy was married to Elizabeth Bur- 
nett." A marriage deserving of special mention was that of 
Joseph Tyler and Miss Tharpe, daughter of Ichabod Tharpe, cele- 
brated sometime in the j-ear 1848. The father of the bride made 
elaborate preparations for the happy event, and, in order to have 
a sufficient amount of meat for the feast, to which were invited 
all the festive 3'oung people within a radius of several miles, 
stole from the neighboring woods a fat porker, which, with a 
generous supply of boiled cabbage and corn bread, constituted 
the sum total of the bill of fare. Several of the invited i^uests 
had wisely provided themselves with goodly sized flasks for the 
occasion lilled with a certain semi-transparent coffee colored 
liquid, which, when partaken of b}' the crowd, had a tendency 
to make them all uproariously funny long before the time fixed 
upon for the celebration of the nuptials. In due time the smiling 
groom, arrayed in a gorgeous outfit of homespun, made his 
appearance upon the scene and was immediately surrounded by 
his noisy comrades, one of whom, in a spirit of mischievous mer- 
riment, tripped up his (the groom's) heels letting him fall in a 
large mud hole near the cabin door. This was the signal for a 
fresh outburst of fun, and, b}- the time Mr. Tjler escaped from 
the mud bath, his white "tow breeches" presented very much 
the appearance of the map of Africa dressed in deep mourning. 
Everything passed off good-naturedh*, however, and, at the 
appointed time, were said the words which united the happy 
couple as man and wife. 

Casualties. — The burning to death of old Joseph Dixon, 
about the j'ear 1866, was an event that cast a sliade of gloom 
over the entire community in which he had resided for vears. He 
lived for some Aears entirely alone in his blacksmitli shop near 
the western boundar)- of the township, aad had become seriously 
atfiicted, so much so that at times he could scarce!}' use his 
limbs. One cold morning his little shop caught fire and before 
help could arrive the roof fell in, burying the unfortunate old 
mechanic in the ruins. When taken from the fire he was burned 
bevond recognition. 

About the year 185 1 Henley Thomas met with a violent 
death b\' being crushed beneath the wheels of a heavilv loaded 
wagon. He was driving down hill at the time, and in trving 
to check the speed of the horses, fell in front of the \\ heels 



HARRISON TOWNSHIP. 609 

which passed over his body, crushing it in ;i most shocking 
manner. 

Industries. — As is well known, Harrison is a rich farming 
region, consequently agriculture has been the principal pursuit of 
her citizens. But little has been attempted in the way of man- 
ufacture, except in lumber, much of which was sawed during 
early years of the countrj-'s settlement. The first saw mill was 
built on Pipe Creek, opposite the village of Santa Fe, about the 
3'ear 1846 or '47, by Matthew Fenimore, who subsequently 
erected a flouring mill near the same place. The latter has 
passed through various hands and is still in operation. The 
present proprietor is John Thomas. A large steam saw mill 
was built at the village of Snow Hill, a number of 3-ears ago, 
by Jacob Miller and Elijah Lieurance, who operated it success- 
fully for some time. It was subsequently purchased b)' the 
Nicum Brothers, who moved it from the township. 

A tannery was started near the eastern boundary of the 
township, in the earh' days, by Henley Thomas, who did a good 
local business for several years. Thomas sold out to other 
parties who finall}- allowed the enterprise to fall into disuse. 

Hclig'ioiis. — The religious history of Harrison Township dates 
from the year 1848, at which time Divine services were held at the 
cabin of Charles Cox, by Rev. Mr. Richardson, of the Methodist 
Church. Elder Richardson preached at regular intervals for some 
time and his efforts were the means of awakening quite a religious 
interest in the community. Rev. John Leach was a pioneer preacher 
also, and his meetings at the residences of James Graham and John 
Wilson as long ago as 1S48, were well attended by the early settlers 
of that part of the county. A class of the U. B. Church was sub- 
sequently organized, which still meets at the village of North Grove, 
where in 1870 was built the first house of worship in the township. 
This society, at one time quite strong and influential, has greatly 
decreased in numbers during the last ten years, and is now in a very 
weak condition. 

The Methodists early organized a societj^ in the northern part 
of the township, and some time in the above year erected a neat 
frame building on the land of Henry Powell, near the Clay Town- 
ship line. This societ\' has been the means of accomplishing much 
permanent good in the community, and is reported in a fairly pros- 
perous condition. 

At Cary, near the boundry of the township, is a society of 
the Wesleyan Methodists, and in the southeast corner of the town- 
ship is a society of the Friends or Quakers, both of which are 
reported in good condition. 

The Dunkards have a church in the southern part of the town- 
ship with a large and flourishing membership. The society is kept up 



6lO HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

bv the Amish, a branch of the German Baptists, a religious sect 
noted for their strict discipline, rigid morality and plain manner of 
living. 

Siiozi' Hill. — A defunct village which formerly stood in Sec- 
tion 3, township 25, north range 5 east, was laid out in May, 
1853, by Jacob Miller and Elijah Lieurance, whose large steam 
saw mill was the first industry of the place. A blacksmith shop 
was started soon after the building of the mill and about the 
same time of the platting of the village, a man by the name of 
Lawson opened a general store. Mr. Lawson subsequently met 
with a violent death while hauling a load of goods from Peru. 
In crossing Pipe Creek, a large limb fell from a tree near the 
edge of the stream, striking him on the head, causing almost 
instant death. The -goods business was afterwards represented 
by other parties, and at one time the village became the chief 
source of supplies for a large neighborhood. A good store with 
stock representing a capital of over $3,000 was carried on for 
several years, together with several blacksmith and a cabmet 
shops. The latter was opened by one Jesse Miller, specimens of 
whose handiwork, in the shape of bed-steads, stands, chairs, 
bureaus, &c., are still to be seen in many of the older house- 
holds of the township. The completion of the Pan Handle rail- 
road through the county, a couple of miles from Snow Hill, 
proved a death blow to its aspirations, and from that time the 
fortunes of the place began to wane. Its business men and 
mechanics sought other and more favorable localities, the popu- 
lation gradually drifted to other parts, and at this time a culti- 
vated field is all that remains of the once promising little town. 
Jesse and George Bower purchased the lots from time to time 
and succeeded in getting the plat vacated. 

North Grove. — From a dead town we now turn to the history 
of a live one. North Grove, on the Pan Handle railroad, twelve 
miles southeast of Peru, was laid out and recorded under 
the name of Moorefield. The original plat consisting of — 
lots, lies in Section 16, Township 25 north. Range 5 East. 
The villajre is an outgrowth of the railroad and earl\- became 
an important point for the shipment of lumber, grain and live 
stock. Among the earliest residents were William North, a man 
by the name of Ranck and John Parks, a farmer, who lived in 
the near \icinitv. The first business house was erected by Abra- 
ham Color on the the corner now occupied by the large brick 
store room of Stitt & Lee. Messrs. Cescart and McKinstry 
sold goods in the same building about the time the railroad was 
completed and did a verv successful business for several years. 
John Hartebroad was an early merchant, as was also Jackson 
Reynolds who, after carrying on a fair business for a short time. 



HARRISON TOWNSHIP. 6ll 

sold out to Lee & Son. Stout and Kessler opened a general 
store early in the seventies and in 1874, William Kessler en- 
gaged in business but sold out after a short time to Messrs. 
>Iiller and Weaver. William Parker erected the building occu- 
pied at this time by H. D. Dispennett, and was identified with the 
mercantile interests of the village for some time. Prior to his 
arri\al however, a Mr. Truitt sold goods in a little building 
which stood on the same corner near where Main street crosses 
the railroad. Ashberry Kessler, D. A. R. Holton, J. M. Lee & 
Co., were among the merchants who did business in the village 
at different times. The last firm was succeeded by Messrs. 
Stitt & Lee, the present energetic and wide awake merchants. 
Prominent among the business men of the town was W. C. 
Yarnall who opened a store in 1873 and continued the same 
until within a comparatively recent date. He was Postmaster, 
railroad and express agent for a number of 3'ears, and did as 
much if not more towards the building up of the town than any 
other citizen of the place. He sold out to Ira Smith who ir» 
turn was succeeded by the present proprietor, C. E. Miller. 

The first industry of the place was a large steam saw-mill, 
erected in the southwest part of the village about the year iSsO' 
by Jacob C Miller, who operated it for several years. The next 
mill was built by Mr. Dugan in 1867 or '68, and in 1870, the 
Chicago mill, operated by Charles Somers, was brought to the 
place. The latter was operated on quite an extensive scale for 
some vears. The present saw-mill is operated by Draper & 
Shambo, who report their business good. Ira Smith engaged in 
the manufacture of drain tile in 1876, and still carries on the busi- 
ness. Messrs. Draper & Shambo operate a tile kiln also. Long, 
Draper & Co. have at this time a large grist mill in the course o£ 
construction for the manufacture of flour bv the roller process, 
which, when completed, will be one of the best mills in the county. 
The building is a large frame structure, and its presence in the 
village will doubtless draw a great deal of business to that place. 

The physicians of North Grove have been the following, viz.: 
Drs. Brandon, Barnes, Friermood, Holton and the present M. D.'s, 
T. F. Ijams and A. J. Gray. 

The present business of the village is as follows: General 
merchants, H. J. Dispennett, and the firm of Stitt & Lee: druggist, 
C E. Miller: confectioner, C. A. Boland: saloons, Thomas Collins 
and Ilenrv Zimmerman; grain dealer, Eugene Fletcher; carpenters, 
Martin Grandstaff and Christian Sanderson: blacksmith and wagon- 
maker, Andrew Ranck. The United Brethren have an organiza- 
tion and a neat frame house of worship, and the beautiful and com- 
modious graded school building was recently erected at a cost of 
$4,240. 



6l2 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

McGravjsviUe is a small railroad town on the line dividing 
Clay and Harrison Townships, about three miles northeast of 
North Grove. It has one general store, a blacksmith shop, and a 
church, the latter in Clay Township. The village is surrounded bv 
a good country, and is likely to become a place of considerable 
local importance. D. F. Deisch is now the principal merchant. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

RICHARD C. CRANE, a native of Preble County, Ohio, 
was born December 8, 1834, to George and Elizabeth (Batey) 
Crane, natives respectivelv of Penns\lvania and New York, who 
emigrated to Indiana in the year 1S48, and located on the farm 
owned and managed by our subject. Mr. Crane was married in 
February, 1855, to Sarah Hall, a native of Ohio, to whom were 
born these children, whose names are as follows: Mariah Jane, 
Catharine, Vioma, Laura, Belle, Maiy Elizabeth, Armintha and 
William, four of whom are still living. He was again married 
January i, 1878, to Miss Mary Miller, a native of Miami 
County, and to this union three children have been born, the 
names of which are as follows: Fannie, Lvdia and Georse. He 
was reared on the farm and received a common school educa- 
tion. He is the owner of 154 acres of land in Harrison town- 
ship, which he is improving rapidly and which is under a high 
state of cultivation. He alwa3S has taken an active part in the 
political affairs of the vicinity in which he resides, and at the 
polls votes the Democratic ticket.' 

DANIEL F. DEISCH, a son of John Philip and Catharine F. 
(Kull) Deisch, was born in Hocking County, Ohio, on the i6th of 
March, 1848. The father and mother were both natives of Ger- 
man v, coming to this country about 1830. They were married in 
Ohio and settled in Hocking County, where three of their famih' of 
twelve were born. In 1850 they moved to Miami County settling in 
Washington Township. In about 1S58 they moved to Clay Township 
where Daniel Deisch, the subject of this sketch, was raised on his 
father's farm, receiving a good common school education. Remain- 
ing and helping his father on the farm until he was twentv-eight, 
He was on the i6th day of March, 1876, married to Rebecca 
Ann Murden, a daughter of Thomas W. and Cvnthia Ann (Smith) 
Murden, a native of Miami Countv. being born there on the 6th of 
November, 1857, and a lady of English descent. To this union 
were born six children: Charles Oliver, George F., Matilda B., 
Cora Adell, Osie Filora and an infant. All are living. Mr. D. 
began business in Marion where he was married, and in 1879 came 
to McGrawsville where he now has a large general store, the Post- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 613 

office, and is tlie Railroad Agent. He also deals in grain and slock. 
Coining to this county when all was new and nearly wilderness, Mr. 
D. has seen the great change that has made the country- what it is. 
He is an industrious, enterprising young merchant and a No. i 
citizen. 

EZRA T. LAMB, the son of George and Susannah (Thomas) 
Lamb, was born the 30th of April, 1850, in Jackson Township, 
Miami County, Indiana. Both were of English descent, the great- 
grandfather of Mr. Lamb coming from England. The father was 
born in North Carolina in 1824, and the whole family removed to 
Madison County, Indiana. But it was in Grant County that the 
father and mother met and were married in 1849. They settled in 
the woods east of Amboy and there began life, and raised their fam- 
ily of nine children, whose names are as follows: Ezra, Mary E., 
^Villiam N., Sarah M., Martha, Angelina, Asenath Jane, Walter H. 
and Harve}-. Of these Mar}- and Angeline haye since died. Mr. 
Ezra Lamb, the subject of this sketch was raised on his father's 
farm, there receiying an education sufficient to enable him to teach 
nine successive winters in the public schools of Indiana, and the last 
six years of his teaching he had a first-class certificate. The 23d 
of September, 1875, Mr. Lamb was married to Eliza Eppele, a lady 
of German descent, and one well esteemed, her parents both emi- 
grating to this country from Germany. To this union were born 
iiye children, viz: Allie, born July 28, 1876; Charles, born Janu- 
ary 30, 1879, died July 11, 1879; Alburtus G., born May 21, 1880; 
Henry S., born November 17, 1881; Ina J.,born November 9, 1883, 
and an infant son, born October 3, 1886. In the spring of 1886 
IVIr. Lamb moved to the farm where he now lives, in Section 27. 
Mr. and Mrs. Lamb are members of the Friend or Quaker Church 
at Amboy. Beginning life in fair circumstances Mr. Lamb has 
worked hard and more than doubled his means. He is an enter- 
prising, energetic young fanner and his family is respected by all 
who know them. 

MRS. ELIZABETH PLOTNER, a native of Montgomery 
County, Ohio, was born April 2, 1842. At the age of si.\ she 
emigrated to Peru Township, Miami County, with her parents, 
George and Susan (Yeazel) Rhineberger, natives of Ohio. The 
father of our subject always followed the occupation of a farmer. 
The father died October 18, 1872, and the mother is residing 
in Indianapolis. Our subject was married January 7, 1864, to 
Mr. Samuel Plotner (deceased), to whom were born two sons, 
whose names are Frank O. and Harry, the former now residing 
in Iowa and the latter at home with his mother. The husband 
of the subject of this sketch was a stock dealer, and met his 
death by riding on top of a moving train and being precipitated 
to the ground while passing through a low covered bridge on 



6l4 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at Newark, Ohio, October 29, 
1876. His life was insured for $2,000, besides a farm of 116 
acres, which were left to the widow and her two sons, on 
which she now resides. Our subject has a tine farm in splen- 
did cultivation in the northeast corner of Harrison Township, 
Miami County, of which she has entire management and which 
is tilled by a tenant. 

ELI SCHROCK, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth, w-as born in 
Holmes County, Ohio, the 6th of March 1842. Both parents were 
of German descent. The father was born the 6th of March, 1804, 
and died the 6th of March 1858; the mother was born in Septem- 
ber 1806, and is still living. There were twelve children in the old 
gentleman's family, viz: Catharine, Benjamin, Jacob, Isaac, Jonas, 
Susannah, Elizabeth, Joseph, Eli, Noah, Lydia and John, all born in 
Holmes County, Ohio. Benjamin and Susannah are now gone on 
before. All with the exception of three living right in southern 
Miami and northern Howard, and all have their share of this world's 
goods. Mr. Jacob Schrock in 1849, nioved to Indiana and settled 
on the line between Miami and Howard Count\-, and there the fam- 
ily were reared, and there Eli Schrock, the subject of this sketch, 
was reared, helping to clear away the forest and make a liome. 
Mr. Schrock had an education sufficient to enable him to teach t\vo 
terms in the public schools of the State. Although on account of 
having no schools, he did not go to school until at the age of 13, yet 
has improved his opportunities and gained a good education for 
that time. In 1863, Mr. Schrock was married to Elizabeth 
Schrock, a daughter of John and Mary (Sproll) Schrock. Both 
were of German descent and both are now living. To this union 
was born ten children, viz: Amanda, Lavinia, John, Mary Ann, 
Harvey, Noah, EH and Elizabeth, Emma and Willard. In 1877, 
Harvey was called away. In the spring of 1864 Mr. and Mrs. 
Schrock settled on the farm where he now lives, in Section 21, 
where he has since resided and there raised his family. Mr. and 
Mrs. Schrock are members of the Amish Church. Mr. Schrock 
began life in fair circumstances and has, by dint of industry and 
perseverance, gained a line farm of 115 acres, within lyi miles 
of North Grove. His family has grown to be respected through- 
out the township, and in 1884 the people of Harrison Town- 
ship gave him their highest office, that of Township Trustee, 
and in 1886 he was re-elected. Mr. Schrock, is a thorough 
gentleman and expects to remain on the farm where he has 
spent the best part of his life in getting under the state of cul- 
tivation which it now is. 

JONAS STINEMAN, a native of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, 
was born March 13, 1846, a son of Peter and Fannie (Hockstetter) 
Stineman, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania, respectively. The 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 615 

father emigrated to America at about the age of thirty, and landed 
in Canada where he remained for about fifteen years, and tlien 
came to the United States and stopped at Tuscarawas County, Ohio, 
wliere lie remained until 184S, when he came to Miami Count\- and 
remained upon the farm now owned by our subject until his death 
which occurred Februar}- 23, 1862. The mother's parents came 
from Penns^■lvania to the same county in Ohio when she was six years 
old, where she remained until her removal to Indiana with her hus- 
band and famih'. Jonas is the only living child of his father's fam- 
ily and w as reared upon the farm. His education was a moderate 
one and enabled him to obtain a license to teach school on several 
occasions. His marriage to Miss Lj-dia Christner, daughter of 
Peter and Barbara (Egle) Christner, was blessed with the 
birth of the following seven children: Peter, Fannie, S^arah, 
Christian, Ezra, Ira and Noah. This union was severed by 
the death of his beloved wife, on the 19th day of August, 1882, who 
died at the age of 31. His second marriage with Mrs. Barbara 
Metzler (Stahley) occurred December 13, 1885, and to this mar- 
riage one child has been born, the name of which is Irwin. His 
second wife is the mother of nine children by her first husband, 
Daniel Metzler (deceased), the names of whom are as follows: 
John, Jonas, Lizzie, David, Marv, Jessie, Fannie, Daniel (deceased), 
and Annie. Mr. Stineman is the possessor of 216 acres of fine 
farming land located in Harrison Township, Section 30, which is 
improved in a substantial manner, having erected a commodious 
two-story brick house and an enormous bank-barn, which gives his 
home a most aristrocratic appearance, besides, the soil is under the 
highest state of cultivation, being drained by ditches running in 
every needed direction. He and famiW are members of the Amish 
denomination of religious worshipers and are regular attendants at 
service. In former 3'ears he belonged^ to the Democratic party, but 
lalterlv is an advocate of the cause espoused bv the Prohibitionists. 
Our subject having came to this county when but two years of age 
has a just right to be classed among the old settlers, he having 
experienced the hardships of the pioneers of Miami County, and 
now has the satisfaction of knowing that he is one of the substantial 
farmers of Harrison Township. Mr. S. has in his possession a very 
interesting and valuable relic, which is a production of Zurich, 
Switzerland, in A. D., 1548. It is a German bible and was made 
by Christopher Froschour. The book has a great resemblance to 
those now published, although the works of to-dav represent con- 
siderable impro\ement. The stjde of binding is quite similar, 
although more cumbersome. It is a book that has been the prop- 
ertj- of Mr. Jacob Forny, of Canada, and was purchased by the 
subject's father in about the year 1820, when he arri\ed in this 
countr\-. Illustrated. 



6l6 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

WILLIAM C. YARNALL, native of Harrison County, 
Ohio, was born September 6, 1S41, the sixth child of William 
and Sarah (Spencer) Yarnall, natives of Ohio, who removed to 
Indiana in 1861, and located on a farm in Martin County, where 
they resided during the rest of their lives, his father having 
died in August 16, 1875. The mother is still living. In his 
twentieth \'ear he volunteered his services to his countrv, and 
enlisted in the Sixti-fifth Indiana Volunteer Regiment of Infantry 
in August, 1862, and continued in that service for three years, 
or until the close of the war. He entered as a private, and was 
mustered in at Evansville, Indiana, and took his departure for the 
South, where he landed on the Southern soil at Henderson, 
Kentucky, and participated in the following engagements with 
the enemy of the Union: At Madison, Kentucky-, he took his 
first hand in a skirmish with the Gra}' Coats, and the first 
engagement of note in which he took part was at Murfreesboro, 
Tennessee. This experience was varied by several minor 
engagements, including Bowling Green, until 1863. The army 
crossed through Cumberland Gap, and were the first Union 
troops that set foot in Knoxville, Tennessee, where considerable 
scouting was indulged in for some time, and then the celebrated 
battle of Mission Ridge was placed on the list of our subject's 
engagements, and from there the regiment* proceeded to the 
siege of Knoxville, where they arrived a short time before the 
departure of the enemy. They then received a call from head- 
quarters to report at Tunnell Hill, Georgia, to assist General 
Sherman in his celebrated campaign, and participated in 
the Buzzard Roost engagement, which was soon followed by 
the conflict at Resaca, and after numerous small encounters 
they next were in front at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. 
After this series of engagements a call was issued by General Sher- 
man for a true and tried •' orderly," and for heroic services and past 
bravery our subject was chosen for that position, he having made 
a record that warranted the appointment. In this position he was 
retained thronghout all the engagements of the war, being in com- 
pany' with the noted general, and doing his errands until the good 
news came that " Peace was restored." He was exceptionally 
prompt and ever ready to do his duty, always at his post and never 
absent on account of sickness or disabilit}'. Mustered out at 
Greensborough, North Carolina, and was honorably discharged at 
Indianapolis. After the close of the war he labored around through 
the different parts of the State for some time, and then came to 
Miami County, where he has been a resident for about twenty 
years. In 1870 his marriage to Miss Mary A. Hooper, a daughter 
of Thomas H. and Sarepta (Woodruff) Hooper, was solemnized, 
to whom have been born two children — Charles Thomas and Will- 



JACKSON TOWNSIIIl'. 617 

iam C, the latter of whom was deceased wliile an infant six months 
of a<je. lie is an ardent advocate of the Republican party and its 
principles, and in 1884 he was the candidate of J^is party for the 
otlice of County Treasurer, and made a gallant race. He is a reg- 
ular attendant of religious services, but never 3et has made a pro- 
fession of religion. Until his departure for the war he was reared 
upon a farm and received a fair education, sutficient to enable him 
to teach the average common school. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



Jackson Township — Situation and Area — Settlement — Or- 
ganization — Early Events — Religious — Development — 
Xenia — Amboy — Biographical Sketches. 

JACKSON TOWNSHIP forms the southeast corner of Miami 
County, and includes a superficial area of twentv-four square 
miles lying in Township 25, North Ranges 5 and 6, East of the 
Congressional survey. It is six miles long from North to South, 
five miles from East to West and bounded as follows: Wabash 
County on the North, Grant Count}' on the East, Howard County . 
on the South, and the Township of Harrison on the West. The 
streams are Pipe Creek and its numerous affluents which traverse 
all parts of the township, affording ample drainage, water for stock 
and farm use, and, in some places, eligible mill sites. With the 
exception of the main stream and one or two others the creeks 
frequently run dry, although the country may be said to be well 
watered, llie surface of the township as a general rule is 
level with undulations along the various water courses. The 
character of the soil is a dark loam, exceedingly rich and pro- 
ductive, producing in abundance all the crops grown in North- 
ern Indiana. The country was originally covered with a dense 
forest growth of the finest timber, the greater part of which has 
been cleared, although sufficient remains for all practical pur- 
poses. The leading varieties were walnut, poplar, beech, sugar, 
elm, a.sh and the different kinds of oak. 

Sclllciiicnl. — As is well known, the Township of Jackson origi- 
nally formed a part of the Miami Reservation, consequently but 
few settlers came to the country prior to the purchase of the 
land from the Indians. It is true that hunters and trappers, lured 
by the abundance of game with which the forests abounded. 



€l8 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

traversed the country from time to time in quest of their favorite pur- 
suit but it was not until about the year 1842 that the first 
actual settlers made their appearance. In that year "Thomas 
Creviston and Silas Bra'ffet two stalwart, energetic young men, 
having determined to trv their fortunes in a new countrv, came 
and built two cabins near the line of Miami and Grant Counties." 
"The cabin of Braffet stood just across the line in Richland 
Township, Grant County, while Creviston located in what is now 
Jackson Township on land still in possession of his heirs." 

The next comer was probabl\- John Powell, who settled 
in the eastern part of the township on land now owned by H. 
Draper, some time in the above year. 

Another settler of 1842, was Thomas Mason, who located 
a home in the northeast corner of the township, where he 
resided a few years, selling out in an early day to a Mr. Davis 
and moving from the county. Thomas Addington came as 
early as 1842, and settled upon the present site of Xenia, where 
he made a good farm upon which he resided for a period of 
about twelve or fifteen years. He left the township at the end 
of that time and moved to Henry County. 

The 3'ear 1843 witnessed the arrival of quite a number of 
substantial men, prominent among whom was Oliver H. P. Macy, 
formerly an early settler of Grant County. He came January 
of the above year and located a tract of land which is now 
occupied by a part of the town of Xenia, and for forty-three 
years has been one of the leading citizens of the township. He 
has not only manifested an active interest in all the affairs of 
the township, but was formerh* a potent factor in countv poli- 
tics, and on account of his superior business qualifications, was 
twice elected to the office of Sheriff. He is now an honored 
resident of Xenia, where he is spending his declining years in 
the enjoyment of that peace and quiet which onh' those who 
have successfully grappled with the world for a half century 
know how to appreciate. 

John Gates settled about three miles north of Xenia, early 
in 1843, chosing for his home the farm now owned by Mr. 
Haskett; about the same time or perhaps a little later, James 
Que located near the central part of the township on what is 
now the Lad farm. In 1S44 James McKinley settled in the 
northwest corner of the township, where he lived until within a 
ver}' recent date. James Poulson located the Busby farm in the 
same year, and prior to 1845, William Bowman and Samuel 
Long were living in the same localitx'. Another settler in the 
northern part of the township was John Long, who early acquired 
an unenviable notoriety on account of his quarrelsome disposition. 
He was a true t\pe of the rovstering, backwoods bulh', and no 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 619 

occasion was allowed to pass by unimproved, where he could 
have a friendly little knockdown with somebody whom he knew 
was not his equal in the manly accomplishment of pugilism. He 
came to be dreaded b}- all the peaceably disposed people of the 
neighborhood and many could not repress a sigh of relief when 
they learned of his sudden "taking off"' in a blood}' encounter 
with a kindred spirit at an infair party. His widow afterwards 
married Samuel Long. 

Among the settlers of 1844 and '45, were James Calhound, 
near the central part of the township; David Daniels, on the Helm 
farm, near Pipe Creek; Rev. Abraham See, a local preacher of 
the Methodist Church, about one mile northeast of Xenia, and Henry 
Thomas, who changed his habitation at frequent intervals. Samuel 
Butler located near the northwest corner of the township about 
the vear 1846 and was a resident for several years. He subse- 
quently became a Mormon and in company with several others 
of that faith emigrated to Utah, since which time nothing has 
been heard of him. 

Another early comer, whose arrixal antedates 1846, was 
Samuel Draper, who settled about one-half mile west of Xenia. 
David Draper came a little later and located a short distance 
north of the town. Henry Addington, father of Thomas Adding- 
ton, was an early settler south of Xenia, and about the j'ear 1845 
George Badger came to the township and made some improve- 
ments two and a half miles west of the present site of the town. 

Additional to those mentioned, the following persons came to 
the township in an early da}-, viz: William Overman, Eli Overman, 
Arch Moorman, Jonathan Pearson, Nathan Arnold, Jabez and Wil- 
liam Berry, William Bond, George W. Gates, Thomas Slillwell, 
William Bahnger, Solomon Wright, Calvin Edgerton, Jacob Rob- 
bins, Newton Tangury, Elihu Ensley, William Tangury (father of 
Newton), James Wimmer, Joseph Shook, Morgan Williams, Ira 
Steele, John Pearson and B. B. Lamb, the majority of whom 
became residents prior to the year 1848. After that date the 
tide of immigration set in more numerously and it will be 
impossible to give a complete list of all entitled to a mention as 
early settlers. Among the number, however, are mentioned: 
Thomas Shinn, F. M. Da\is, Joseph Powell, David Adams. Wm. 
Adams, Jesse Shinn, Frank Shinn, Abraham Bell, Elliott Walker, 
Willis Elliott, David Stanley, Henry Cooper, Turner Sullivan, 
Moses Kimball, Jacob Riggle, Jacob Hudlow, John Hudlow, Sr., 
John Hudlow, Jr., Jefferson Shinn, Moses McCoy, Wesley Draper, 
Elijah Draper, Robert Cook, Benjamin Benbow, Hiram Pearson 
and Michael Holintrsworth. 

o 

Tovjiiihip Org'aiiizalion. — In 1846 the township organization 
w'as effected, the chief mover in the same being O. II. P. Macy. 



620 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Mr. Macy circulated a petition to tliis effect which was signed 
by all the citizens of the township except two, who gave as a 
reason for not allowing their names to be placed on the paper 
that they wanted "to keep law and order out of the country as 
long as possible." The majority of the petitioners expressed a 
preference for the name of '-Libert}-," by which the new town- 
ship should be designated. After visiting every citizen of the 
township, Mr. Macy walked to Peru and presented the paper 
to the County Commissioners, who, after some deliberation, 
granted the request of the petitioners, substituting the name of 
Jackson (in honor of Andrew Jackson) for that of '-Liberty." 
Under the order designating the boundaries and setting apart this 
area as a separate jurisdiction, a further order was entered fixing 
the date at which an election would be held for the purpose of 
choosing the necessary township officers. The election was held 
accordingly, at the cabin of James C. Poulson, near Xenia, Abraham 
See, acting as inspector. At this election David Daniels was chosen 
Justice of the Peace, and Abraham See, Constable. Probably the 
earliest Trustees were James McKinley and Gabriel Hayes, and 
later Christian Life, Mr. Bond and A. D. Kimball, held the office. 
Among the early Justices were Henry Cooper and Moses Kimball. 
The following citizens of Jackson have been honored by elec- 
tion to county offices at different times, viz: Dr. M. D. Ellis, Audi- 
tor: Enos Massey and Jos. B. Mills, Commissioners; O. H. P. AL'icy, 
Sheriff, and J. W. Eward, Representative. 

Early Deaths, Births and Marriages. — The first death in Jack- 
son Township was that of an infant child of Thomas and Mary 
Addington, which occurred a few years after the family moved to 
the county. It was buried in the Xenia grave yard, the first ceme- 
trv in the township, laid out on the land of Thomas Mason. Susan- 
nah Poulson, daughter of James C. and Delilah Poulson, was born 
May, 1844. This from the most reliable information appears to 
have been the first white child born within the present limits of 
Jackson. Among the early marriages celebrated in the township 
were those of Charles Marine to Maria Balinger, Oscar Addington 
to Mar}- A. North, and Peter Cluster to a Miss Wright. Among 
early marriages deserving special mention was that of David Dra- 
per to Miss Elizabeth Balinger, which was solemnized under very 
peculiar circumstances. It appears that the lady in question resided 
with a sister a short distance across the line in Grant County, while 
the groom, who was resident of Miami, made the serious mistake of 
going to Peru to procure the document necessary to legalize the 
union. The license properly signed and adorned with the seal of 
the Miami County Court, was procured in due time, and with this 
in his pocket the happy young man wended his way to the residence 
of the expectant bride, who, with a number of invited guests, was 





7-r X^^^^^-^rz,^^ 



I 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 623 

anxiously awaiting his arrival. Everythinp- was <rotten in readiness 
for the ceremon}', when the clerical gentleman, who was to ofliciate, 
astonished the assembled company by the startling intelligence that 
a marriage in Grant County could not be legally solemnized under 
a license from Miami. As an escape from the embarrassing 
dilemma which followed this announcement, some one suggested 
that, as the county line was not far distance; the whole party should 
walk over to the proper territory where the ceremony could be per- 
formed and much disappointment saved. This was no sooner said 
than acted upon, and the jolly crowd, headed by the clergyman, 
made its way across the border, where in the midst of a thick 
woods, were said the words which forever made the happy couple 
man and wife. 

Rclig/OHS. — The first religious services were held about the 
year 1845 by the Methodists at the residence of John Powell. The 
first ministers of this denomination were Revs. Abraham See, 
Alfred Sharp and Elias Masters. Not long after the United Breth- 
ren held services at the house of James C Poulson, where Rev. 
George C. Smith administered to the spiritual wants of the few settlers 
in the vicinit}' with considerable regularit}- and good effect. The 
first permanent organization was the Xenia Church, of which a 
sketch will be found in the history of the town. About the year 
1846 the Friends began holding meetings in various parts of the 
township, and one year later an organization was effected at the 
town of Amboy, which has since grown to be one of the largest 
and most flourishing societies in the southern part of the county. 

Religious services were held by those several denom- 
inations with more or less regularity during the earlier periods of 
the township's history. Churches or meeting-houses designed 
especially as places of worship are of more recent date. The 
first one erected so far as information goes, was at Xenia. in 
1849, by the Methodists, and about the same time or perhaps 
one year later, the Friends built a log house a short distance 
northwest of the town of Amboy. Still later another build- 
ing was erected by the same denomination near Xenia in 
which a society, organized in 1851, still meets for worship. The 
preachers of the last named church have been Albert Smith, 
Calvin Lawson, Eliza Stanley, Mary Malott. Among those of 
the Amboy congregation were Mordecai Painter and Hannah 
Edgerton. At the present time there are several religious socie- 
ties in the township, all of which are enjoying a reasonable degree 
of prosperity. 

A'citia. — The town of Xenia, the second place of importance 

in Miami County, is pleasantly situated in the southeast corner 

of Jackson Township, near the Grant County line, and distant 

eighteen miles from the city of Peru. It» location in one of the 

22 



624 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

finest acricultural regions of Northern Indiana is such by nature 
is to indicate that it was intended to be an important commer- 
cial center, a fact which the original proprietors seem to have 
had in view at the time the survey was made. The original 
plan of the town embraced a small area on the east half of the 
northwest quarter and the west half of the northeast quarter of 
Section 32, Tow'nship 25 North, Range 6 East, containing in 
all thirt\-two lots and four streets, viz: Wabash, Marion, Syc- 
amore, running east and west; and Jefferson, north and south. 
This unpretentious plat was surveyed April, 1849, for Willis 
Elliott and O. H. P. Macy, who immediately thereafter offered 
the lots at very reasonable figures, in the hopes of inducing 
immigration to the newly formed city. According to the testi- 
mony of Mr. Macy, who is still a resident of the town, one of 
the first houses on the present site of Xenia was a small, round 
log cabin, about eighteen feet long and fifteen feet wide, erected 
by Henr}' Overman in the summer of 1849 °" ^^^ Delphi road, 
which, since the surve\', has been known as Miami Street. A 
large rough shed was subsequently attached to this building, a 
part of which was partitioned off foi' a store room, where was 
offered for sale the first stock of merchandise ever brought to 
the place. The arrangement of this primitive building was such 
that persons wishing to make a purchase were obliged to pass 
through the family room in order to inspect the goods, which 
were thrown together in a promiscuous heap in the shed back 
of the main apartment. Mr. Overman's stock consisted of a 
limited supply of groceries, notions and a few pieces of coarse 
dry goods, all of which, with a feather bed, were freighted to 
the town in a ten bushel box. After remaining in the town a 
short time our pioneer merchant moved to other parts, and, if 
any reliance can be placed in the statements of his friends, we 
are safe in saying that he failed to realize a fortune in his 
stupendous business venture. Another early settler in the town 
was James Mote, who built a residence on the southwest corner 
of Marion and Jefferson streets, where the dwelling of Chas. 
M. Wales now stands. Mr. Mote was a carpenter by occupa- 
tion, and in connection with his trade turned an honest penny 
now and then by opening his house for the accommodation of 
such travelers as saw fit to accept and pay for his hospitalities. 
Joseph Brazington, one of the first mechanics of the town, 
erected a small dwelling on S3'camore and Jefferson streets in 
1849, and for several }ears thereafter worked at the trade of 
cabinet making, in which he is said to have been quite proficient. 
One of the earliest business houses was the one on the south- 
east corner of Marion and Jefferson street erected by Isaac Carter 
and first used by Quincy Baldwin, who subsequently effected a 



. JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 625 

co-partnership with John Baldwin, which lasted for some time. 
Christian Life began merchandising in an early day with a small 
stock of goods on the north side of Jefferson street, and a 
little later came Cooper and Scott, who carried on a fairly success- 
ful houses on Main street west of the main crossing. In the year 
1852, O. H. P. Macy erected the building now occupied by Daniel 
Mendenhall, in which he carried on a general mercantile business for 
three or four years. He had previously sold goods with Quincy 
Baldwin and was one of the first substantial merchants of the town. 
Nathan Simons sold goods in a part of the Mendenhall building a 
short time, and in an earh- da\- Jehu Willcutts opened a small gen- 
eral store on the southeast corner of Marion and Jefferson streets. 
Elisha Draper was an early merchant, as were also John Grimes 
and Mr. Fisher, all of whom sold goods in the Mendenhall building. 
Thomas Addington built a frame house, two stories high, on the 
northeast corner of the main crossing, where the Peters building 
now stands, in which he kept a hotel, one of the first of any note in 
the town. 

L.alcr Business Enterprises. — The following are among the 
most prominent who haye done business here since 1864. Daniel 
Mendenhall opened out in the general goods business the abo\'e 
year, purchasing the Macy building on lot 12 which he has since 
occupied, being the oldest merchant in the place at this time. The 
first druggist was A. P. Stout, who was succeeded in a short time 
by Ilenr}- Thomas. Dr. Lacy sold gooHs for a short time in a 
house erected by the Masonic Fraternity on lot number 20, south- 
east corner of Marion and Jefferson streets, and was succeeded b}- 
Messrs. Flynn and Eward, who effected a partnership which lasted 
until 1872, Mr. Eward retiring that year. E. S. Lee began the 
general goods business about 1872 and in connection with that branch 
of trade, dealt very extensively in staves and lumber until 1874. A. B. 
Fisher became identified with the tommercial interests of the town 
in 1872 and for several years carried on a very successful mercantile 
and lumber business. The first hardware store was started in 1872 
by Hunt and Osborne who were subsequently succeeded by 
Osborne and Wales, and they in turn b\' the firm of Lillard and 
Philips. 

Powell and Norris sold general merchandise from about 1874 
till 1876 and the firm of Powell and Keys lasted some time longer. 
J. M. Wright, Jonathan Small, A. Ke}s, j'. J. Keys, William Denmth, 
Newby and Cain, Banks and Bowman, the Sumpter Brothers, 
James Dale, John D. Mcllwain and others were in business from 
time to time but it will be impossible to give the e.xact dates at which 
they came to the town. 

Additions. — The growth of Xenia, during the first few \-ears 
of its history, was not the most encouraging, but as early as 1850, 



626 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTV. 

all the lots embraced in the original plat had been purchased and 
the majority of them improved. The influx of population after 
that year continued such that an extension of the town limits became 
necessary. Subsequently in March, 1856, an addition of forty lots 
was made bv Thomas Addington and O. H. P. Macy. The next ad- 
dition, consisting of twentv-nine lots, was made September, 1S67, and 
two years later, J. M. Eward and J. N. Converse, each platted 
additions. Other additions since then were made as follows, viz: 
Smith and Lee nine lots September, 1870. Summer and Peters 
eighteen lots June, 1874, "^^^ Belinda S. Davis thirteen lots Julv, 

Miuiitfactones.. — The construction of the Pittsburgh & Chicago 
Railroad through the countr}' in 1S55 marked an era in the history 
of Xenia, and its importance as a trading and shipping point early 
became assured. The road was not completed, ho we\er, until 1868. 
at which time the lumber business became the leading industry of 
the town, and ere long several saw-mills were in successful opera- 
tion, giving employment to a large force of men. Prior to that 
time, however, a small steam saw-mill was brought to the place by 
Henry Overman, who operated it for a short time, its business being 
purely local. It was subsequently purchased bv Alexander Street 
and closed operations about the year 1869. The second mill was 
started by Macy & Overman soon after the completion of the raiU 
road, and for several \ears did an immense amount of sawing for the 
local and general markets; The mill stands in the western part of 
the town and is still operated b\ Mr. Macy. Elisha Clark engaged 
in the lumber business a number of years ago, erecting a large 
steam mill near the railroad in the east end of the village. The mill 
has been extensively patronized and is operated at this time bv L. 
M. Reeves. 

A-bout the year 1869 a planing mill and stave factory was 
built in the north part of the town by E. S. Lee, who operated 
it with gratifying success for a period of four or five years. 
Machinery for the manufacture of tow from flax was subsequently 
attached, and this branch of industry was carried on quite exten- 
sively by Messrs. Lee & Patterson until the destruction of the 
mill by fire in 1874. A. B. Fisher began the manufacture of 
staves in 1870, and continued the same until 1875 or '76, when 
he moved his mill to Union City. 

A large tow and flax mill was built in Xenia about the year 
187 1 by John Coyle, who operated it two j-ears, when it was 
purchased by Lehman & Co., of Peru, by whom it was run 
until 1876. This enterprise proved quite successful, but to the 
regret of the citizens of the town was moved away the latter 
year. The first and only flouring mill in Xenia was erected in 
in 1868 by Wright & McFeely, who operated it as partners 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 627 

until 1870, at which time the latter became sole owner. It was 
afterwards purchased by E. H. Shirk, who, after owning it a short 
time, sold it to William Rankin. In 1882 it again came into the 
possession of Mr. Shirk, since which time it has not changed 
hands. The mill is a three-storv frame building, supplied with 
good machinerj-, and, under the management of Aydelott & Son, 
the present proprietors, commands a fair proportion of the cur- 
rent trade. Another industry of Xenia was a tanner}-, operated 
by A. J. Saxton prior to 1866. J. W. Eward purchased it in 
1870, and sold two years later to J. W. Marine, who in 1874 
disposed of it to Levi Hall. The tannery has done a very good 
business, and is still operated by the gentleman last named. 

Hatch. — Contemporar\- with the earlv settlement of Xenia 
came the primiti\e inn, which differed from the simple cabin of the 
private citizen, principalh' in that its hospitalities were dispensed at 
ii fi.xed price. Its patronage was largely derived from the prospec- 
tors who visited the new town, the temporarj- character of whose 
stay rendered such an establishment necessary. The earliest' of this 
class of houses was the cabin of James Mote, to w^hich reference 
has alread}- been made. The next caterer to the traveling public 
was one Clayborne Wright, who kept the same house for several 
years, and who earned the reputation of having been a popular host. 
In 1868 a building expressly for hotel purposes was erected south 
of the railroad, on Jefferson street, by George Wood, who ran it 
until 1884, at which time the entire structure was destroyed by tire. 
Another hotel was built sometime later, on the northeast corner of 
Marion and Jefferson streets, by John Saxon: it was burned about 
the year 1873. At the present time there are two good hotels, viz: 
The Cottage House, kept by John Martin, and the Tilman House, 
by N. T. Tilman. 

Professional Men. — Dr. Frazier was the first physician to 
practice his profession in Xenia, located here when the town was 
but a niche in the surrounding forest. The second Medical man 
was Ur. Pope, after whom came Drs. M. D. Ellis, A. D. Kimball, 
T. C. Kimball, George Egbert. D. B. Snodgrass, R. K. Robinson, 
O. A. Mendenhall and J. C. Dillon. The physicians at this time 
are, A. D. Kimball, R. W. Smith, J. S. Kel.sev,"0. B. Litzenbarger 
and O. A. Mendenhall. 

Mechanics. — The early mechanics of Xenia were James Mote 
and Samuel Glands, carpenters, Jacob Holinger, Joseph Cle\inger, 
A. J. Gehring and Andrew Dine, blacksmiths: John Grant, shoe- 
maker: Joshua Howell, cabinetmaker, and Tiiomas Jesup, wagon 
and carriage maker. 

The Press. — The first newspaper enterprise in Xenia was the 
Xenia 6rV/^-r//(r, Established in the }ear 1868 by Charles P. Thew, 
under wiiose management it was regularly issued for a period of 



628 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

two years, when R. K. Robinson became editor and proprietor. 
JNIr. Robinson continued the publication until 1874 '^^ which time 
the office and contents were completely destro3ed by the conflagra- 
tion of that year. T/ic Gazette was a si.x column folio devoted to 
the interests of the town and at one time reached a very respectable 
circulation. 

The Xcnia Times, a four column quarto, began to be published 
in 1879 by Cleveland J. Reynolds as editor and proprietor, who de- 
signed it as an independent weeklv, through which the productions 
of local writers might be given publicity. At the end of about 
eighteen months the office was. leased bv Ward and Frank who run 
it one vear when N^r. Revnold again took charge and shorth- after- 
wards moved it from the town. In the meantime Samuel F. \\ in- 
ters, an old newspaper man of Peru, and J. O. Frame, of Xenia, 
formed a partnership under the firm name of Frame and Winters, 
for the'piu'pose of continuing The Times, the material for the same 
being that formerlv used in the publication of The VValuish ] 'alley 
Blade, a campaign sheet pre\iously issued at the county seat. 
Under the management of this firm the paper was conducted with 
more than ordinarv abilitv for one vear, at the end of which time 
Mr. Frame retired, Mr. Winters assuming entire control. The 
paper was a five column quarto and at once grew in popular favor 
until it reached a circulation of over eight hundred. From some 
cause not known to the writer it w^ finally discontinued the last 
number bearing date of September 8. 1886. 

The A'oiia yottrmil, a six colimin quarto published weekly, 
was established December 12, 1883. A. L. Lawshe and Roscoe 
Kimple, two energetic voung men, began the enterprise with a 
guaranteed subscription of four hundred and an ample advertis- 
ing patronage. On Mondav preceding the issue of the first num- 
ber there, was not a press nor line of type in the town, but so 
intent were the publishers upon getting the paper out on the 
dav promised, that everything was gotten in readiness in less 
than a week, and in due time the younial made its apjiearance, 
full\- meeting the expectations of its subscribers. Mr. Lawshe 
purchased his partner's interest at the end of the first year, since 
which time he has been sole editor and proprietor. In its edi- 
torial make-up the foiinial is an independent local paper devoted 
to a manlv and fearless discussion of the leading questions of the 
day, upon all of which the editor has verv decided opinions. In 
its mechanical make up the paper is a model of neatness, and, 
with a present circulation of over eight hundred we bespeak for 
it a large increase in the number of its patrons. Mr. Lawshe. while 
still a voung man, is a vigorous and terse writer, and has already 
proved himself to be one of the most successful newspaper men in 
Miami County. 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 629 

Jidiiks. — The Xenia Bank was established June, 1S84, b\- 
Robert Spencer, George W. Webster and Burr Dean, and contin- 
ued until sometime the following 3ear. It was a bank of private 
exchange and did a fairly successful business until the several part- 
ners withdrew tiieir stock. 

In the spring of 1S85 the present Exchange Bank was estab- 
lished bv Mark Tally, with a large capital. This is one of the most 
successful banking houses in the county, and promises to remain 
a permanent feature of the town. The greater part of the busi- 
ness is looked after by the accomplished cashier, ISIr. John Martin. 

A'^ciiia Union A^rict'ilfurdl Socictv was organized in 1S71 
by a joint stock company, with the following officers: L. M. 
Reeves, president; R. K. Robinson, secretary; J. W. Eward, 
treasurer, and J. M. Wright, superintendent. The original stock 
was divided into about eightv shares, but few of which have 
been transferred, the enterprise ha\'ing proved a safe and satis- 
factory investment to the se\eral stock holders. The organiza- 
tion being perfected a tract of land was leased by the Associa- 
tion as a fair ground, of sufficient dimensions to subserve all the 
purposes for which it was intended. The needed buildings and 
conveniences were soon after built, and the Hrst fair was held 
in September of the abo\e 3'ear. Since that time an in- 
creased interest has been manifested, justifying the expenditure 
of liberal sums of money in the erection of suitable buildings 
with all the improvements appertaining to such grounds that 
experience has found necessary to completely adapt them to the 
wants of the public. Annually, since the first, fairs have been 
held and largely attended, proving the efficiency of the Associa- 
tion in accomplishing the purposes foreshadowed in its organi- 
zation. The present officers of the Association are L. M. 
Reeves, president: J. W. Eward, secretar\'; D. E. Warnock, 
treasurer, and L. W. Powell, superintendent. 

School Bitil(li)i<^s. — The first school house erected for the 
accommodation of the children of Xenia stood a short distance 
west of the 'town, the site being now within the corporation, 
and was built by the township about the year 1866. This was 
a small frame building, and served the purposes for which it 
was intended until the year 1872. In that year the present two- 
story brick structure, 32x76 feet in size, containing four conurio- 
dious school rooms, was erected at a cost of $8,000. 

J^irc Dcfxirtmait — Xenia boasts of one of the most efficient 
and well equipped fire departments in .Miami County, and those 
who have witnessed its effective work will not call in question 
the justness of the claim. The department was organized July 
I, 1885, with a membership of twenty-two, a number which has 
neither increased nor diminished since that date. A Little Giant 



630 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

engine was subsequently purchased, and a house for the same, 
16x50 feet in size, erected. The company has done efficient ser- 
vice since its organization, and is a feature of which the citizens 
feel justly proud. The officers at this time are Aaron Michaels, 
chief; L. G. Murphy, assistant chief: Joseph Sellers, secretary; 
Amos Fowler, treasurer; Joseph Sellers and Frank McConnell, 
hoseman. Prior to the organization of the department, Xenia 
suffered severely from several very destructive tires, the first 
of which occurred about the year 1870 or '71. The fire, which 
was wholly accidental, originated in the southeast corner of the 
town, and before it could be arrested, five or six business houses 
and a number of smaller buildings were entirely destroj'ed, entail- 
ing a heav}^ loss upon the people, from the effects of which 
some have never recovered. In 1877 another destructive con- 
flagration occurred, which laid in ruins the greater part of the 
business portion of the town, including among others the follow- 
ing buildings, viz: Saxon's Hotel, the store of Flynn & Eward, 
Powell & Norris' business house, and the office of the Xenia 
Gazette, the entire loss amounting to about $20,000. With 
commendable energy, the citizens immediateh' went to work and 
within a short time the scene of the fire was rebuilt with a 
number of substantial brick business houses, a fact which proves 
that calamities are sometimes blessings in disguise. A fire in 
1882 completelv destroved a number of buildings, and since that 
time several portions of the town have been greatlv damaged bv 
the devouring element. 

Lodgxs. — Xenia Lodge, No. 267, F. and A. M., was organized 
anterior to i860, and flourished with a fair degree of prosperity 
until the destruction of the hall and other property in the fall of 
1872. The loss being greater than the society could well afford to 
meet, it was decided to abandon the organization, and from tliat time 
until 1874 no meetings appear to ha^■e been held. In the latter year 
however, an organization was effected, a hall for lodge purposes 
rented, and fullv equipped for work, the society, under many favor- 
able auspices, started out upon its second career, which was destined 
to continue but a short time. In 187S another visitation from the 
fire fiend destroyed the hall and paraphenalia, after which it was 
decided to surrender the charter, as the organization found itself 
unable to procure a room and the necessary equipment. The officers 
at the time of the dissolution were Jos. Boswell, W. M.: L. B. Car- 
ver, S. W.: J. W. Eward, J. W., and Joseph A. Philips, Treasurer. 

Beacon Lod^c, JVo. 320, I. O. O. F., was instituted March, 
1868, with J. W. Eward, L. M. Reeves, J. W. Runyan. Henry 
Thomas, R. K. Robertson and T. A. Morris, as charter members. 
The first officers were J. M. Runyan, N. G.; Henrv Thomas, \ . G.; 
R. K. Robertson, Secretary, and J. W. Eward. Treasurer. The 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 631 

society now numbers about tift}-tive members, and holds its meet- 
ini(s in a beautiful brick hall erected in 1879. T^^ entire building, 
representing a capital of $4,000, belongs to the organization, and in 
1872 a cemeterj-, costing $2,000, was laid out near the town. The 
lodtre is stroniT financially and has been the means of accomplish- 
ing a vast amount of good in the community. 

fo/iii S. Sitnniiers Post JVo. Sp- G- -1- f^-, was organized 
April 12, 1882, with a membership of 38. It has enjoyed a fair 
degree of prosperity since that time, and now numbers an active mem- 
bership of 58. The officers for 1886 are as follows: J. E. Harrison, 
conmiander; W. E. Anderson, S. V. C; W.J. T. Saucer, J. V. C, 
11. U. Harvour, OfHcer of the Day; John O. Frame, Adjutant; 
Lews Doster, Quartermaster; Dr. A. D. Kimball, Surgeon; Milton 
Douglass, Chaplain; Isaac M. Wright, Officer of the Guard; Will- 
iam A.Banks, Sergeant Major, and Jacob St. Clair, Quartermaster 
Sergeaht. 

Xetja Cornet Band, Was organized September, 1886. with 
fifteen members. The several parts are carried as follows; Henr}- 
Fields andOscar Arrick, leaders: Rufus Michaels, B flat, principal; 
Charles Wimmer, second B flat; Claude Murphy, Tuba; Edgar 
N orris, B Biss; Logan Summers, Baritone: William Rhodes, ist 
Tenor; Llenrv Summers, 2d Tenor; James Howe, 2d Alto; Charles 
Wintz, ist Altn; A. L. Coan, Solo Alto: Joel Jackson, Bass Drum; 
D. Wimmer ani Bert Goodwin, Snare Drum. 

Churches. — The first religious societ\- of Xenia was a class of 
the Wesleyan Mehodists, organized within a couple of 3ears after 
the survey of the own. A log house of worship was erected in 
an early day on thelot now occupied by the U. B. Church, and for 
a number of years tie societv held its meetings regularly, ha\ing at 
one time been the leivling organization in the township. Owing to 
internal dissensions, dtaths and removals, the membership began to 
diminish, and the lack if interest continuing, the society was finally 
abandoned, the last meeing being held in 1870. 

United Bretheru it. Christ. — The Xenia class of the U. B. 
Church was organized aliiut the vear 1856, by Rev. C\ rus Smith, 
and among the early menbers were Seth Summers, Mary Sum- 
mers, Zachariah Cleving6 and wife, Thomas Darby, Hannah 
Darbv, Charles Branam ancMarv A. Clevinger. Meetings were 
first held at the residence of Seth Summers, in Grant County, and 
subsequently in the Wesleyan louse of worship in Xenia, which \\ as 
used b)- the society for a perio' of about two years, the membership 
increasing quite rapidly duringVhat period. In the course of time 
this building became insufficient to meet the wants of the church, 
and steps were taken by both or^inizations to supply that want by 
the construction of a new house ir.which to worship. Accordingly, 
in 1859, the old building was torn away and the present comfort- 



632 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

able frame edifice, occupying tlie same site, erected at a cost of 
about $Soo. After the disorganization of the Wesleyan class, the 
United Brethern purchased the entire property, which was remod- 
eled and formally dedicated as a U. B. Church in 1872. The fol- 
lowing list embraces the majority of pastors of the societ\', yiz: 
Revs. C3-rus Smith, B. F. Holcomb, Frank Morgan, Alexander 
Carroll, A. J. Stout, Wm. Ovyler, Mr. Mosier, J. Y. DeMumburg, 
Thomas McFadden, Thomas Eyans, Irwin Cox and John Cramer, 
the last name being pastor at this time. Of the original member.^ 
but three are now liying, yiz: Thomas Darb\', Hannah l)arb\- ard 
Mary Summers. Present membership about thirty-five. Present 
officers: Thomas Darby, William Herman and John VanDol.^tan. 
Trustees, and Charles Sullivan, Steward. 

Methodist Episcopal Chiirrh of Xcnia — Of the earliest ifforts 
to establish a Methodist Church in Jackson Township no record 
now remains; the majority of the families of that faith vho re- 
sided here in the first years of the country's history having 
moved away or passed to the life beyond. Meetings vere held 
in the neighborhood by itinerant ministers, as early a."^ 1845 and 
it was about that date, or perl^aps a couple of year.» later, that 
an organization was effected which met regularly 'or worship 
at the residences of the different members. Among th' early preach- 
ers were Revs. Bowman and Bradshaw, men noted <)r their zeal in 
the cause they represented. Among the first memJers of the class 
were Joseph Powell and family, John Powell and fanily, Louisa Kim- 
ball, Shadrock Elliott and family, and Jesse Elliat and family, the 
majority of whom have long since passed frorr the church mili- 
tant to the church triumphant. Services we-c held in private 
dwellings until the completion of the Wesle.an Church building 
in Xenia, when the societ}- was granted th; use of the same 
until it had gained sufiicient strength to ^rect a house of its 
own. The church continued to grow ap-Ce and in 1855 a neat 
frame temple of worship adapted to the -vants of the congrega- 
tion was erected on Wabash street at a cost of $600. This 
building ans^vered the purposes for w'lch it was intended until 
1886, when the wants of the church oegan to foreshadow the 
necessity of the erection of a house o worship of enlarged pro- 
portions for the accommodation of its increased membership. 
Accordingly in that year the necess'*'}' steps were taken toward 
the erection of a new building, the church disposing of the old 
house with that object in view. L due time the present stately 
brick edifice occupying the orig-wl site, was pushed toward 
completion as rapidly as the magiitude of the undertaking would 
allow. This building is one of >-he finest specimens of church 
architecture in the county, 59x0 feet in size, surmounted by a 
stately spire and w ill cost whe finished and furnished the sum 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 633 

of $7,000. The present pastor of the church is Rev. George S. 
V. Howard, to whose untiring efforts the success of the building 
enterprise is uu'gely due. The condition of the Church at this 
time is very encouraging and tlie amount of good accomplished 
in the past gives hopeful assurance of a prosperous future. The 
membership is about 70. The officers are as follows: Mary 
Winters and Joseph Powell, class-leaders; Joseph Powell, R. 
Powell and James Douglass, stewards; R. Powell, A. Keys, J. E. 
Flinn. L. J. Reeves and James Douglass, trustees. The Sunday 
School is large and the teachers therein are active and zealous, 
doing all in their power to make their work interesting and 
beneficial. The school numbers about one hundred including 
teachers and pupils and is under the efficient superintendenc\' of 
George W. Rider. 

C/irisliaii (D/st'/J>/c) Church. — This society was organized by 
Elder Henry Olinger, a pioneer preacher of piety and ability, and 
dates its history from about the year 1868. Meetings were 
rirsl held in the village school house and private dwellings, and 
among the earliest members of the organization were W. J. T. 
Saucer and famiU', D. F. Howe and family, James Lewis and 
famih', Joel R. Davis and family, George W. Ammon and family, 
and Lewis Winthrow and family. The first Elders were Henry 
Olinger and G. W. Ammon. The organization thus constituted 
soon increased in membership to such an extent that in 1872 a lot 
was purchased in the east part of town upon which a substantial 
house of worship was erected and dedicated that year. Since that 
time the church has prospered satisfactorily, the labors of the various 
pastors having been very etlicient, and de\'oted to the devolopment 
of Christian example, worthy of imitation. Commencing with 1873 
the following are the names of the ministers who have sustained 
the relation of pastors of the society, viz: W. V. Trowbridge, J. 
A. Taylor, \V. T. Huff. Mr. McKenzie, W. R. Lowe and D. A. 
McDowell. The membership at this time is about seventy-five. 
Lewis Winthrow and J. R. Davis are the deacons and W. J. Sau- 
cer, elder. 

Presbyterian Church. —The Xenia Presb\terian Church was 
organized November 12, 1870, b\' Re\-. William Armstrong, who 
visited the town as missionary of the Muncie Presbjtery, for the 
purpose of establishing a societ}'. The petition for an organization 
was duly signed by the following members, viz: J. AI. Darby, 
Catharine S. Darby. LydiaJ. Kimball, J. A. Douglass, J. K. Darby, 
A. D. Kimball, F." .M. Shinn, T. N. Shinn. Elizabeth Piatt, Carrie 
D. Murray, Elizabeth Jones, A. B. Kimball, Henrietta S. Kimball, 
N. Dangerfield, David Coppock, Letelia Summers, James Parker, 
V. Flora Darby. A. Cordelia Douglass, J. M. Wright, Mrs. J. M. 
Wright, J. A. Phelps. Eunice Hand, Jackson Saxon, A. P. Stout, 



634 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

M. P. Keasb}' and Emma A. Zeek. The society has met since its 
organization in the U. B. Church, but at the present time steps are 
being taken to erect a house of worship. The pastor in charge at 
this time is Rev. C. T. White. The officers are A. B. Kimball, 
Elder, and Dr. Keasy, Deacon. The society, though no stronger in 
membership than at the time of organization, is in a prosperous con- 
dition and bids fair to remain one of the substantial churches of the 
town. 

Xenia Christian C/iurc/i. — To Elder J. J. Copeland is due the 
credit of sowing the first seed, which, under his careful culture, ger- 
minated and in due time developed into the Christian Church of 
Xenia. After visiting the town at intervals for several months and 
preaching with great acceptance, he succeeded in gathering 
together about thirty members of his faith, who, on the 13th day of 
Mav, 1886, were united into a society which has already increased 
until more than forty names now appear upon the record. In Sep- 
tember of the above year the Methodist house of worship was pur- 
chased and removed to the opposite side of the street, where it has 
undergone a complete remodeling, being at this time a comfortable 
and commodious edifice. The society, although in its infancy, has 
a substantial membership, and has already been the means of lead- 
ing many to forsake the ways of sin and seek the better way lead- 
ing to virtue and holiness. The officers at this time are as follows: 
Cyrus Babcock, Elder; E. Edwards, E. Smith and Nathan John- 
son, Deacons; Alfred Arrick, Treasurer: J. J. Copeland, C\rus 
Babcock, E. Edwards, Alfred Arrick and Nathan Johnson, Trustees. 

Xenia To-day. — The growth of Xenia since the completion of 
the Pan Handle Railroad, in 1868, has been fully up to the expecta- 
tions of its friends, and it is to-da\' a flourishing town of over one 
thousand inhabitants. It commands the trade of a large and fertile 
area of country in Miami, Grant and Howard Counties, and is the 
principal shipping point between the cities of Logansport and Mar- 
ion. Its present business is as follows: General Stores — A. Keyes, 
W'illiam INIinor. R. Powell, Hem-\' J. Rausman and D. Mendenhall. 
Grocers — J. W. Dale, W. A. Banks, Amos Fowler, J. J. Ros- 
brough and G. W. Havworth. Hardware — D. O. C. Marine and 
B. F. Agnes. Druggists — x\gnes Brothers and O. A. Menden- 
hall. Boots and Shoes — J. E. Harrison. Milliners — Mrs. H. J. 
Rausbaum, Mrs. J. S. Sellers and Mrs. Willcutts. Jewelers — James 
Sullixan and Amos Tillman. Photograph gallery — Mrs. Amos 
Fowler. Attorneys — ^J. W. Eward and Roscoe Kimple. Mechanics 
A. Michaels, J. S. St. Clair, Sylvester Meek and Peter Michaels, black- 
smith : Fisher Brothers and J. S. Wilson, wagon makers. Planing 
mill and lumber \ard — L. G. Murphy. Lumber and coal dealers — 
Osborne & Anderson. Livery stables — Wimmer & Judy. Butchers 
— ^John J. Reyburn and A. J. Saxon. Barbers — William Bryan, 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 635 

Frank McCollins and Lemuel Ney. Undertaker — Mr. Acker. 
Tile mill — L. M. Reeves & Son. Saddle and harness maker — 
A. L. McLane. Postmaster — C. M. Wales. Railroad Agent — 
Nathaniel Moore. Saloons — Jo.shua Barnes, Berrv Goodwin and 
Silas Brumbaugh. 

AiiihoY. — The town of Amboy, on the Pan Handle railroad, 
four miles northwest of Xenia, is situated in Section 23, Town- 
ship 25 North, Range 5 East, and dates its history from 
August, 1867, at which time the original plat, consisting of 
tiftv-one lots, was laid out by Bennett Fellows, Abijah Ridge- 
wa\-, John Ptomey and John A. Lamb. The village is an out- 
growth of the railroad, and for several years after the comple- 
tion of that thoroughfare acquired considerable reputation as a 
shipping point for lumber, which was first manufactured in im- 
mense quantities by Elisha Clark and Messrs. Lowder «& 
Smith. Kir. Clark located his large steam saw mill in 1867, 
and the firm of Lowder & Smith came later the same year and 
did a flourishing business until some time in 1868, when their 
mill passed into the hands of other parties, who subsequentlv 
moved it from the place. Clark operated his mill quite success- 
full}- for about two years, when he disposed of it and aban- 
doned the lumber business. These mills formed the nucleus of 
quite a flourishing village, and within a few months a number 
of residences were erected on the town site. In the summer of 
1867 Benjamin Bond came to the place with a stock of general 
merchandise and erected a business house on the corner of 
Main and Pennsylvania streets, the location he has since occu- 
pied. A two-stor}' building was shortly afterward erected on 
the northeast corner of the same crossing by J. F. Overman, 
who remained about two years, when he moved his stock of 
goods to Miami. In the meantime a number of substantial citi- 
zens became residents of the village, anions whom were B. F. 
Revnolds, a carpenter and builder: Martin Morgan and D. Mc- 
Donald, blacksmith, and William Reynolds, \\ho built a plan- 
ing mill in 1S67, which he operated with good success until 
some time the following year. Messrs. Lowder & Smith, in 
connection with their lumber business built a grist mill shortly 
after locating in the village, and operated it as long as they 
remained in the place. William Patterson was probabl)' the third 
merchant in the town, after whom came from time to time the 
following business men, viz: Thomas & Wilson, general store; 
Mr. Josephy, who carried on a clothing and dry goods house 
for a short time: Robert Coats, general merchandise, from 1875 
until 1879; Spencer & Sweetser, general goods: Jacob Arnold, 
Dr. Schooley, Philip G. Yoars, Calvin Edgerton; Edgerton & 



636 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Canady, Samuel Vinnedge and B. F. Crites, the last of whom 
started the tirst drug store in the place. 

The mercantile interest at the present time is represented 
by the following men and firms, to-wit: Benjamin Bond, gen- 
eral merchandise; Jonathan Pearson, general stock; Overman & 
Son, groceries; W. M. Daly & Son, groceries, and Elleman & 
Sons, drugs and hardware. 

In 1873 A. A. Votaw engaged in the manufacture of brooms, 
which he still carries on, operating a factor}-, requiring the work 
of several hands. The manufacture of drain tile has been an 
important industrv of the village for several years, and at the 
present time a large and flourishing business is being conducted 
b}- Messrs. Ridgeway & Lamb. 

P/i\'sicia>is. — The first phvsician in Amboy was Dr. J. A. 
Baldwin, who located in the fall of 1S68, and is still .in the 
active practice of his profession, being one of the oldest resident 
physicians in the township. Dr. H. D. Hatterv, of Logansport, 
practiced there for some time, as did also Dr. John Wright, E. 
K. Friermood and Isaac Carey. 

Additions and I ncorf orations. — The tirst addition to the 
original plat of the town was made November, 187 1, by B. B. 
Lamb, who surveved and offered for sale four lots, w'hich were 
soon purchased and improved. An addition of seven lost was 
made the same month by E. C. Fellows, and in August, 1S75,. 
the last addition consisting of ten standard lots, was platted for 
Mr. Reynolds. In 1881 the citizens of the village by a very 
decided majority decided to take upon themselves the task of 
maintaining a corporation, and a board for putting the same into 
effect was accordingly elected and duly qualified. The ofiicers 
of the town at this time are as follows, to-vvit: L. D. Lamb, 
Lewis Daily and Elias Niccum, Trustees; E. F. Cox, Clerk and 
Treasurer, and George Woodward, Marshal. 

Schools. — Amboy enjo3S superior educational advantages, 
and boasts' of two as fine and commodious brick school buildings 
as there are in the county. The first of these was erected bv 
public donations in 1872, and afterward leased to the township 
for a graded school. It is a two-story building, with two large 
school rooms, and cost the sum of $3,300. The township build- 
ing, in the same part of the town, was erected a few years 
later, and represents a value of $1,500. It is a two-story brick, 
and with the other building affords ample accommodations for 
the children of the town and adjacent countrv. The present school 
board is composed of the following gentlemen, viz: J. A. Bald- 
win, Jonathan Pearson and T. C. Overman. 

Amhuy friends CJiurrh., one of the largest and most influential 
religious societies in Miami County, was organized as earlv 1S47 or 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 637 

'48, in a small cabin a short distance west of the present site of the 
village. Among the early members were John Pearson and family, 
Nathan Arnold and family, William Overman and family and 
Eli Overman and family, and one of the earliest mem- 
bers was Mordecai Painter. The house in which the first 
meetings of the society were held was a deserted dwelling, 
and this unpretentious building served the congregation until a more 
convenient log structure could be erected. About one year after 
the date of the organization a plat of ground, northwest of the 
village was purchased, and within a short time a hewed log struc- 
ture 25x40 feet in size was erected and ready for use. The build- 
served the purpose for which it was intended until about the year 
1865, at which time the wants of the society foresliadowed the neces- 
sity of a house more in keeping with the rapidly increasing congre- 
gation; accordingly in that j-ear work was commenced upon the 
present commodious frame building, just north of the village limits, 
which in due time was completed and formerlv dedicated to the 
Master's service. This is one of the largest church edifices in the 
count\-, and will comfortabl)' seat an audience of 500, and cost the 
sum of $2,000. The church is in a prosperous condition, and at 
this time has a membership of over 300. Alpheus Trueblood 
preaches for the congregation and William Small is the efficient 
Supei'intendent of the Sunday School, which has an average attend- 
ance of over one hundred, including teachers and pupils. The 
Elders of the Church at this time are Oliver Canady, William Small, 
Calvin Edgerton and William Overman. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

A. ACKER, Undertaker and Furniture Dealer, was born in 
Beaver Countv, Pennsvlvania, January' 20, 1847, son of Edward and 
Marv (Haskell) Acker. The father was a native of Baden-Baden, 
Germany, and emigrated to America in 1832, and was a promin- 
ent phvsician in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, where he established a 
great water cure. He died October 25, 1855. His wife preceding 
him in 1850. Our subject received a good education in both Ger- 
man and English, and at the age of sixteen began for himself b}' 
going to Pittsburgh and learning the chair-making trade. In August, 
1864, he enlisted in the Fifth Pennsylvania heavy artillery, and 
served until the close of the war. After that he resumed his 
trade, which he has since followed. Mr. Acker is perfectly conver- 
sant with all branches of his business, and has followed his occupa- 
tion in many of the large cities. He established his present busi- 
ness in March, 1886, where he has since done an increasing 
trade, and earning his reputation as an honest and reliable citizen. 



638 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

He was married July 18, 1874,10 Miss Harriet A. Darby, by whom 
he is the father of two children — Arminia F. and Agnes G. Pohti- 
cally he is a Republican and a member of the G. A. R. 

F. W. AYDELOTT, Miller, is a native of Wayne County, 
Indiana, and was born October 23, 1837, the \ oungest of a family of 
three children, born to Stewart and Sarah (Stuart) Avdelott, natives 
of North Carolina, and among the earh' settlers of Wayne 
County, Indiana. The father was a Miller, which occupation he 
followed all his life. Our subject was brought up in Wayne 
County, enjoying the usual educational advantages offered by the 
district schools and assisted his father in the mill. After obtain- 
ing a complete knowledge of milling he began for himself by 
working at his trade in various localities, and in 1874 came to 
Xenia and rented the McFeely mill which establishment he con- 
ducted for a time, and then removed to Wabash, Indiana, where 
he remained until 1884 when he returned to Xenia and again took 
charge of the McFeely mill which he has since successfully con- 
ducted. The mill is a frame building, propelled by steam, and is pre- 
pared to do both merchant and custom work. Mr. Aydelott was 
married in 1859 ^^ Miss Catharine Halderman, by whom he is the 
father of two living children, Jacob and Mary A. Mrs. Aydelott 
died in 1873, and in 1874 ^^■"- Aydelott was united in maraiage 
with Pamelia Railsback, who died April 5, 1886. Politically he 
is a Republican and a good citizen. 

ABRAHAM I. BEALL was born in Clark County, Ohio, the 
27th of December, 1830. His parents were John and Martha 
(Inbow) Beall. The former was born in 1806 and died in 1834. 
The latter was born in 1810 and died in 1855. Both were natives 
of Ohio and were there married. Mr. Beall, the subject of this 
sketch, was the second of a family of three children, viz: Mar- 
garet Ann, Abraham and Sabina, of whom Margaret Ann has 
passed away and Sabina having married J. L. Wilson, who has 
removed to Nebraska. Mr. Beall spent his boyhood days on the 
farm, receiving there a fair education in the public schools of that 
place, and at the age of twenty the family came to Miami Count)-, 
and in 1858 settled on the farm on which he now resides. In 1855 
he was married to Pauline Jump, of Cass County, a daughter of 
Charles and Mary ( Hopkins ) Jump, natives of Delaware, the 
former of English and the latter of Irish descent. This union was 
blessed by nine children, viz: Mary Etta, born June 5, 1857; 
Charles J., born October 31, 1858: Henry, born February 13, 
i860: Becky, born December 15, 1862: William Morton, born 
December 27, 1864; Williard A., born November 9, 1866; Frank 
Mannie, born June 9, 1868; Pearl, born January 9, 1872; Nora, 
born January 31, 1875. Henry and Mannie have since passed 
away, Harry, the 21st of February, and Mannie January 23, 1886. 



'%,-.• '^ 




(lay7^7yZQ-^ 




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 64I 

Mr. and Mrs. Beall are members of tlie M. E. Church of Xenia. 
Beginning life a poor boj' on the farm, Mr. Beall has adopted farm- 
ing for a profes.sion, and has by dint of industry gained a fine home 
of 200 acres of excellent land in sections 35 and 36, with first- 
class improvements. Mr. Beall is an enterprising and energetic 
farmer and a No. i citizen. 

THOMAS M. BUSBY, the son of Silas and Elizabeth 
(McAllister) Busby, was born in Madison County, Indiana, Decem- 
ber I, 1843. Th© parents were both of English descent, the father 
being born in 182 1, in Indiana, and the mother in Virginia in 1820. 
The mother came to Indiana when a girl where she was married 
in 1841. To this union were born five children, viz: Thomas, John 
Isaac, Vinton, Hester and Elizabeth, all of whom are now living. 
Mr. Busby, the subject of this sketch, was raised on his father's 
farm in Madison Count}-, received a good education for that day 
of log school houses and puncheon floors. On the nth of Decem- 
ber, 1864, Mr. Busby was married to Eliza Ellen Morris, daugh- 
ter of Ephriam and Mar}- (McAllister) Morris, the former of 
Scotch and the mother of Irish descent, the father dying in 
1844 Mr. Busby is a member of the I. O. O. F." They 
began life in Madison County, Indiana, and in February 1874, 
moved upon the farm on which he now lives in Section 13. To this 
marriage were born the following children, viz: Augustus, born 
September 23, 1865; Silas, born September 15, 1870, and Hester, 
born October 8, 1 881; all of whom are living. Beginning life a 
poor boy at the age of twenty-one, Mr. Busby has worked hard 
and has by dint of industry and perseverence gained a fine 
farm of 108 acres of well improved land in Section 13. As his 
early life was spent on a farm he has adopted it as a profession 
and is now an industrious, enterprising 3'oung farmer and a number 
one citizen. 

THOMAS CREVISTON, deceased, was born in the State 
of Penns3-lvania, about the year 1805. He was a son of William 
and Katie (Brown) Creviston, who were also natives of Pennsylva- 
nia. He came to Miami County in 1842, and entered a tract of land 
in Jackson Township, and upon which his son and widow now lives. 
He was married in Grant County, Indiana, January 26, 1837, to 
Miss Rebecca Slagal, a native of Darke County, Ohio, born in the 
year 1820, and a daughter of Conrad and Polly (Homsley) Slagal. 
To their union the following children were born : Louisa, born 
November 26, 1837 (deceased), Ellen, born May 6, 1839, Lourinda, 
born January 14, 1841, David, born July 18, 1843, served in the late 
war in the One Hundred and Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, 
Elmira, born March 6, 1847, Thomas J., born April 17, 1849, ^^^^y 
A., born July 6, 1851, James, born March 14, 1854, and Sarah, born 
September 3, 1858. Mr. Creviston followed farming through life, 

23 



642 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

was one of the leading citizens of the county, and died May 12, 
1869, honored and respected by all who knew him. James Crevis- 
ton, the sixth child born to his parents, was reared upon the home 
farm, receiving his education at the common schools and selected 
farming as his vocation. He now owns 113 acres of the old home- 
stead, which is under a good state of cultivation, and upon which 
are all modern improvements. He is interested in all matters of 
public welfare and is an industrious, progressive young man. 

J. W. DALE, grocer, Xenia, was born in Clinton County, 
Ohio, November 10, 1852, being the eldest of a family of four 
children born to Enoch and Margaret (Whittaker) Dale, natives 
of Ohio and Indiana respectivel}'. The father removed to Howard 
County, Indiana, in 1855, where he followed his occupation — that 
of a shoemaker — until the breaking out of the war, when he 
enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Indiana Regiment, 
and was taken sick and died at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1864. 
His widow survived him till 1869, when she died at Xenia. Our 
subject at the early age of eleven years was thrown upon his own 
resources, and began for himself by working on the farm, at 
which he continued until eighteen 3-ears old. At this age he 
accepted a clerkship in a store at Nevada, Indiana, and in 1869 
came to Xenia, and was employed as a clerk in a grocery store. 
In the fall of 1879 he began doing business for himself, and is 
now one 'of the substantial business men of Xenia. He carries a 
stock of $2,000, doing a business of $9,000 per year. He is a 
live business man, and has a large and profitable trade. Mr. 
Dale was married in 1876 to Miss Eliza Marine, a daughter 
of Asa and Ann (Somers) Marine. Four children were 
born to this union — Hale V., born October 31, 1877; Mabel, 
born November 4, 1879; Homer, born April 15, 1881, and Laura 
E., born November i, 1883. Mr. Dale is a Republican in poli- 
tics, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. 

HON. JOHN W. EWARD, a native of Decatur County, 
Indiana, was born September 6, 1836, and is the fifth son of a familj- 
of seven children, of whom James and Dorcas Eward were the 
parents, both natives of Nicholas County, Kentuck}-, the former 
born in 1S03 and the latter in 1806. They were married in their 
native count}-, and in 1831 removed to Decatur County, Indiana. 
The father who was a farmer was also engaged in the manufac- 
ture of flax-seed oil, and in 1845 he removed to Marion, Indiana, 
where his death occurred a year later. He was an honored citizen, 
and was connected with the Christian Church from boyhood. The 
mother still resides at Marion. John W. received a thorough, ordin- 
ary education in the public schools at Marion, Indiana, and while yet 
a boy, began learning the tanner's trade, at which he worked dur- 
ing the winter, and during the summer worked in the printing oflice 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 643 

at Marion, continuing in the latter until i860 when he began teach- 
ing school, and was thus engaged for two years. He then went 
into partnership with Judge Kell\' and purchased the Grant County 
Uiiioii, which partnership existed until the fall of 1862, when Judge 
Kelly was appointed Provost-Marshal. He then became associated 
with Judge Wallace, of Marion, who in the fall of 1863, was 
appointed paymaster of the army, and Mr. Eward continued to man- 
age the Union until the return of Judge Wallace, which was in 1864. 
They then purchased the Marion yonrnaf, consolidating it with the 
Union. The yotirnal was a Republican paper, and was published 
by the above named gentleman until 1S65, when Mr. Wallace 
retired. Mr. Eward continued its publication one year, when he dis- 
posed of his interest and came to Xenia, where he has since resided, 
identified with the best interests of Miami Countv. Upon coming 
to Xenia he was, till 1870, engaged in the mercantile business with 
J. W. Flinn & Son. He then began the practice of law, and as a 
Republican, was in 1872, elected to the State Legislature from 
Miami Countv, and ser\-ed in the special session of 1872 and the 
regular session of 1873, proving a wise and acceptable legislator. 
In 1876 he was elected Justice of the Peace of his township. He is 
one of the organizers and stock-holders of the Xenia Agricultural 
Society, of which he has been secretary twelve years. He also 
assisted in organizing the Old Settlers' Association, of which he has 
been president for eight years, and is a member of the I.* O. O. F. 
and Masonic fraternities, and the Christian Church. He was mar- 
ried in 1865 to Miss Rebecca York, by whom he is the father of 
four living children — Jessie L., Edgar D., Freddie and Elbert. 

JOHN O. FRAME, Justice of the Peace, born in Hunt- 
ington County, Indiana, June 16, 1843, is the third of a famil}' of six 
children born to Felix G. and Mary M. (Alexander) Frame both 
natives of Preble County, Ohio, where they were married, and 
removed to Huntington County, Indiana in 1840. The father was 
a wagon-maker by occupation, which he followed at Warren, 
Indiana, and was also engaged in keeping hotel. In the year 1849, 
he removed to Huntington where he remained one year, then 
removed to Iowa, remaining one year, then returned to to Hunting- 
ton where he resided until 1853. In the latter year he removed to 
a farm eight miles from Huntington, where his death occurred the 
same year. His widow survives him and lives at Andrews, Indiana. 
John O. was reared on a farm in his native county and was educated 
at the common schools. At the age of eighteen he enlisted as a 
private in Companj- F Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until 
the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged as Ser- 
geant. He participated in the following engagements: Port Gib- 
son, Champion Hill, siege of Vicksburg, Red River campaign and 
numerous other engagements, performing many gallant services for 



644 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

his country. After the war he returned to his native county and 
engaged in farming for a number of years. In 1875 he embarked 
in the mercantile business at River, Indiana, and was appointed the 
first Postmaster of that place. He remained in business there until 
1877, and in the following year removed to Xenia and engaged in 
the tin and stove business for a short time, and subsepuently took 
up the Insurance and Collecting business. In April, 1886, he was 
elected Justice of the Peace. In 1870 Mr. Frame was appointed 
and took the census of five townships of his, Huntington, Countv. 
He was married February 26, 1866, to Miss Ellen Miller, daughter 
of Leander H. Miller. Mrs. Frame was born July 22, 1846, in 
Wayne County, Indiana. Fiv'e children were born to this marriage : 
Effie M., Mary D., Laura E., Charles O. and Horace E. Mr. 
Frame is a Republican, a member of the Masonic fraternitv and G. 
A. R., and has always favored the advancement of all laudable pub- 
lic enterprises. 

E. K. FRIERMOOD, M. D., is a native of Clarke County, Ohio, 
where he was born December 29, 1843, second of ten children 
born to Jacob and Elizabeth (Baker) Friermood, who were also 
natives of Clarke County, Ohio, the former born in 1820 and the 
latter in 1822. The father is a farmer by occupation, and in 
185 1 removed with his family to Grant Count}', Indiana, where 
he now resides, and is well known and universally respected. 
The moth'er died in 1883. Dr. Friermood received a good prac- 
tical education at the common schools, and also attended school 
at Sprinfield, Ohio. In 1867 he began the study of medicine 
with Dr. Kimball, of Xenia, with whom he continued two years, 
and in February, 1869, graduated from Rush Medical College at 
Chicago. He soon after located at North Grove, Indiana, for the 
practice of his profession, where he remained for a short time, 
then removed to Wabash, Indiana, where he remained until 1877, 
in which year he located at Amboy, where he has since remained 
in actixe practice. He has secured a large and successful practice, 
and has the confidence and respect of the community. The Doc- 
tor took an active part in the late rebellion, enlisting August 16, 
1862, in Company I, Ninety-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and 
faithfullv served until the close of the war. He was in the follow- 
ing battles: Jackson, Miss., Dallas, Tex., the Atlanta campaigns. 
Mission Ridge, was with Sherman in the memorable march to the 
sea, and was at Washington, D. C, at the Grand Review. In 
November, 1870, he was married to Catherine V. Thomas, a 
native of Clarke County, Ohio. Seven children were born to 
this union, these five yet living: Wilbur R., Elizabeth, Georgi- 
ana, Flora and Florence (twins). In 1880 the Doctor was elected 
Trustee of his township, which othce he creditably filled to him- 
self and all concerned. He is a member of the Grant County 



BIOGRAPHICAI, SKETCHES. 645 

and State Medical Societies, also the Masonic order, and is a 
staunch Republican. 

JOHN E. HARRISON, dealer in Boots and Shoes, was born 
in Darke County, Ohio, September 25, 1830, the eldest child in a 
family of eight born to Harvey and Minerva J. (Downing) Harri- 
son. His parents were natives respectively of Barren County, Ken- 
tuck\-, and Darke County, Ohio, the former born in 1804 and the 
latter in 1809. The father was a physician and farmer, and came 
to Darke County, Ohio, where he married, engaged in farming and, 
where, in conjunction with farming, followed his chosen profession, 
and conducted a large and successful practice until his death, which 
occurred in 1865. His widow still lives on the old home in Darke 
Conntv, Ohio. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Jesse 
Harrison, a native of Kentucky, where he followed agricultural pur- 
suits and died in his native State. The maternal grandfather was 
John Downing, a native of South Carolina. He married Margaret 
Phares and removed to Ohio in the earh* settlement of that State, 
and where he died at the advanced age of ninet}- -seven years. His 
wife died during the late war. John E. Harrison was raised on the 
old homestead in his native county, where he received a common 
school education. September 9, 1861, he enhsted in Company G, 
Fortv-fourth Ohio Volunteer hifantry, and ser\'ed until August, 
1865, when he was honorably dischared as Second Sergeant. He 
participated in the following engagements: Lewisburg, Va., May 
22, 1862; siege of Knoxville, December, 1863, and Beverly, W. Va., 
and other engagements. He was captured by the enemy and taken 
to Libby Prison, where he was held thirty-five days, and passed 
through all the horrors of southern prison life during the war. 
Returning from the war to Ohio, he engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness till 1869, in which year, he removed to Xenia, where he also 
engaged in the mercantile business, and later, in the boot and shoe 
business. Mr. Harrison is among the leading men of Xenia, and by 
strict attention to business has an established trade, which requires 
his entire attention, and which he justly merits. He is a Republi- 
can in politics, and commander of Post G. A. R. He was united in 
marriage on February 15, 1855, to Miss Harriet Benson, a native of 
Darke County, Ohio. Two living children by this union — Minerva 
E. and Nora J. 

PETER HELMS, an old and highly esteemed citizen of Miami 
County, Indiana, was born in Bedford County, Penn.sylvania, Janu- 
ary 24, i8ii. He is the fifth of a family of six children born to 
Frederick and Mary (Wilson) Helms, natives respectively of Penn- 
sylvania and Maryland. Frederick Helms was by occupation a 
farmer and in 1820 removed with his family to Ohio where he 
resided until his death. Jacob Helm, the paternal grand-father was 
a native of Germany and came to America previous to the Revo- 



646 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

lutionary war, in which he served his adopted country. He later 
engaged in keeping hotel near Bradford, Pennnsylvania, where he 
died at an advanced age. The maternal grand-father was Caleb 
Wilson, who was a native of Maryland and of Irish extraction. 
Peter Helms was reared on a farm, and his educational training 
received in the common schools, and at an early age learned the 
carpenter's trade at which he worked for a number of years. In 
the fall of 1848 he came to Miami Countv and settled in Union 
Township where he lived three years, then removed to Jefferson 
Township, and thence in 1863 to Jackson Township, locating on his 
present farm, which consists of 160 acres of fine and well improved 
land. Lydia Jacobs, a native of Pickaway Count}-, Ohio, born 
March 11, 1820, a daughter of Charles Jacobs, became liis wife in 
the year 1840. This union was blessed with the following family: 
Riley, born November 29, 1840; Oron, born February, 1845; 
Mahala, born October 3, 1847: Harmon, born March 24, 1850; 
Charles, born June 14, 1854; Isaac, born January 22, 1857 and Allen, 
born February 2, 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Helms are highly respected 
in the community in which they live. . He has always advocated 
the cause of the Democratic party, having cast his first ballot for 
Andrew Jackson in 18^2. 

DR. JEREMIAH S. KELSEY, one of the leading physi- 
cians of Xenia, is descended from a famih- of that name, who were 
of Puritan stock, dating back to the early days of the colonies. His 
paternal grandfather, William Kelsey, was among the first to volun- 
his services in 181 2, in which war he died while fightin<r for the 
principles of his country, his wife being before marriage Miss 
Martha t?tansell. The father of William Kelsey, at the age of 
thirteen was, with an elder brother, captured by the Indians, and on 
trying to make their escape the eldest brother was killed and 
scalped, the Indians compelling the surviving brother to carr\- his 
brother's scalp. He afterward made his escape and located in 
Montgomery County, Ohio, where he was known as one of the 
most prosperous agriculturalists of the county. The grandfather 
on the maternal side was John Miller, an early settler of Ohio, 
but remo\ed to Carroll County, Indiana, in 1852, where he died 
at the age of eighty-four years. The parents of our subject are 
Thomas and Athelia Kelsey, natives of Montgomery County, Ohio. 
The father was a farmer by occupation and removed to Carroll 
Count^•, Indiana, in 1850, where he resided until his death, which 
occurred at the age of sixty-five. His widow survives him and 
resides in Carroll County. Dr. Kelsey is the second child in a 
family of five born to his parents, his birth occurring November 
29, 1842, in Dayton, Ohio. After receiving his preliminary edu- 
cation in the common schools of his native State, he completed 
his schooling with a collegiate course. He began the study of 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 647 

medicine at Delphi, Indiana, under Dr. E. W. H. Beck, and dur- 
ing the winter of 1S63 and '64 he attended the Medical Depart- 
ment of the State University at Ann Arbor, Michigan. He later 
entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, from which 
institution he graduated March 15, 1866. In the same j'ear he 
began the practice of his profession in Carroll County, Indiana, 
where he was successfully engaged until March, 1886. At the 
latter date he removed to Xenia, and began practicing in part- 
nership with Dr. A. D. Kimball, and this firm ranks among the 
first practitioners of the county. Dr. Kelsey is an enterprising 
and esteemed citizen, and a member of the F. and A. M. He 
was married June 23, 1870, to Miss Marj- Koutz, a daughter of 
Rev. W. P. Koutz, who is a graduate of the Logansport schools, 
and an esteemed lady. Fi\e children were the fruits of this 
union, viz: Mary B. (deceased), Thomas W., Eleanor B., Julia 
R. and George F. 

JOHN KENDALL was born in Holmes Count\', Ohio, on 
March 27, 1845. John and Susannah (Yadee) Kendall were his 
parents, both of whom were of German descent. Both were child- 
ren when they moved from Penns3lvania to Ohio, and there they 
were married, there the subject of this sketch was born, he spend- 
ing his boyhood there at work upon liis father's farm. In 1863, 
he, with his parents, removed to Miami County, Indiana. 
The father died the same year he moved there. Mr. Ken- 
dall has four brothers and sisters, by name Abraham, Barbara, Diana 
and Lvdia living. The i6th of December, 1866, John married 
Diana Shrock, a daughter of Benjamin J. and Mary (Keck) Shrock. 
To this union were born seven children, viz: Sarah Ann, Mary, 
Alvin, Benjamin, Angeline, Abe and Diana. Diana and Mary are 
deceased. On April 19, 1877, his wife also passed away, and, after 
remaining a widower for five vears, he was on the 4th day of June, 
1882, married to Marv Alice Aldrich, a daughter of John and 
Annie | Alian l Aldrich. Four children ha\e since blessed this 
union : Edna May, Eda Maud, Charley and Elizabeth. Mr. Ken- 
dall is a firm believer in the principles of the Democratic party. He 
began life a poor boy, and has, bv dint of industry and perseverance, 
gained one of the best little farms in tlie township. It contains 150 
acres, and has finel\- impro\ed buildings. Mr. Kendall is an enter- 
prising, energetic young farmer and a number one citizen. 

A. B. KIMBALL, farmer, was born in Coshocton County, 
Ohio, May 23, 1828, son of Abner and Nancy (Jeffreys) Kim- 
ball, natives of New Hampshire and Pennsylvania, respectively. 
The father removed to Coshocton Countv, Ohio, in about 1822, 
where he engaged in farming, which vocation he followed with 
encouraging success, making it his life work. He died in Ohio 
at the advanced age of ninety-six, his wife dying at the age of 



648 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

sixty-one. The paternal grandfather, Moses Kimball, was a 
native of England, was married to Jemima Clement, and came 
to America in colonial times. He was a blacksmith by trade, 
took an active part in the Revolutionary war, and at the battle 
of Bunker Hill had his thumb shot off. He subsequently 
removed to Ohio, where he died near the town of Warren. 
Joseph Jeffrevs, the maternal grandfather, was also a native of 
England, was married to a Scotch lad}- and emigrated to Amer- 
ica, setthng in Pennsvlvania, later removing to Ohio, where he 
passed the remainder of his vears. Our subject was reared on 
a farm in his native county, receiving a good academic educa- 
tion, and at the age of twentv-three began life for himself as a 
farmer. In i860 he removed to Miami Countv, Ind., and 
located on his present farm, the larger portion of which was at 
that time a dense forest. He cleared his farm, which contains 
eightv-two and one-half acres, and by industry has made it one 
of the most productive in the township. On March 20, 1851, 
he was united in marriage with Lydia J. Liggett, a daughter 
of Isaac and Ruth (Ewing) Liggett, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. 
Kimball was also born in Pennsylvania, Dec. 4, 1827. To them 
three children have been born, whose names are Moses P., bom 
Nov. 2, 1852. died July 31, 1859; Einley A., born March 19, 
1857, and Frank J., born yVugust 3, 1871. Mr. Kimball is held 
in high esteem as a w-orthy citizen, and himself and wife are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he has 
been identified since the age of fourteen vears. 

ROSCOE KIMPLE was born in Peru, Indiana. June 23, 
1861. He is the eldest of a family of three children born to Henrj- 
and Maria A. (Weesner) Kimple, natives of Wabash Countj-, 
Indiana. In 1859 the father removed to Peru, where, in partner- 
ship with Judge Ross, he was engaged in the mercantile business 
for a number of vears. In 1866 he returned to his native county, 
and resided until his death, which occurred in 1869. His widow 
survives him and resides at Xenia. Roscoe received a good 
practical education, graduating from the Somerset, Indiana, High 
School at the age of sixteen. He then taught school in Wabash 
Count\' for three years. During the winter of 1882-3 he attended 
the law department of the Ann Arbor University in Michigan, 
and in March, 1883, was admitted to the bar at Ann Arbor: also 
to practice in the Supreme Court, and was the same year 
admitted to the bar at Wabash County. Indiana. He soon after 
located at Kenia, where he has since been in the active practice 
of his profession, exxepting for a short time, during which he in 
partnership with A. L. Lawshe, established the Xenia yoiirnal, 
and with whom he continued until 1884. Mr. Kimple is a Repub- 
lican in politics and one of the promising young men of the countj'. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 649 

ABRAHAM L. LAWSHE, editor and proprietor of the 
Xenia younial, is a native of Wabash County, Indiana, born at the 
town of Somerset on the 6th day of October, i860. His father, 
Henr}' D. Lawshe, was born in Lambertsville, New Jersey, July 9, 
1816, and early learned the carpenter and builder's trade, at which 
he worked several years in the citj- of Philadelphia. He subse- 
quently came to Indiana, locating at Elizabeth, Switzerland County, 
where on the nth day of May, 1844, he was united in marriage 
with Mrs. Hester A. Burgett, daughter of John and Ann ( V'anTas- 
sell) Richmond, of New York. Mrs. Lawshe w-asbornin the town 
of Allensville, Indiana, in 1820, and by her marriage with Mr. Law- 
she had a family of eight children, four of whom, Thomas, Oscar, 
Dr. Isaac F. and A. L., are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Lawshe 
moved to Wabash County in the year 1853, and settled at the vil- 
lage of Somerset, where they still reside. They are both perman- 
ent members of the German Baptist or Dunkard Church, and have 
ever been noted for their active exertions in the interest of that 
denomination. A. L. Lawshe received a good education in the 
graded school of Somerset, and at the age of seventeen, appren- 
ticed himself to learn the printer's trade in the office of the Wabash 
Courier, Wabash, Indiana, where he continued two vears, going to 
Indianapolis at the end of that time, in which cit\' he finished his 
trade in the printing and job otlice of Randall & Fish. He then 
accepted the position of foreman on the Wabash Courier, and after 
remaining in that capacity until 1883, established a job printing office 
in Wabash, which he continued until December, 18S4, when he came 
to Xenia, and in partnership with Roscoe Kimple, founded the 
Xenia youriial, one of the most successful local papers in Northern 
Indiana. He purchased his partner's interest at the end of the first 
}-ear, since which time he has been sole editor and proprietor, the 
paper under his management ha\ing won for itself a reputation sec- 
ond to that of no other in Miami County. Mr. Lawshe is a natural 
born journalist, a pungent and forcible writer, and with a determina- 
tion to adhere to his profession, has before him a very promising 
future. He is a man of strong convictions, fearless in the expression 
of his opinions, and, although a Republican, is independent in the 
discussion of leading political issues of the day. On the i8th of Octo- 
ber, 1882, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Ann Sweetser, 
daughter of James and Mary (Lowman) Sweetzer, a union blessed 
with the birth of two children. 

AARON MICHAEL. Trustee, a native of Delaware County, 
Indiana, was born January 27, 1842. He is the eldest son of David 
and Martha A. (Brener) Michael, natives of Maryland and Ken- 
tucky respectively. The father came to Ohio, thence to Indiana in 
1846 and subsequentK- settled in Grant County, where he was en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits till 1866, when he removed to Wis- 



650 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

consin, where he died in the year of i88i,his wife following a year 
later. They were highly respected by all svho knew them, and 
worthy members of the Christian Church. Our subject was reared 
on a farm, received a common school education, and on attaining 
his majority learned the blacksmith's trade, which he has since 
principally followed. He first located at Roseburg, Indiana, where 
he followed his trade till 1873, when he removed to Xenia and has 
since resided there. He is a good mechanic, commanding a large pat- 
ronage and is also held in high esteem as a worthy citizen, and is now 
filling his second term as trustee of his township. He has also 
served in the town council and school board. Mr. Michael was 
married in i860 to Miss Hester A. Morgan, a native of Ohio. Of 
a familv of four children born to this union, these two, 'Daniel R. 
and George R. are yet li\ing. Mr. Michael is a member of the I. 
O. O. F. and a Democrat m politics. 

JOHN W. MINOR, a son of John and Polly (Owens) Minor, 
was born the 14th of August, 1840, in Boyle County, Kentucky. 
The father was of English descent, and was born on July 4. 1790. 
He came to Kentucky- and there met the mother, who was born 
April 18, 1799, a native of that State. Thev were married 
Februar\- 5, 1818, to which union twelve children were born — • 
Sarah, Jeremiah, Edward, Mason, William. Dixon L., Martha 
Jane, Nancv, Elias, David, Logan and Johm \V. Of these Sarah, 
William, Dixen, Martha Jane, Nancy and John are still living. 
Mr. John Minor, the subject of this sketch, was raised on his 
father's farm in Kentucky, receiving a limited education, and in 
1854 the famih' came to Hamilton, County, Indiana. At the age 
of fifteen Mr. Minor began life for himself, going to Missouri, 
and in i860 came back to Indiana, and, farming until February, 
1865, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Forty-sev- 
enth Indiana Volunteers, and received an honrable discharge in 
August of the same year. In October, 1S65, he was married to 
Amelia Haskett, a daughter of Solomon and Lvdia (Ridge way) 
Haskett, a lady of English descent. This union was blessed by 
four children — Maud Evelina, Ulysses Kosby, Fannie Jane and 
John H. On March 8. 1872, John H. died, and the wife 
followed on January 26, 1874. John W. Minor had come 
to this count}- in 1865, settling in Harrison Township, where 
his father passed away November 9, 1869, and was followed by 
the mother one week afterwards, and in 1873 he settled on the 
farm on which he now lives, in section 35, Jackson Township. 
On September 2, 1875, Mr. Minor was married to Sarah Lind- 
ley, the dau<rhter of Thomas and Pegcv Lindlev, natives of 
Orange Count}-, Indiana. There were two children born to them 
— Lindlev Erta, who died when little over a month old, and Cora 
Ethel, born December 2, 1877. Beginning life a poor boy, Mr. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 65 I 

Minor has worked hard, and has by dint of industry and perse- 
verance gained a beautiful home of 150 acres of as fine land as 
any in the township, and on which are the best of modern 
improvements. 

LEVIN G. MURPHY, lumber dealer and leading citizen of 
Xenia, was born in Shelby County, Ohio, October i, 1841, is 
the fourth child, and one of the five children of George G. and 
Margaret (Arbuckle) Murphj-, the former a native of Delaware, 
born Februar}' 29, 1808, and the latter a native of Preble Count}', 
Ohio, born in November 18 13. The father in earl}- life followed 
the trade of a carpenter, and in 1849, removed with his family 
to Miami County, Indiana, locating at Peoria, where he engaged 
in saw-milling and where he now resides. The paternal grand- 
father was Reuben Murphy, a native of Delaware, and died 
with the cholera in Ohio in 1849. Samuel Arbuckle, the mater- 
nal grandfather, was a native of Pennsylvania, was a soldier in 
the war of 1812, a farmer by occupation and died in Hamilton 
County, Ohio. Our subject was reared by his parents, his edu- 
cation being acquired in the common schools. September 11, 
■1861, he enlisted in Company B, Fortieth Indiana Volunteer Infan- 
try, and served until December 9, 1864. He took part in a num- 
ber of engagements, among which were Shiloh, siege of Corinth, 
Stone River, in which he recived a slight wound in the left 
shoulder and head, battle of Tullahoma, and with his brigade 
was the first to enter Chattanooga. His next battles were Mission 
Ridge, Knoxville, Buzzard Roost Gap, in the last named he was 
wounded in the leg, the battle of Resaca, New Hope Church, 
Kenesaw Mountain, in that famous charge of June 27, 1864, where 
he received a wound in the left eye, totally destroying the sight 
of that organ, and which effectually ended his militarj' career. 
He never wavered in the immediate discharge of such duties as 
devohed upon him, and throughout iiis military career was a brave 
and efficient soldier. He returned to Miami County after the war 
and engaged in the lumber business, in which he has success- 
fully continued. Mr. Murphy was united in marriage January i, 
1872, to Miss Marv C. Slocum, and one daughter has blessed 
their union, Ethel, born Jaiuiarv 19 1875. Mrs. Murphv is a 
native of Huron Count}-, Ohio, born February 7, 1846. Her 
parents are George and Eliza (Pierce) Slocum, natives of Peru, 
the father born July 3, 1823, and the mother March 12, 1825. 
They removed to Wabash Countv, Indiana, in the fall of 1846, 
where the father died January 20, i860. The mother is still 
living and resides in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are among 
the best citizens of Xenia. He is a Republican and a member 
of the G. A. R. 

WILLIAM OVERMAN, a son of Jesse and Keziah (Stubbs) 



652 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Overman, was born in Butler County, Ohio, on the 7th of Febru- 
ary, 1816. When he was seven years of age his parents moved to 
Wayne County, where Mr. Overman was raised on his father's 
farm, receiving an education sufficient to enable him to teach six 
winters in the public schools of the State. During his boyhood 
Mr. Overman staid on his father's farm helping to clear it up, and 
was at home more or less until at the age of twenty-nine, when he 
was married to Nancy 0\'erman, a daughter of Cornelius and 
Rebecca Overman, and a second cousin to Mr. Overman. The 
young couple on the last day of 1845 came to Miami County and 
settled on 160 acres of land in Harrison Township which they 
entered from the Government. When they came here the land had 
not been surveyed and the Indians were still thick in the forest. 
Here thev began to clear the land, building a little log cabin with 
the usual stick chimney. Here all the family, with the exception of 
Martha Ann, a native of Wayne County, were born. Their names 
are Mary Jane, Elijah F., George, Irvin C, Nathan A. and luna. 
Elijah, Irvin, Nathan and luna are still living. On the 6th day of 
Jul}', 1869, the wife was taken away. Remaining a widower for 
two years he was, on the Sth of November, 1871, married to Mrs. 
Marv Annis, daughter of Benjamin and Mary Binford, with whom he 
he lived on the farm until in 1S85 when he moved to Amboy, where 
now resides. Mr. and Mrs. O. are members of the Friends Church. 
Beginning Hfe in poor circumstances, Mr. Overman has worked 
hard, and has, bv dint of industry and perseverance, gained a tine 
and well cultivated farm. He is the oldest citizen of Amboy, and his 
family has grown to be one of the most respected in the communit}-. 
There is a tradition in the Overman family to the effect that 
several generations ago three brothers by the name of Overman 
came to the United States from Germany, and from these all the 
Overmans of the country are descended, at any rate they are a very 
old family of the Carolinas, the grandfather being Isaac and the father 
Ephraim, to whom on the 17th day of October, 1782, was born Jesse, 
the father of William, Elijah and Joseph, all old residents of Miami 
County. Mr. Jesse Overman was a native of Pasquotank, N. C, 
being raised and educated on his father's farm at that place. 
The family left North Carolina for Virginia, and in 1807 emi- 
grated to Indiana, then the far west and nothing but a howling 
wilderness, and settled in Waj-ne, where the city of Richmond 
now stands, and burned the stumps from the place where there 
are now large buildings. In 1810 Mr. Overman went to Preble 
County, and there in the Friends' Church was united in wedlock 
with Kesiah Stubbs, a native of Georgia, a lady of German de- 
scent. Beginning his married life in Butler County, most of his 
family of thirteen children, by name, Henry, Eli, Elizabeth, Wil- 
liam,' Rachel, Rebecca, Ephraim, Nathan, Enoch and Elijah, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 653 

Joseph, Hannah and Mary were born. Elizabeth, Rachel and 
Mar} are dead. In 1823 he moved his family to Wayne County, 
Ind., where he raised and educated them. In 1835 the mother 
died, and the children growing up have married and raised fam- 
ilies. About 1847 or '48 he came to Miami County, where sev- 
eral of his children had preceded him, and lived around among 
them until his death, which occurred on the 21st of September, 
1869. Mr. and Mrs. Overman were both members of the 
Friends' Church, and the remains of this sturdy pioneer now repose 
in the Amboy grave yard. Coming to this country when all was 
wilderness, ftlr. Overman carved a home out of the forest and 
raised a family a credit to himself and the community, and at 
last sinking under the weight of years, sought the haven where 
so many of his friends had preceded him. 

JOSEPH POWELL, a native of England, was born April 17, 
1816, son of Thomas and Henriette (Howell) Powell, natives of 
England. They, in about 1818, emigrated to America, and located 
in \'irginia, thence to Coshocton County, Ohio, where they resided 
until their deaths. The father was a farmer b}- occupation, 
which he followed with more than ordinarj^ success, and was an 
intelligent gentleman and in every respect a worth}- citizen. Our 
subject was reared on his father's farm, received a fair English edu- 
cation in the countr}' schools, and made his own start in life as a 
farmer, which business he has carried on all his life with good suc- 
cess. He remained in Ohio until 1849, ^^ which time he came to 
Miami County, Indiana, and located in Jackson Township, purchas- 
ing 143 acres of land upon which there was no improvement of any 
kind. He went to work with a will, and within a few jears, estab- 
lished a comfortable home, where he has since resided. He was 
married January 30, 1839, ^'^ ^'^'^^ Margaret Leighninger, a native 
of Coshocton County, Ohio, born October 12, 1819, a daughter of 
George and Mary (Wolf) Leighninger. The following family 
were born to this marriage, namely: Emily S., Mary H., Louisa, 
John C. (deceased), Francis W., who served in the late war, 
and took ill from exposure and died at home, March 28, 1864; 
Lewis, Henry C, Ella, William R. E. (deceased), Alonso J. and 
Carrie. . Mr. Powell and family are members of the Methodist 
Church, in which he has been steward and class leader for many 
years. He is a man of sterling qualities, and highly esteemed in 
the community in which he lives. He is a Republican in politics, 
and has been called to till several minor otiicial positions. 

HENRY J. RAUSMAN, a prosperous merchant at Xenia, 
was born in Germany, November 19, 1842. His father dying, 
when he was but tive years old, his mother again married, and 
together with his mother and step-father, he, at the age of nine 
years, came to America. He received but a moderate schooling in 



654 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

youth, and began at the age of fourteen for himself by working on 
a farm. He later learned the moulder's trade at which he contin- 
ued to work until the fall of 1861, when he enlisted in Company 
K, Forty-eighth Ohio Regiment with which he served until Maj- 
25, 1866, when he was honorably discharged as Quarter-Master 
Sergeant. He participated in the following engagements : Shiloh, 
April sixth, seventh and eighth, 1862, in which he was slightly 
wounded in the left arm; siege and capture of Corinth, Mississippi, 
April 29th to 30th, 1862; Holly Springs, Mississippi, June 30th, 
1862; Chickasaw Bluffs, Mississippi, December 28, 1862, to Janu- 
ary I, 1863; Arkansas Post, Arkansas, Januarj^ 11, 1863; Port 
Gibson, May i, 1863; Champion Hill, Mississippi, May 16, 1863; 
Big Black River Bridge, Mississippi, May 17, 1863: Siege of 
Vicksburg, Mississippi, from May 19 to July 4, 1863; Siege and 
Capture of Jackson, Mississippi, July 10 to Jul}- 17, 1863; Saline 
Cross Roads, Louisana, April 8, 1864; Cane River, Louisana, 
April 23, 1864; Yellow Bayou, Louisana, May 18, 1864: Escambia 
River, Florida, March 26, 1865; siege and capture of Fort Blakely, 
Alabama, from April first to ninth, 1865. Since the war Mr. 
Rausman has been engaged in various occupations, and in 1872 
he came to Xenia, where he was employed as a clerk in a store, 
continuing in this until 1876. In the latter 3-ear he embarked in 
general merchandising on his own responsibilit}', and has estab- 
lished an extensive trade and carries a well assorted stock amount- 
ing to about $7,000. He began life poor, and by industry and 
good management he has secured a cornfortable income and 
established a reputation as an honorable upright citizen. He was 
married in 1866 to Rebecca McBride, who died March 29, 1885, 
He chose for his second wife and present companion, Mrs. Mary 
E. Strayton. Mr. Rausman is a Republican in pohtics and a 
member of the G. A. R. 

JOHN J. ROSBURGH, grocer, was born in Fayette County, 
Ohio, December 28, 1828, son of John and Nancy (McDonald) 
Rosburgh, both of whom are natives of Virginia. The father 
was a soldier in the war of 181 2, and a farmer, which vocation 
he followed through life; his death occured in Ohio in 1842, in his 
fifty-third year. His widow survived him till 1882. The pater- 
nal grandfather was Robert Rosburgh, a native of New Jersey, 
and died in Virginia. The great grandfather was a native of 
Scotland, and came to America previous to the Revolutionary 
war, in which he was an active participant. Our subject's early 
life was passed on his father's farm in Ohio, and attending the 
common schools, from which he obtained a fair education. He 
learned the trade of carpentering and cabinet making, and in 1869 
came to Randolph County, Indiana, and thence to Xenia in 1873, 
where he worked at his trade until 1882. In this year he 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 655 

res«lved to embark in business for himself and accordingly opened 
a grocery on Main street, where he has prospered and has a 
steadily increasing business. Mr. Rosburgh was married in Ohio 
in 1852, to Miss Sarah E. Dowden, by whom he is the father of 
seven children, only one of whom is living, Harry. Mr. Rosburgh 
is a member of the I. O. O. F. and F. and A. M., and politically is a 
Democrat. 

REUBEN W. SMITH, M. D., the oldest established physician 
of Xenia, is a son of John and Isabel (Murph}-) Smith. The 
father was born in North Carolina, February 17, 1804, and is of 
English and Irish descent. He was brought to Indiana by his 
parents in 1806, they locating where the town of Richmond now 
stands. He was a farmer by occupation, and moved to Howard 
County, Indiana, in 1848. Here he was elected the first Justice 
of the Peace of his township. He resided in Howard County 
until 1872, when he returned to Henry County, where his death 
occurred in 1883. His wife preceded him in 1835. The father 
of John and grandfather of our subject was Robert Smith, who 
died in Henry Count}-, Indiana, his father being John Smith, one 
of the first settlers and merchants of Richmond, Indiana. The 
maternal grandfather of our subject was James Murphy, a native 
of Ireland, a soldier in the war of 181 2, and died at Hagerstown, 
Indiana. Dr. Reuben W. Smith was the only son of his parents, 
and his birth occurred in Henry County, Indiana, November 29, 
183 1. His early education was obtained in the common schools, 
finishing the same at the State University at Bloomington. At 
the age of 22 he began the study of medicine at Wabash, Indi- 
ana, under the direction of Dr. Holloway, and in the session of 
1855 and 1856 attended the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, 
after which he entered upon the practice of his profession at 
Farmland, Indiana. Here he remained until 1858, when he located 
at Xenia. The term of 1870 and 1871 he attended the Indiana 
Medical College at Indianapolis, from which he graduated in the 
latter year. In beginning the practice of his profession in Miami 
County, he has not only gained a lucrative practice in this and 
adjoining counties, but is recognized as one of the ablest physi- 
cians the county affords. He is a member of the Grant County 
and State Medical Societies, the Masonic fraternity, and in poli- 
tics he is a Democrat. The Doctor was married in 1857 to Miss 
Matilda E. Franklin, a daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Per- 
sonate) Franklin, of Henr^* Count}', Indiana. Five children were 
born to this union — Edgar A., John E., Benjamin F., Jennie M. 
and Mary B. (deceased). 

NELSON T. TILMAN, proprietor of the Tilman House, is 
a native of Darke County Ohio, his birth occurring May 8, 1835, 
a son of Jacob and Mary (Thomas) Tilman, natives of South 



656 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Carolina and Tennessee respectively- The father removed with 
his parents to Tennessee, thence to Ohio, where he resided until 
1843, in which year he came to Wabash County, Indiana, where 
he followed farming, and died in 1869. His widow surviving 
him until 1871. The paternal grandfather was Tobias Tilman a 
native of Germany, who came to America and served his adopted 
country in the Revolutionary war, was a farmer, and was mar- 
ried to Catharine Sharp, also a native of Germany. They died 
in Darke County Ohio. The maternal grandfather, John Thomas, 
was also a native of Germany, was married to Catherine Albright. 
He served in the war of 181 2 and died in Darke Count}-, Ohio, 
as did also his wife. Nelson T. Tilman was reared on a farm 
and came with his parents to Wabash County, Indiana, and at 
the age of Twenty he began doing for himself by engaging in 
saw-milling and the lumber business. He continued in this for a 
period of eleven 5'ears, then engaged irf the mercantile business for 
one year, and then farmed for three j-ears. In 1868 he came to 
Xenia and engaged in the drug business, continuing till the fall 
of 1885, since then he has conducted the Tilman House, of which 
he is the present popular proprietor. In 1856 his marriage with 

Miss Sarah A. • was solemnized, and one child, Minerva C, 

blessed this union. In 1864, Mrs. Tilman died, and in 1866 he 
was united in marriage with Jerusha A. Druley, who died No- 
vember 27, 1880, after bearing the following children: Edy T., 
Ora L., Bertha, Cassandra, Mary and Edith. He chose for his 
third wife, Clara Atchinson, who died shortly after marriage. Mr. 
Tilman's fourth and present companion was formerly Mrs. Mary 
E. Hadle}-. Mr. Tilman has, by industry-, accumulated a com- 
fortable income. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and politically is a Republican. 

CHARLES N. WALES, postmaster at Xenia, is a native 
of Union Count}-, Indiana, where he was born, August 15, 1845, 
the youngest of eight children born to James and Jane (Haynes) 
Wales, the former a native of Susse.xshire, England, born in 1789 
and the latter a native of Tennessee, born in 1805. The father 
came to Union County, Indiana, in 1819, where he followed farm- 
ing, and resided there until his death, February 29, 1856. His 
widow still survives and is living in Miami County at an advanced 
age. Peter Wales, the paternal grand-father of Charles N., was 
a native of England, was married to Martha Cafhn and resided 
in his native countr}- all his life. The maternal grandfather was 
Richard Haynes, a native of Virginia, born in the year of 1763, 
was a farmer b}- occupation, a soldier in the Revolutionary War, 
and died in Union County, Indiana. Charles N. was raised to 
manhood in his native county, where he received a common 
school education and in 1873, eame to Miami County, located at 



I 



"r-s^SKiii, 



:mv 



1 





of O'.^^.^. y^, B. 



JKFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 659 

Xenia and engaged in the hardware business for one year and 
then for a period was engaged in the lumber business. In the 
fall of 1885 he was appointed Postmaster at Xenia and in addi- 
tion to this he carries a stock of blank books, stationery, etc. 
He was married in September, 1876, to Miss Clara Kimball, by 
whom he is the father of one living child, Fannie. Mr. Wales 
is a member of the Masonic fraternit}' and a Democrat in poli- 
tics. 



CHAPTER XV. 



Jefferson Township — Physical Features — Early Settlers 
— Pioneer Life — Industries — Religious History — Early 
Events — Mexico — Denver — Stringtown — Biographical 
Sketches. 

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP was named in honor of the great 
Statesman and President, Thomas Jefferson. It is situated 
near the west-central part of the county, and contains a super- 
ficial area of about thirty-three square miles, or 21,120 acres of 
land, with the following boundaries: Union Township on the 
north, Richland and Peru Townships on the east, Peru on the 
south and Cass County on the west. The surface of the country 
is level in some parts and pleasantly diversified in others. Eel 
River flows through the township from northeast to southwest 
and receives in its course a number of small tributaries which 
traverse the country in various directions. A part of the country 
lying adjacent to the river is high and rolling, while other sec- 
tions on the opposite side are comparatively level and character- 
ized by a deep soil which for general agricultural purposes is not 
excelled by that of any other part of Indiana. Jefferson is with- 
out doubt the best and most highly improved farming district of 
Miami County, a claim which all who have seen her elegant 
country residences, commodious barns, large stock farms, and 
other evidences of thrift and prosperit)' visible on every hand, 
will readily acknowled<re. 

The river bottoms are unsurpassed for the production of 
the leading cereals while all parts of the township produce 
abundantly all the crops and fruits adapted to the climate of 
Northern Indiana. The whole area of the township was origi- 
nally a dense forest but the steady drain upon it for fuel and 

24 



66o HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

manufacturing purposes has materiallj' reduced the original suppl)'. 
In the remaining forests may be found a good proportion of 
beech, elm, maple poplar, ash, black and white walnut and the 
different species of oak. Both iron and lead ores have recently 
been discovered near Denver in the northeastern part of the 
township, but as yet the mineral wealth of the country has not 
been developed. 

Settlers. — -Within the area of Jefferson Township were made 
some of the earliest permanent settlements of Miami Countv- 
"Doubtless the question will arise as to how it happened that the 
pioneers selected the lands in this part of the county in preference 
to that of some other township." A partial answer is found, per- 
haps, in the following: While the earlv survev ol Miami Count}' 
proved a great benelit in determining and fixing beyond dispute the 
location of claims, there were details unnoticed which were of the 
utmost importance in deciding the pioneer's choice of a home. A 
fertile soil was an important consideration, but not any more import- 
ant than others which have long since become absolute. The 
demands of the pioneer grew out of the undeveloped conditions of 
the country, and made him a hunter as well as a tiller of the soil. 
His resources as well as inducements for the cultivation of the land 
were of the most limited kind, and obliged him to depend upon 
nature far more than upon art for his subsistence. His education 
and experience prepared him to prefer this kind of existence, and 
while he sought a locality which was likeh' to invite immigration and 
thus lead to the appreciation of his pre-emption, his main hope of 
ultimate competence, his experience led him to seek a land where 
the meager demands for the supplies of his familj- could be most 
readily supplied. This implied a rich soil, an abundance of game, 
a good range for his few head of stock, convenient materials for the 
construction of his rude dwelling,- and an abundent supplv of good 
water. These conditions were all happily blended in this highlv 
favored part of the country." "Through the central part of the town- 
ship, from east to west, flows Eel river, adjacent to which were found 
■dense forests indicating a deep, rich soil." Springs bubbled up in 
various parts of the country which, with the natural drainage of the 
land, were among the many inducements that lured the pioneer to 
locate his home in what is now the garden spot of Miami. But 
what excited the admiration of the emigrant, as much as any 
of these things, was the profusion of game which every where 
abounded, and included beasts of nearly every American kind. 
Deer, moving in small companies or herding together to the number 
of a hundred or more, thronged the woods, while an occasional bear 
and wolves in large numbers, were also found, adding piquancy to 
the mingled duty and pleasure of the hunt. Turkeys, foxes, and 
those woodland friends of man, the squirrel and raccoon, were 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 66l 

hiudly deemed worthy tlie ammunition and trouble to kill them, 
while the streams swarmed with water fowl and the choicest varie- 
ties of the linny tribe, which served to vary the pioneer's bill of fare, 
hito this highly favored localit}- the older settlements sent foi'th an 
eager settlement ready to riot in its charms, and fte earl}' as 1830, 
several claims were located and patents for the same obtained from 
the Government. 

On December 13th of the above year one Samuel Walkin- 
son, who came to the county on a tour of inspection, entered the 
northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 6, township 
27 north, range 3 east, and erected a small cabin on the present 
site of Mexico, to which he removed his family the following 
spring. This, from the most reliable information accessible, appears 
to have been the first settlement attempted within the boundar- 
ies of Jefferson. "Mr. Wilkinson laid claim to much land adjoin- 
ing his place, which he and his sons subsequently entered." "He 
had seven sons — Ratliffe, John, Jacob, Jesse, William, Simeon 
and Baalam, all of whom took an active part in the earl}' devel- 
opment of the country." "At this time it required almost an iron 
constitution, a determined resolution, supported by untiring energy 
to grapple successfully with the many obstacles presented, and 
procure the necessaries of life until a crop could be raised." 
"The Wilkinsons were true types of the pioneer settlers of fifty 
years ago, and so well did they play their parts that others, stimu- 
lated by their example, were induced later in the year to take up 
their abode in the wild woods of Jefferson." They were Wood 
Beard, who located near the central part of the township, and Abra- 
ham Beard, who laid claim to the land owned at this time by J. T. 
Hood. Contemporaneous with the above were William Smith, who 
took a claim near the present site of Mexico; John Smith, who 
made some improvements on what is known as the Leonard farm, 
not far from the village, and Thomas Smith, who settled in the 
same locality. William Conner moved to the country in 1832, and 
chose for his home what is known as the Brower and Bond farm, 
about one mile north of Mexico. Mr. Conner was a natural-born 
hunter, and spent his earl}' years in quest of such game as the 
region afforded, resorting to farming only when the wild animals 
disa]-)peared from the country. Others who made settlements as 
early as 1832 and '33 were Alexander Jameson, on the Harter farm, 
about one-half mile northeast of Mexico; William Bain, about one 
mile east of the \illage on Eel River; Isaac I licks, on the river two 
miles southwest of the town; Eli Cook on the Matthews farm, and 
Samuel Newman, who is still a resident of the township. 

Among the arrivals of 1834 was Tliomas Harmon, who settled 
on the Graft farm, about one mile west of Mexico, where he opened 
and operated the first blacksmith shop in the township. William 



662 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTV. 

Eidson settled near the western boundaiy the same }'ear, entering 
and obtaining a patent for a tract of land lying in section 35, 28 
north, 3 east. Hamilton Duff settled on Eel river one mile and a 
quarter above Mexico, some time in 1834, and was one of the first 
manufacturers of "the township, operating a water-mill within a short 
time after coming to the country. About this time Charles Murden 
moved to the township, and settled about two and a half miles 
northeast of Mexico. He came here from the State of Mar\land. 
making the journey in a two-horse wagon, and was on the road 
from May 28 till July 5. He reached his home in this township 
September of the above vear, and for the first two months and a 
half lived in a small tent, building a rude cabin and clearing a patch 
of ground in the meantime. His sons — Matthew, Imri, Timothy, 
Henry and Thomas all became prominent citizens of the township. 
Another settler of 1834 was Burrell Daniels, who located on the 
north bank of Eel River, on what is now the Denison farm where 
he built the first mill in the township shortly after his arrival. Wil- 
liam Daniels entered the northeast quarter of Section 5, Township 
27, Range 4 East, in 1830, and became a permanent resident a few 
j-ears later. Adrian Wynkoop settled on the Joseph Fisher farm, 
two miles west of Mexico, as earh- as 1834, and the same year John 
Ratliff entered and improved a tract of land in Section 20, near the 
northern boundary of the township. Peter Fisher purchased from 
the government in 1834 a tract of land in Section 30, now owned by 
his son, Jacob Fisher. After receiving his land Mr. Fisher went 
back to Ohio for his lamily, and the following year returned to his 
new home in Jefferson Township, where he lived the remainder of 
his days, dying quite recently at an advanced age. He was a repre- 
sentative citizen of the township, and always manifested a deep inter- 
est in e\'erv movement tending to advance its welfare. His sons, 
Isaac, Joseph, Aaron, Xoah, Jacob and George Fisher, are among 
the most prominent and public spirited citizens of the county at this 
time. Joseph Clymers settled about one and a half miles east of 
Mexico, as early as 1834, and was joined a little later by John and 
Levi CKnier, who made improxements near the central part of the 
township. Among others who came to the township prior to 1835, 
were William Leach, who settled about two miles northeast of 
Mexico; Elijah Cox, near the Denison farm, and Charles Lowe, on 
the Kunse farm. David Vinnedge entered the east half of the 
southeast quarter of Section 31, in 1830, and afterwards became a 
resident of the township. Thomas McGinnis, in 1833, obtained a 
patent to a tract of land in Section 28, and early became a settler. 
Nathaniel Leonard came earh' in 1835, and purchased land two 
miles northwest of Mexico. Asa Leonard moved about the same 
time, and entered land in Section 33, a short distance from the Rich- 
land Tonship line. Reed Leonard settled in the same locality as 



JEFFERSON TOWNSIIH'. 663 

early as 1836, as did also Daniel Allbaugh, of whom the latter 
obtained a patent of Section 28, in 1834. The following settlers 
nio\ed to the township in an early day and bore an actiye part in 
tile subjugation of the wilderness: Elder Jacob Brown, pioneer 
minister of the German Baptist Church, near Mexico; John Brower, 
two miles northeast of Mexico; Abraham Louman, near the Cass 
County line: Henr\- Brower, near Mexico: Jeremiah Manson, south- 
east of tiie \-illage, in Section 5; John Shadinger, east of Mexico, in 
Section 33; Henry Howe, a short distance northeast of the town; 
Thomas and Dayid Walling, near the central part of the tow'nship, 
in Section 6: Jacob Hooyer, Section 11; Isaac Newman, near the 
northwest corner of the township, where he still lives; Joseph Hol- 
man, on Eel riwer, northeast of JNIexico; Jesse and Isaac Bond, near 
Eel riyer, in the southwest corner of the township, where they still 
liye: William Gallagher, in the southwest part of the township; 
Hiram liutler, in Section 20; Jesse S. Williams, Section 32; Abra- 
ham Branaman, in southwest part of the township; Bernard Van 
Dorn, Section 34, Michael Pouts, Section 3, Township 27, Range 
4 East; John M. Keen, Section 7; Isaac Stewart and Jonas Wolfe, 
Section 10: James B. Sayers, Section 37, Township 28, Range 4, 
East; James Marsh, Section 4, Township 27, Range 4, East; 
Stephen Marsh, Section 9, in southwest corner of the township; 
James Cook, southwestern part of the township; Samuel Brown, 
Israel T. Canby, John Long, William Burnett, Samuel Edwards, 
Jacob Kress, William Collett, Francis Edwards and Samuel Ander- 
son, who located in various parts of the township. 

Pioneer Life. — Many w-ere the hardships endured by the pio- 
neers in clearing away the forests and fitting the land for cultiva- 
tion. When hrst seen by white men, this part of the country w^as 
the hunting grounds of the Indians who mo\ed at will through the 
dense forests in search of game. They offered no violence to the 
early settlers, many of whom lived upon terms of intimate friend- 
ship with their savage neighbors. Life in the backwoods is about 
the same under all circumstances, and it is not the object of these 
pages to give in detail an account of the manners and customs of 
men who bore so gallant a part in laying the foundation of our pres- 
ent advanced and intelligent community. The earlier settlers gen- 
erally brought their families with them, and until a cabin could be 
erected, the entire family would either live in the wagon, tent, or 
hastih- constructed habitation made out of poles and bark. Later 
as cabins were more frequently found in the country, the emigrant 
manifested no hesitation in breaking up his home in a distant State, 
and with his famil\- and few household goods on pack animals or 
wagons, start out for a new home, influenced and guided solely by 
rumors and picked up information on the road. Deciding upon a 
localit\ for his future home, he found no difficulty in securing tem- 



664 HISTORY OF MI.\.MI COUNTY. 

porary shelter for his family in some cabin alread}- well filled bj- its 
owner, but which the simplicity of earlv manners and an unstinted 
hospitality rendered elastic enough to comfortably entertain the 
welcome addition to the community. A new arrival of this nature 
was heralded with a cordial welcome for miles around, and a neigh- 
borhood which scarcely knew limits, hastened to lend its friendly 
offices in rearing a cabin. A day was appointed, and no invitation 
was needed to draw together a company of willing, capable hands. 
To assist in raising a cabin for a new family was a duty which the 
unwritten law of the community imperatively laid upon ever}' 
able bodied man, and to know of the occasion was a sufHcient invi- 
vation. On gathering, one party was told off as choppers, whose 
business it was to fell the trees and cut the logs of proper dimen- 
sions. A man and team brought these logs to the site of the pro- 
posed building, others assorted, "saddled'' and otherwise prepared 
the logs to form the structure which was finished in one day and 
occupied on the next. It was not infrequently the case that the 
necessit}- of preparing the ground for the first crop obliged the set- 
tler to forego the floor, and even a permanent roof, until the planted 
crop granted the opportunity. In its best estate, it was a rude, though 
not uncomfortable structure. A puncheon floor below and a clap- 
board roof above, a small window, with greased paper in lieu of 
glass, and a chimne}- carried up with "cal and clay" to the heighth 
of the ridge pole. The interior of the cabin was in harmony with 
the rude simplicity of the outward construction. Housekeeping 
conveniences were not yet contained and the inside finish consisted 
solely of some pegs driven into the wall for the accommodation of 
the few articles of spare clothing, and the trusty rifle, without which 
no pioneer's outfit was considered complete. '-Moving in"" was a 
trivial affair. The limited possessions of the settlers and the more 
restricted mode of early transportation compelled the emigrant to 
bring only such necessarj* things as the country did not furnish the 
the material for making. The furniture consisted of a few articles 
roughh' made on the spot: a spit slab smoothed with an ax, and sup- 
ported by four legs, did dut\' as a table, three legged stools or long 
benches of the same material, supplied the place of chairs, a log 
trough cradled the baby, while the bed, if raised from the floor 
rested upon a one-legged fixture in the corner of the cabin. A sim- 
ilar ingenuity provided kitchen and table utensils which consisted 
principally of articles turned or "coopered"' out of wood. These 
included trays, bowls, spoons, ladles, besides the larger \essels. 
such as buckets, churns, tubs, &c. A. kettle and frying pan or Dutch 
oven, were frequently the onh' metal articles used in the cabin. A 
tin cup was an article of delicate luxury, almost as rare as knives 
and forks, few of which were found in the household outfit. In this 
day of diversified industry, when one labor saving invention crowds- 



JEFFERSON TOWXSIIII'. 66$ 

another off the stage in rapid succession, one can scarcely compre- 
hend the patient, persevering efforts required of the pioneer house- 
wife, even for tiie successful discharge of the ordinarv duties of the 
cahin. She was both mistress and servant, matron and nurse maid, 
housekeeper and charwoman, dairy maid and cook. Neatness was 
not the less demanded of her than the modern housewife and her 
split broom and scrub brush found ample service in keeping floor 
and furniture clean and white. 

Food was abundant and wholesome, but like ever\thing else 
the pioneer possessed, it was to be derived onl\- from the crude, 
natural product. The richest milk, the choicest butter and the 
finest meats with wild fruits, nuts and hone\- were to be had for the 
trouble of taking them from natures bountiful hand. Bread was 
most diflicult to obtain and its scarcity was often a great privation. 
At such a time the corn pone was esteemed a great luxury- but this 
would at length pall on the taste and the eater would yearn for the 
neat and "abounding wheat travs"' of his earlier home. The labor 
involved in procuring the necessaries of life was not unequally 
divided between the sexes. The men hunted and brought in the 
meat: they planted and gathered the corn, while grating it or pound- 
ing into hominv in the mortar was the joint work of both. But with 
these ofHces women's work was scarcely begun. Custom and 
necessity united to la}' upon her the duty of providing for everjr 
household need the rude agriculture of the period did not supply, 
and in all the multifarious activities which engaged her skill and 
energy, she labored, unaided by labor-saving machinery. And so 
she milked the cows in all weather, churned the butter and pressed 
the cheese, carried the tubs to the spring, or caught the rain-water 
for the weekly washing from the eaves in troughs or barrels, made 
her own soap, washed, picked, carded and dyed the wool: pulled, 
broke, hatcheled and bleached the tlax; spun the thread and wove 
the cloth: contrived and made the garments: reared her children, 
and nursed the sick, sympathized with the distressed and encour- 
aged the disheartened laborer at her side. In all this and above it 
all women was the tutelary saint of the frontier. The dress of the 
woman consisted of linen and linsev w'oolsey combined. While 
hea\ier homespun and not unfrequently deerskins afforded the 
wearing apparel of the sterner sex. Social gatherings were fre- 
quent and were closely allied to useful occupations: meetings to 
raise cabins, roll up logs in a new clearing, or later for the opening 
of new roads, were occasions when the men. after a hard days work 
would s]iend the evenings in the rough sports of the period. Other 
gatherings in which the women took the leading part were quilling 
and spinning bees, while cornhuskings occasionally engaged both 
sexes and were popular sources of rude but absorbing amusement. 
The use of intoxicants was in an earlv da\- nearh universal. For a 



666 HISTORY OF >nA.MI COUNTY. 

short time the first settlers were abstainers from force of circum- 
stance. But it was hardly to be expected that a class of people who 
had been educated to the use of ardent spirits as a regular beverage 
would settle down to total abstinance in a day when public senti- 
ment was not on that side of the question. For a friend to call on 
a neighbor and find the bottle emptj- occasioned a feeling of cha- 
grin and gave rise to a suspicion of stinginess in the mind of the 
caller. There were some however, who were exceptions to the 
<reneral rule. These were usually Methodists and members of other 
churches, whose discipline required abstinence. Honesty was a 
characteristic trait of the pioneer and to lock a house was a thing 
never thought of during the early settlement of the country. 
Dancing, while a favorite amusement, was not a universal custom, 
as many of the settlers were pioush' opposed to this form of pastime 
but there were no settlements from which it was entirely excluded. 
We might go on with a description of the early weddings, the sing- 
ing school and other occasions which broke the monotony pi the 
pioneers hard lot, but sufficient has already been said to con\ince us 
that the settlers enjoyed their wild, free life, as much as we who 
live surrounded by all the comforts and conveniences of ciyilization 
do ours. 

Luliislries — To Burrel L. Daniels is due the honor of erect- 
ing the Hrst mill in Jefferson Township. As already stated he 
came to the count\- in 1834, ''"'^ ^^'^ same year, or early in 
1835, began building a little corncracker on Eel river, on the 
spot where the Dennison mill nbw stands. His mill was com- 
pleted in due time and the early settlers throughout tiie northern 
part of the county patronized it quite extremely until larger and 
better mills were erected elsewhere. Mr. Daniels subsequently 
attached machinery for the manufacture of lumber, in which 
branch of industry he was quite successful, supplying nearly all 
the building material for the earh- Eel river settlements. The 
present large flouring mill occupying the site of the original 
Structure was built a number of years ago by E. A. Denison. 
It is a frame building supplied with good machinery and at one 
time did a successful business. It is still in operation, though 
not so extensively as formerly. 

John Ratliff, in 1835, ^^^^^ '^ small water mill on Eel river 
about one and a half miles above Mexico, and operated it with 
fair success for se\eral \ears. It was subsequently purchased 
by Isaac Marquis, who in turn sold to John G. McAIurray, of 
New York, and he to a man by the name of Cole. Cole rebuilt 
the mill and it did a good business until the destruction of the 
building by a freshet about the year 1866. The last owner was 
Charles Stowman. A man by the name of Wagoner built a saw 
mill about one mile south of Me.vico in an early daw and. after 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 667 

manufacturing lumber for some time, sold to other parties who 
subsequenth- coinerted it into a mill for the grinding of grain. 
Joseph Strouse operated it for some years, but at this time the 
machinery is standing idle. The present owner is Mr. Shirk, of 
Peru. The large frame flouring mill on Eel river, nearly oppo- 
site Mexico, was built as early as 1846 or '47 by the Wilkinsons, 
who, after running it some }'ears, sold to B. L. Daniels. Mr. 
Daniels established a lucrative business and for a number of 
3'ears the mill was considered one of the best on the river. It 
has passed through the hands of various parties and at this time 
is owned and operated by Edwards & Son, who have thor- 
oughlv remodeled it, supplying it with machinery for the manu- 
facture of flour bv the roller process. The Messrs. Edwards 
are doing a prosperous business, and their brand of flour has 
already acquired a reputation for superior quality. 

The mill on Eel river opposite the Denison mill was erected 
some time prior to 1S50 by Elijah Cox. It has been operated 
b\' different parties and is now run by Jacob Erb, who does a 
fair local business. A carding machine was built in an earl)' 
dav on the Stowman place above Mexico, but it did not prove 
a remunerati\e investment. It was in operation about two years. 
An earlv industry in the western part of the township was a 
tannery operated b}- Jacob Brower, who made a superior quality 
of leather, which found ready sale in Peru and other cities. 
The enterprise was subsequently purchased b\- Noah Brower, 
who operated it with good success for several years. John 
Slavbaugh was proprietor at one time, as was also George 
Olinger, who did the last business with it in 1856. 

Rel/'i^'ioii in yeffcrsoii. — It is a creditable feature of the early 
societv of this township that, surrounded by the discouragements of 
poverty, lack of facilities and preachers, the people should ha\'e 
made such early efforts to secure the benefits of religious instruction. 
The pioneer minister was an important element in the early settle- 
ment of Jefferson, and his meetings proved the nightly agency in 
effectuallv checking much of the prevalent evils of that period. 
The lack of preachers, as well as of commodious buildings, led to 
frequent out-door meetings. To these a preacher who touched 
the popular chord would draw large numbers, who gathered at the 
appointed time from miles around. In inclement weather the cabins 
of the settlers would be thrown open and within the walls of 
many of these humble habitations were early heard the stirring 
appeal to repentance, which for real eloquence is scarcely to be 
surpassed bv the polished pulpit oratory of more modern days. 
Se\eral sects found the freedom of the newly-settled region con- 
genial to the propagation of their faith, and each was represented 
in the creeds of the first settlers. Of these the Methodists were 



668 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

perhaps the rtrst to plant their organization here. As early as 1833 
traveling ministers of that denomination visited the sparse settle- 
ment, and held Divine worship at the cabin of William Smith. These 
meetings were held at regular intervals for several vears, and finally 
crystalized into the organization of the Mexico class, of which a 
full history will be found in the sketch of that village. The next 
denomination to gain, a sure footing was the Christian Church, 
which was early represented by Elder Abraham Sneethcn. a man 
widelv and favorablv known throughout the counties of Northern 
Indiana for his untiring industry and great pietv. He began visiting 
the early settlements on Eel river about 1837, and one year later 
succeeded in organizing a society of about nine persons who agreed 
to be known onlv bv the name of Christian, and t(j have no other 
creed save the Scriptures of Divine Truth. 

Eel River Christian Church. — From a small beginning has 
since grown one of the largest and most aggressive congregations in 
the county known as the Eel River Christian Church, of which the 
following is a brief sketch: The members composing the original 
congregation were Richard Cox and wife, William Gallahan and 
wife, Thomas Skinner and wife, Elijah Cox, Mrs. Jane Reed and 
Mrs. Abraham Branaman. Among those who identified themselves 
with the church a little later were William Pearson, Nicholas Myers 
and wife, Henry Myers and wife, and Abraham Branaman. Meet- 
ings were held at the residence of William Gallahan until the fall of 
1843, at which time a neat frame house of worship, costing the sum 
of $600, was built on the land of Elijah Cox, near Eel Ri\'er, in the 
south-east quarter of Section 2, Township 27 North, Range 3 East. 
The building was formally dedicated the latter part of the above 
year, and was used for a period of thirty-nine j-ears. The society 
increased in numbers quite rapidly and within a few years the 
majoritv of early settlers in the vicinitv were enrolled among its 
members. Revivals were frequently held on successive days and 
nights, and tiie amount of good accomplished in the neighborhood 
thereby is be3-ond human computation and calculation. The follow- 
ing is a nearly correct list of those who have sustained the pastoral 
relation to the church since its organization, \-iz: Abraham Snee- 
then, Isom Adkins, Thomas Whitman, Leonard Shoemaker. Joel 
Thomas, Joseph Roberts, John Hicks, William W. Winegardner, 
John S. Winters, James Atchison, K. E. West and C. \ . Strick- 
land. The membership at this time is about ninetv, and the society 
is reported in prosperous condition. The present brick temple of 
worship was erected in 1S82 and represents a capital of $2,800. It 
is one of the best church edifices in the county, and reflects great 
credit upon the congregation and community. 

The Diiukards. or German Baptists. — Were well represented 
in the early settlement of the township and an organization of 



JEFFERSOM TOWNSHIP. 66^ 

that order was brought about in 1837 and '38 (see sketch of 
Mexico). Aside from the church in Mexico there are two other 
societies in the township, one of them being the "old order" of 
Dunkards, the other, an off-shoot from the Mexico congregation, 
has a large membership and a commodious house of worship 
near the eastern boundary of the township. The other religious 
societies of Jefferson will be appropriately mentioned in the 
history of Mexico and Denver. 

Early Events — The first death in the township was that of 
Solomon Wilkinson, which occurred in 1S32. His was the first 
burial in the cemetery at Mexico. Others buried there in an 
earlv day were members of the Wilkinson family and Mrs. Solomon 
Wilkinson. A small cemetery on the Walling farm in the south- 
western part of the township was consecrated to the burial of 
the dead as earh' as 1836 and within its narrow precincts were 
laid to rest many years ago, the bodies of Mrs. Burrel Daniels 
and Mrs. Burns. It was abandoned as a burying ground many 
years ago and at this time the old graves are scarcely distinguish- 
able from the ground immediately surroundin"^. The Eel River 
graveyard, at the Eel River Chapel was laid aside for burial 
purposes as long ago as 1838 or '39, but the names of the first 
persons interred therein W'ere not learned. 

Among the earliest marriages in the township were those 
of Jesse Wilkinson to Sallie Jameson and William Wilkinson to 
Mary Jameson, both solemnized at the same time, in 1835. The 
following couples were early united in the holy bonds of wed- 
lock, to-wit: Hamilton Duff and Rhoda Jameson, Thomas Jam- 
eson and Maggie Jameson, Imri Murden and Rebecca Woolpert, 
Annie Woolpert and Nannie Murden, Abel Howes and Martha 
Murden. One of the first births in the township was that of a 
child of Jesse and Sallie Wilkinson, born about the year 1836 
or '37- 

Jefferson Township was organized as a separate jurisdiction 
in 1834. "The same year an election was held at the cabin of 
A. Leonard near Mexico." "Mr. Leonard was chosen first Justice 
of the I'eace." "The names of the other townshi]i olFicers are at 
present unknown." 

Mexico — The beautiful little town of Mexico is situated on 
the west bank of Eel river, near the geographical center of the 
township, and is one of the oldest \illages in the county^ — its 
histor\' proper dating from the year 1834. The town site, over- 
looking the fertile Eel river \alley on the east, is one of the 
most beautiful and romantic spots in Miami County, while the 
country lying immediately back of the village is one of the most 
highh- favored and best improved parts of Northern Indiana. 
We have been moderately curious to ascertain the motives which 



670 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

lead to the founding of the town, and after some investigation 
learn that it was laid out for the purpose of securing a trading 
point for the earh- settlements along Eel river. A spirit of 
speculation undoubtedly had something to do in the matter, as 
the favorable location of the village in the midst of the oldest 
settlements in the county, promised much for its future welfare. 
The proprietors of the town were John B. and S. Wilkinson, 
who had previously purchased the land and several adjacent 
tracts from the Government. The original plat, consisting of 
twentv blocks and one hundred and twenty-six lots, was surveyed 
and recorded in August, 1834, '^^ which time there were but 
one or two cabins on the town site. The first store was opened 
by D. R. Bearss and a Mr. Ewing, who established a trading 
post a short time after the survey of the village. Alexander 
Wilson was connected with the store for some time, and the firm 
is said to have done a very prosperous business during the early- 
days of the county. 

Asa Leonard built a two-story hewed-log building on the 
corner where Dr. Coe's office now stands, and embarked in the 
mercantile trade as early perhaps as 1835. He sold goods for 
a short time, closing out the following year. His building stood 
until about the year 1853. Wa.shington Osborne was an early 
merchant, as was also John Griswold, the latter of whom carried 
On a general store on Main street until about the year 1852. 
Noah Sinks sold goods during the early da}s of the village, and 
was in business about two years. John Hartpence kept a gen- 
eral store in the Alexander W^ilson building for a number of 
vears, and about 1853 the firm of Train, Mason & Spencer 
opened a general goods business, which thev continued until 1855 
or '56. 

The following business men and firms were engaged in the 
mercantile trade at different times, to-wit: C. B. Thompson & 
Bro., Griswold & Son, G. W. Train, successor to Mason & 
Spencer: Banks & W^ilkinson, Ballou & Skinner, James L. Wil- 
son, Weslev Wilson, later Homan & Wilson, who carried on a 
very successful business until 18S2: J. C. Faris »S: Sons, Arthur 
Bond, Dr. Banks, Willard Griswold. James M. Mason, Henry 
Graft and others. 

Among the earliest residents of the town was one Samuel 
Brown, who built and operated a tailor shop where the Nelson 
& Homan business house now stands, as long ago as 1836. The 
first hotel, the River House, was built and opened by Jacob 
Wilkinson, many years ago. It early became a favorite stop- 
ping place, and was kept by different parties, among whom was 
H. W. Mason, a very popular landlord. The house is still stand- 
ing, owned at this time by John Benner. The early mechanics 



[KKFKKSON TO\VNSIIll>. 67 I 

of the \illage were James Mason and a Mr. Leslie, blacksmiths, 
Mr. Reel, cabinet maker and wheel wright, and Frank Edwards, 
manufacturer of fanning mills. The latter business was subse- 
quently carried on by P. S. Kennedy, who run a shop for about 
five years, making during that period, over a thousand mills. 
Among the early industries of the town was a tannery, operated 
b}' Joseph Oldham, and an ashery established by John Griswold 
about the year 1845. Mr. Griswold did a successful business for 
about five years, and at the end of that time sold out to Mr. 
Oldham who subsequently started the tannery. The first phvsi- 
cians of Mexico and vicinity, were Drs._ Brown and Reasoner. 
Others were Drs. Rose, Herriman, Thompson, John Constant, 
E. N. Banks. A. D. Coe, who came in 1856, and are still in 
active practice. Isaac Walker, Dr. Davis, Dr. Rowdabush, 
Marion Constant, John Allbaugh, William Mendenhall, James 
McKee and James Armstrong. 

Additions to the Town. — For the first eighteen or twenty 
jears of its history, Mexico enjoyed the reputation of the leading 
business place in the countv, outside of Peru. Its growth, while 
not rapid, was substantial, and as earl}- as 1850 all the lots in- 
cluded in the original plat were improved. The projection of a 
railroad through the county, early in the fifties, attracted consid- 
erable interest, and in August. 1854, '^ railroad addition of forty- 
five lots was sur\e3ed and placed at the disposal of purchasers. 
This road was not built, however, and the reaction caused thereby 
had an unfavorable effect upon the town. Two additions have 
been made since that time, viz: Benjamin Graft's addition of 21 
lots, in April 1873, and R. Bond's addition of 20 lots, in Octo- 
ber of the same year. 

Mexico JManufactiiring Comfiany, was incorporated May 2, 
1876, with a capital stock of $10,000. The first officers of the com- 
pany were Daniel Griswold, President: C. H. Kline, Secretary; J. 
L. Wilsoh, Treasurer, and the same gentlemen, with Benjamin Graft 
and Joseph Brower, Directors. The company was organized foi- the 
manufacture of all kinds of plain and fancy furniture, including 
school and church furniture and fine fixtures for banks, etc. The 
companv has been represented on the road by competent salesmen, 
and the business amounts to something over $12,000 yearly. A 
good building, supplied with the finest modern machinery, stands on 
Eel river, in the northern part of the town, to operate which a force 
of twentv-five skilled mechanics is required. The business, while 
not so prosperous as formerly, is still quite remunerative, and the 
establishment is destined to remain the leading industry of Mexico. 
The following were the oflkers for 1886: C. II. Kline, President; 
Daniel Griswold, Secretary; V. C. Homan, ''I'reasurer : Benjamin 



672 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUN'TV. 

Graft, V. C. Homan, C. H. Kline, Daniel Griswold and Amos 
Gipe, Directors. 

Present Busineis Register. — Mexico at this time is represented 
by the following exhibit of business: Elias dinger, general store; 
Lantz & Duncan, general stock; C. H. Kline, hardware; Samuel 
Ridenour, drugs; T. H. Ireland, drugs; George Griswold, confec- 
tionery and restaurant; A. D. Coe and James Armstrong, ph\sicians 
and surgeons; Elisha Lawrence and Joseph Lester, blacksmiths; 
James Stratton, George Coil and Samuel Jones, carpenters; Amos 
Mobley and David Fiske, wagon-makers; William Jenkings and 
Enoch Smith, shoe-makers; L. P. Rood, harness-maker; Miller, 
Stafford & Co., saw-mill and lumber business; Edward & Son, flour- 
ing mill; Daniel Griswold, railroad agent and grain buyer; B. D. 
Jacobs, proprietor of the Central Hotel; William Diliman, Postmas- 
ter, and Frank Trac}-, barber. 

Lodges. — Mexico Lodge, No. 347, F. cS: A. M., was organized 
a number of 3'ears ago, and is still in a prosperous condition. The 
officers at the present time are A. D. Coe, W. M. ; Harvej- Pearson, 
S. W. ; Oliver Armantrout, J. W.; C. H. Kline, Secretary; Daniel 
Griswold, Treasurer; Chas. Skinner, S. D.; Edward Black, J. D. ; 
James Merrick, Tyler. The hall in which the lodge was erected in 
1880, and with other property owned by the organization, repre- 
sents a value of $1,200. The lodge is in the enjoyment of a reason- 
able degree of prosperity, with a membership at this time of about 
sixty. 

Mexico Lodge., No. 400, J. O. O. J^., was instituted July, 1872, 
with the following charter members: George P. Kunse, W. V. 
Beecher, W. D. Allen, L. W. Hulce and R. R. Leonard. Nine 
members were initiated at the first meeting, and the records show 
the following elected upon this occasion: G. P. Kunse, N. G.; W. 
D. Allen, V. G.; C. H. Kline, secretary, and W. V. Beecher, treas- 
urer. The present officers are J. L. Clouse, N. G. ; O. P. Cotterman, 
V. G. ; L. P. Road, Rec. Sec. ; C. H. Kline, Permanent Sec. ;'and C. P. 
Kuns, Treasurer. The present membersjiip is seventy-two. The 
lodge owns the hall in which it meets and also a good store room 
below. The building is a fine brick structure, erected in the year 
1880 at a cost of $3,200. The hall is a model of neatness and con- 
venience, being elegantly furnished, and is one of the finest lodge 
rooms in the State. 

Mexico M. E. Church. — The history of Methodism in Jeffer- 
son Township dates from about the year 1835, at which time Rev. 
John A. Brouse, a pioneer missionary, visited the early Eel River 
settlements and preached wherever and whenever an opportunity 
presented itself. He was followed by others whose names were 
not learned, and from the above year until 1838 but Httle is known 
of the progress of the church in this part of the countr\'. In the 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 673 

latter year Rev. J. B. Mashon was the regular pastor on the Roches- 
ter circuit, which at that time included a large area of the counties 
of North Central Indiana. He held services from time to time near 
Mexico, but it was not until the following year that an organization 
was attempted. It is not positively known what minister brought 
about the organization, but the generally accepted opinion seems to 
be that the real founder was Rev. Burroughs Westlake, the pastor 
in charge of the Rochester circuit in 1839. ^ small class was 
organized near Mexico that year, and among the early members 
were the following: Nathaniel Leonard and wife, William Eidson 
and wife, Charles Murden and wife, Nathan Raines and wife, Henry 
Howes, Sr., and wife, Joseph Burke and wife, Samuel Brown and 
wife, William Smith and wife, Thomas Henry, Asa Leonard, Mat- 
thew, Orpha, Elizabeth and Timothy Murden. Meetings were first 
held in the houses of the different members, and it was not until 
1844 that the society found itself sufficientl}' able to erect a house 
of worship. In the fall of that j'ear a substantial frame building, 
30x40 feet in size, was erected in the northern part of the village, on 
what is known as the Rochester road. The completion of this house 
marked an era in the history of the society, and from that time it 
began to rapidly increase in numbers and influence. Among the 
early preachers were Revs. Eventus Dowd, Ansel Beech and Nel- 
son Green. Beginning with the year 1843, the following is a com- 
plete list of pastors and assistants to the present time: Allen Skill- 
man, Paul Jones, O. P. Boyden, Jacob Colclazer, D. F. Strite, Geo. 
Guild, P.J. Beswick, Mr. Hazen, Arthur Badley, who was the tirst 
pastor on the Me.xico circuit, which was formed out of the southern 
part of Rochester circuit in 1849; P. F. Milner, John Davis, Wm. 
Reeder, J. C. Medsker, Mr. Carter, S. VVoolpert, R. H. Calvert, S. 
P. Stephens, J. C. White, H. J. Lacy, R. Buchanan, A. S. Lakin, 
Lewis Roberts, W. J. Vigus, Enoch Waymire, W. J. Martindale, 
Samuel Lamb, under whose administration the circuit was again 
divided, and reduced to four points, to-wit : Chili, Mexico, Bethlehem 
and Bethel. This was done in the 3ear 1864. Sin(;e then the following 
pastors have had charge of the work, viz : Wm. Comstock, V. M. Bea- 
mer, John Birt, David Thompson, P. Carland, James Leonard, C. E. 
Disbro, R. J. Parrott, W. R. Jordan, F. A. Robinson, James 
Johnson, J. H. Ford, George Hill, I. J. Smith and the present 
incumbent, G. B. Work. In 1864 the present brick house of 
worship was erected and formally dedicated. The building is 
32x46 feet in size, has a comfortable and commodious audience 
room, and represents a capital of $2,200. The present member- 
ship of the church is about 86. The officers are Noah Hoover, 
class leader: A. Moore, John Harter, Noah Hoover, W. V. 
Beecher and Vinton Homan, trustees. The Sunday School, under 



674 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

the superintendency of Thomas Whitecraft, is well attended and 
in a flourishing condition. 

German Baptist iyDiinkard) Chiircli, of Mexico, is an old 
organization, its history dating as far back as the year 1837. 
Quite a number of the earh settlers in the vicinity of Mexico, 
had formerly belonged to this denomination and they did not 
neglect their religious duties after locating in the new country. 
Among the early preachers of the faith in the township were 
Elders Jacob Brower and Moss, \vho held services at the resi- 
dence of Peter Fisher, prior to the date already referred to. 
These meetings finally culminated in the organization of a society, 
among the early members of which were Peter Fisher and 
wife, Nathaniel Clingenpeel and wife, Jacob Brower and wife, 
Henry Brower and wafe and Salome Brower. Within a few years 
after the organization, the society had a substantial membership 
and from that time until 1861, the meetings were held at private 
residences, barns and groves. In the latter year the present 
large brick house of worship north of Mexico was erected and 
dedicated to the service of God after the manner observed by the 
church. It is 44 x 64 feet in size and will comfortably seat an 
audience of 500 persons. The society at this time has an active 
membership of 360 and is reported in a prosperous condition. It 
has been the means of accomplishing an untold amount of good in 
the community and its annual meetings are frequenth' attended by 
thousands of persons from all parts of the country. The follow- 
ing are the names of some of the preachers of the church, to-wit: 
Matthew Moyer, George Brower, William Moss, Jr., George Bair, 
Jonathan Swihart, Isaac Fisher, Jacob Barnhart, Daniel Balsbaugh, 
John Eikenberry, Samuel Myers, David Keifer, Noah Fisher, 
Joseph Brower, Jacob Fisher and Jacob Metsker. The officers at 
this time are Isaac Fisher and Jacob Barnhart, Elders; Samuel 
Mj^ers, Noah Fisher and Joseph Brower ministers of the second 
degree. Robert Metsker and Jacob Fisher, ministers of the first 
degree. The deacons are, Noah Flory, Benjamin Fisher, Zeri 
Baldwin, John Earnest, David Fetrow, Henry Balsbaugh, James 
Himelick, Noah Sullivan, John Liar and Levi Eikenberry. 

Mexico Baptist Church, was organized at the residence of 
George Hutchinson, near Mexico, on the 5th day of June, 1861. 
It is an offshoot from the Weasaw Creek Church, in Union 
Township, and at the date of the organization was composed of 
the following members: John Shadinger, Jacob Wilkinson, Eliza- 
beth- Shadinger, Rebecca Strayer, George Ulch, Elizabeth Ulch, 
David Sloppy, W^illiam Cunningham, A. W. Hedges, George 
Hutchinson, Henry Howes, Mary Copeland, Lavina Wolfe, Nanc}^ 
Burnett, Jesse Copeland, G. Copeland, Marj^ Wilkinson, Fanny 
Sloppy, Eliza Cunningham, Sophia House, Louis A. Shadinger, 





n/^JC^onJ-oo. 






JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 677 

Nancy E. Hutchinson, C3-nthia Hutchinson, Catherine Sloppy, Lucy 
L. Strayer. The first officers were Wm. Cunningham, clerk ; George 
Hutchinson, deacons. The Methodist Church was used for meet- 
ings until 1863, at which time a frame house of worship was built in 
the northwest part of the town. It is still in use and with recent 
repairs is quite a comfortable building. The following ministers 
have exercised pastoral control of the society since its organization, 
viz: J. M. Maxwell, J. Barrett, J. B. Allen, P. Rowden, C. Hall, 
Rev. Mr. Smith, Madison Reed, E. J. Delp and J. B. Bair, the 
last named being the pastor in charge at the present time. The 
church has a membership of sixt3--nine. The officers are as fol- 
lows: John W. Turnipseed and J. J. Stafford, deacons; J. J. 
Stafford, Levi Fisher and David Sloppy, trustees. John W. 
Turnipseed is superintendent of the Sunday school, which has an 
average attendance of about seventy scholars. 

Denver. — The thriving town of Denver is situated at the 
junction of the I., P. & C. and the Detroit branch of the "Wabash 
railroad, in the northeast corner of the township, distance four miles 
from Mexico, and eight miles from Peru. " The original plat em- 
braces that portion of the northeast quarter of Section 21, Township 
28 North, Range 4 East, which lies North of the hmits of the Detroit 
railroad, and East of the right-of-wa}- of the I., P. & C. railroad, 
and also one tier of lots in the Southeast quarter of Section 16." 
The town was surveyed August, 1872, for Harrison Grimes, proprie- 
tor, and the plat as described above consists of seven blocks and 
sixt}--tive lots, with the following streets : Chandler, Emmons, Pay- 
son, Bond and Harrison, the first four running North and South and 
the last named East and West. The town was the immediate out- 
growth of the Detroit railroad, and the advantages of its location 
are such as to indicate that it is destined to become a flourishing 
commercial and manufacturing center. Its close proximity by rail 
to man}' of the leading cities of Indiana, and its location in the midst 
of a rich agricultural district, unmistakably point to a future of per- 
manent prosperity. As originally surveyed the town laid in parts 
of three townships — Jefferson, Union and Richland, a fact which led 
to a great deal of inconvenience in the matter of schools, etc., and 
after much importuning on the part of the citizens, the County 
Board subsequentl}- modified the boundaries of the different town- 
ships so as to throw the village entirely in Jefferson. The advantages 
of the railroad junction early attracted business to the place, and 
within a couple of years after the founding of the town, its growth 
and development was such as to astonish its most sanguine friends. 
According to the testimony of Mr. Wooley, who came to the place 
shortly after it was laid out, and who is still a resident, the earliest 
comers to Denver were Frank Moody, David and William Fetrow, 
Asel Griffith, W. H. Howe and Jerry Johns. Mr. Moody bought lots 

25 



678 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

number one and two in block one, and erected thereon a residence, 
probably the first in the town. He built a blacksmith shop on Har- 
rison street, and had the honor of being Denver's first mechanic. 
David Fetrow engaged in the blacksmithing business also, and W. 
W. Fetrow built a store room on the corner of Harrison and Pay- 
son streets, block four, which he stocked with groceries and drugs. 
Mr. Howe erected a dweliug on Harrison street, where Mr. Ander- 
son now lives. Mr. Johns built on the same street and Mr. Griffith 
started the first steam saw-mill in the town, with which he did a 
flourishing business. The first general store was opened by Harri- 
son Grimes and R. R. Charles, near the I., P. & C. railroad, north 
of the crossintr. Their business house fronts Harrison street and is 
occupied at this time by Oscar Piper, who purchased the stock of 
the original proprietors. John Charles and Martin Wooley opened 
a hardware store a few years after the platting of the town, on Pay- 
son street, where the drug store of O. T. Snvder now stands. After 
continuing the business as a firm, for a short time, Mr. Charles pur- 
chased the stock and subsequently sold out to J. N. Woolev, who 
continued the business about two years. The following business 
men and firms carried on the mercantile trade at different times, 
to-wit: Clem Kej'S, N. B. Kiplinger, Trout & Hutchinson, Piper 
& Wilkinson, Piper & McGinle}^ Lon Wilson, S. D. Laden, Harry 
Armantrout, Jasper Downey, Hamilton & Enley, J. J. Cooper and 
perhaps others. The earl^- mechanics were Messrs. Woody and 
Fetrow, alread}- mentioned, H. M. Fox and H. M. Lambert, carpen- 
ters, and John DeBolt, shoemaker. 

Industries. — As already stated the first manufacturing enter- 
prise of any kind brought to Denver, was the steam saw-mill ope- 
rated by Asa Griffith. After running the mill a short time, he moved 
it from the village, but subsequently brought it back. It is still in 
operation, the present proprietor being a Mr. Dickerman. The 
Kessler Brothers engaged in the saw-milling business in 1876, and 
for the time were quite successful. They subsequentlj- supplied 
machinery for the planing of lumber, with which they did a fair 
business. The Constant Brothers, in 1876, purchased a large build- 
ing, which had been previously erected by Mr. Grimes, and sup- 
plied it with a planing mill and machinery for the manufacture of 
wind-mills, rakes, barrel hoops, washboards and various other arti- 
cles. They engaged in the business with every prospect of suc- 
cess, but after continuing it some time, disposed of the mill without 
realizing a fortune. The last proprietor was C. E. Noftzgar, who, 
in addition to planing lumber and manufacturing some of the articles 
mentioned above, did a fair business in the manufacture of wagon- 
felloes and spokes. The mill ceased operations about the year 1879. 

The Denver flouring mill was built in the year 1880, by Cloud 
& Son, who operated it about eighteen months. It was then pur- 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 679 

chased b}' a joint stock company, and later Messrs. Amey & New- 
bold became the proprietors. They thoroughly refitted the mill and 
supplied roller machinery, since which time it has done a lucrative 
business — grinding about one hundred bushels of wheat per day. 
Tlie present firm is Newbold, Stowman & Kessler. 

Denver College was established in the year 1876, at which time a 
joint stock company was organized for the purpose of erecting a 
building. The college building, a large brick structure, was erected 
that year at a cost of $3,500, and under the management of Prof. 
J. A. Reubelt, the school was opened under very promising circum- 
stances. Mr. Reubelt taught two terms, and finding that the insti- 
tution did not come up to his expectations, resigned the charge into 
the hands of other parties. Profs. Hershej' and McGinley after- 
wards took control of the school, but like their predecessors, they 
failed to make it a success. The company was subsequently dis- 
banded, and at this time the building is used for the public schools 
of the town. 

Additions to Denver. — The following additions to the town 
have been surveyed and platted from time to time to time, viz: 
George Brower's addition of eighteen lots, December, 1872; 
R. R. Charles' addition, 11 lots, March, 1874; Charles' 2nd addition, 
21 lots, July, 1875; Grimes' addition, 16 lots, October, 1880; Howe's 
addition, 9 lots, June, 1881, and Noftzgar's addition in March, 1881. 

The Denver Sun, a sprightly local paper devoted to the 
interests of the town and adjacent country, was estabhshed Novem- 
ber, 1883, by Dr. O. F. Snook. The Sun is a seven column folio, 
neutral in politics, but fearless in the advocacy of all measures and 
movements having for their end the public good. It is issued every 
Saturday and has already reached a circulation of about one thou- 
sand. 

P/iysicians. — The following medical men have at different times 
practiced the healing art in Denver, to-wit: Drs. Smith, Ladue, 
Downey, Hewit, Abbott, Million, Martin and Jameson. The resi- 
dent physicians at this time are Drs. J. Q. A. Robbins, O. F. Snook 
and Newell. 

Churches. — Denver has several healthy religious organizations, 
the oldest of which is the Methodist Episcopal Church, organized 
by Rev. R. J. Parrot in the year 1873. The original membership 
was about thirtv or fortv, the majority of whom had previousl}- be- 
longed to the Chili and Mexico societies. The house of w'orship, a 
beautiful frame edifice, 36x50 feet, was completed in 1873, at a cost 
of $1,500. The following pastors have served the church from 
time to time: R. J. Parrot, W. R.Jordan, F. A. Robinson, James 
Johnson. J. H. Ford, George Hill, I. J. Smith and G. B. Work. The 
membership at this time is about 100 and the society is in the enjoy- 
ment of a reasonable degree of prosperitj'. W. J. Smith is Class 



68o HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Leader, J. P. Tharp and Imii Murden, Stewards, Charles Long, 
Quincy Howes, Joseph Smith, J. P. Tharp and Imri Murden, Trus- 
tees, and S. S. Bappert, Superintendent of the Sunday School. 

Denver Baptist Church was organized April, 1886, by Rev. 
E. C. Robbins. Sixteen members were enrolled at the time of 
organization, a number which has since been increased by nine 
additions. Immediately after the organization, steps were taken 
towards the erection of a house of worship, and at this time the 
building is rapidly nearing completion. It stands on a beautiful 
elevation in the northern part of the town, and in size is 36x60 
feet, and cost the sum of $2,500. It is a beautiful frame edifice, 
and reflects great credit upon the congregation. The little society 
has already accomplished a good work in the village, and we 
bespeak for it a prosperous future. Rev. E. C. Robbins, to 
whom credit is largely due for the erection of the building, is 
pastor in charge. The officers are: F. P. Stowman, deacon; 
Moses Murphjr, clerk; William Cunningham, Moses Murphy and 
Dr. Ladue, trustees. The Sunday School recently organized is 
under the efficient superintendency of F. P. Stowman. 

Church of the Seventh Day Adventists was organized about 
the year 1883 by Revs. Reese and Covert, with a membership 
of twenty persons. Meetings were held in the college building 
until 1885, at which time a neat frame temple of worsiiip 
was erected in the southeast part of the town at a cost of 
$800. The organization is not very strong in numbers, there 
being at this time but thirty active members. Revs. William 
Covert and E. E. Marvin preach at regular intervals. The Sab- 
bath School is superintended by Jesse Woods. 

Lodges. — Denver Lodge, No. 537, I. O. O. F., was insti- 
tuted August 14, 1876, with fourteen charter members. The 
organization has a valuable property, erected in 1880 or i88i,' 
and the* membership includes many of the leading citizens of the 
village and adjacent country. It is in a prosperous condition, 
with the following officers in the chairs, viz. : Rufus Pontius, 
N. G. ; C. Bell, V. G.; J. Q. A. Robbins, permanent secretary; 
W. J. Smith, recording secretary; W. O. Piper, treasurer, and 
W. W. Fetrow, district deputy. 

Josiah Brozuer Post, A^o. 66, G. A. R., was established in 
1 881 with a membership of thirty. The following were among 
the first officers: William Trout, commander; Abraham Whist- 
ler, J. V. C. ; M. Bappert, adjutant; O. Armantrout, officer of 
the day, and F. M. INIoody, officer of the guard. Tiie present 
membership is about fort}'. The officers are: M. Bappert, com- 
mander; C. Bell, S. V. C; W. O. Piper, J> V. C; G. A. Mar- 
tindale, adjutant; Joseph Smith, quartermaster; J. R. Waymire, 
chaplain: W. W. Fetrow, surgeon. 



& 



' JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 68l 

Denver To-day. — The growth of Denver since the erection 
of the tirst building in 1872 has been all that its friends could 
reasonably desire, it being at this time the third town in point 
of population in the county. During the year 1886 buildings 
representing a capital of over $16,000 were erected in the vil- 
lage, and all kinds of real estate commands good prices. The 
recent discovery of rich deposits of iron and lead ores in the 
vicinity is attracting considerable interest to the place, and if the 
de]iosits prove as abundant as is anticipated, the time is not far 
distant when Denver will resound with the music of rolling 
mills and manufacturing establishments. Should the expectations 
of the people prove true in regard to the mineral wealth of the 
countrv, there is no doubt that the town will at no distant day 
be an important commercial and manufacturing point of Northern 
Indiana. The following is the business of the town at this time : Gen- 
eral stores, W. O. Piper and Pontious and McElwee; hardwares, 
Lock wood and Robbins: groceries and meat market, Richard 
Wright; drugs, W. W. Fetrow and O. T. Snyder; bakery and 
groceries, J. E. Million; restaurant, E. C. Bennett; milliners, 
Martindale »& Wooley, Mrs. J. H. Johns and the Belt Sisters. 
Mechanics — E. A. Guyer and Mac. Lawrence, blacksmiths; J. 
N. Woole}' and J. H. Johns, wagon makers; B. Bird, shoe- 
maker; Joseph Smith, Geo. A. Martindale and J. D. Arnest, 
carpenters; Andrew Yount, maimfacturer of patent wire picket 
fence. Hotels — O. J. Hunt, Denver House, and Mrs. Lucy 
Medsker, Commercial Hotel. Livery stables, J. H. Johns and O. 
J. Hunt; attorneys, John Tudor and W. J. Smith; railroad agent, 
G. W. Cannon; express agent, W. W. Fetrow; postmaster, 
Frank GritEth; barber, W. H. Kirkpatrick. 

SiriiigiozL'ii, the site of an early settlement, about two and 
a half miles southeast of Mexico, was so called on account of the 
number of houses scattered along both sides of the Peru road. A 
saw mill was operated here man}' years ago and at one time there 
was a general store kept by one Evans Bean. John S. Winters 
operated the mill for several years. It was afterwards completely 
destroyed by fire. Mr. Ireland, at present a resident of ^Iexico, 
moved to the locality many years ago and opened a cabinet shop. 
He made all kinds of furniture and met witli reasonably fair success 
in that branch of industry. He subsequently moved to Mexico and 
took away with him the last vestige of business from Stringtown, 
which at "this time is scarcely distinguishable from the surround- 
ing countrv. 

Court cr, a small station on the I., P. & C. Railroad in the 
eastern part of the township, was laid out August, 1869, by R. F. 
Donaldson. The plat consists of twenty lots and lies on a part of 
the northeast quarter of section 34, township 28, north range 4 



682 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

east. There are at this time a small general store, blacksmith shop, 
school house and several residences. It is a fair trading point and 
is situated in one of the best parts of Jefferson Township. 



BIOGRAPHICAL, SKETCHES. 



OLIVER ARMANTROUT was born in Peru Township, 
this county, April 26, 1844. His parents, R. and Margaret 
(Hoover) Armantrout, were natives of Virginia and Pennsvlvania, 
respectively, and were born as follows: The father in Virginia 
July 25, 1809, and the mother in Penns\'lvania, March 28, 181 1. 
The}' were married in Montgomery County, Ohio, August 3, 1829, 
and from thence moved to Delaware County, Indiana, in 1831, and 
from there to Cass County, Indiana, and in 1S35 to Miami County, 
settling at Peru, where he engaged in blacksmithing, and afterward 
resided until his death, which occurred November 3, 1843. His 
widow subsequently married Andrew Williams, and moved with 
him to Jefferson Township, where she still resides. Nine children 
were born to her, viz.: David H., born May 3, 1830; Margaret J., 
born August 3, 1831 (deceased); Peter, born Juh- 29, 1833; Lewis, 
born March 28, 1835 (deceased); John S., born March 18, 1837; 
Elizabeth J., born March 4, 1839 (deceased); William F., born July 
13, 1 84 1 (deceased), and Oliver, born April 26, 1844, by Mr. Ar- 
mantrout, and Mary (deceased), by Mr. Williams. Oliver, our sub- 
ject, was married in Richland Township, this county, June 24, 1866, 
to Martha J., daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Shoop) Hersey. 
She was born in Butler Township, this county, June 3, 1849. After 
Mr. Armantrout, our subject's marriage, he settled on his present 
farm, where he has resided smce. He owns at present 100 acres of 
fine and well improved land. Mr. Armantrout was elected to the 
office of trustee of Jefferson Township in 1882, and re-elected in 
1884. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and a member of 
the G. A. R. Order. He enlisted in the service May, 1864, in 
Compan}' K, 134th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served as a pri- 
vate until September, 1864. Mr. Armantrout is a wide-awake and 
enterprising man, and is highlv esteemed bv all. 

JAMES S. BAIR (Trustee of Jefferson Township) is a 
native of Botetourt County, Virginia, born Nov. 13, 1848. 
His parents, George and Catherine (Crumpacker) Bair, were 
also both natives of Virginia, and were born as follows: 
The father in Franklin County, Jan. i, 181 2, and the mother in 
Botetourt County, Oct. 3, 181 3. They were married in Bote- 
tourt County in October, 1839, where the mother died, in June, 
1856. The father subsequently married Barbara Snyder, and in 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 683 

1857 moved to Miami County, Indiana. In 1858 he purchased 
and settled upon the farm on which our subject now resides, in 
Section 30, Jefferson Township, where he afterwards resided 
until his death, which occurred August 24, 1864. He was the 
father of seven children, \iz: Mary J., Lewis E., Sarah, Ann, 
James S., Jones B. and Catharine E. James S., our subject, 
came with his parents to this county in 1857, was married 
Oct. 13, 1870, to Sarah, daughter of George and Catharine 
(Minick) Maus. She was born in Miami County, Ind., Jan. 7, 
1850. After Mr. James S. Bair's marriage he tirst settled on 
the old home farm in Miami Count\', where he resided until the 
spring of 1S72, at which time he moved to Fulton County, Ind., 
and resided until the following spring of 1873, when he removed 
to Miami Countv, Indiana, purchasing and settling upon the 
old home farm, where he has resided since. He owns eighty 
acres of line and well-improved land. Has had born to him 
three children, viz: Leota A., born July 11, 187 1; Stella M., 
born Aug. 25, 1875: George F., born Sept. 9, 1878. Mr. Bair 
is an intelligent and enterprising man, and is highly esteemed 
bv all who know him. 

ZERI M. BALDWIN, a native of Wayne County, Indiana, 
was born November 16, 1827, and is the eldest son of Enos and 
and Elizabeth (Hoover) Baldwin, natives of Guilford County, 
North Carolina. The subject was reared in Jefferson Township, 
and received a verj' good education, attending the first school in 
the township, taught by William M. Sumalt. He has always 
followed the occupation of farming, and now owns eighty acres 
of good land. In November, 1849, he was married to Rachel 
S. I'tomey, a native of Wayne County, Indiana, and is the father 
of four children — James N., Author C, Pearlie M. and Emma 
F. His wife died in 1885, and in 1873 he was again married 
to Miss Amanda English, of Licking County, Ohio, to whom 
four children were born. 

AUGUSTUS BANKS, a native of Mifflin County, Pennsyl- 
vania, was born November 29, iSoo, to James and Catharine (^Nel- 
son) Banks, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch and Irish nation- 
alitv respectivelv. They settled about midway between Pittsburg 
and Philadelphia, and assisted in driving the Indians from that 
country. The subject remained on the farm until he was twenty- 
one years of age, receiving a common school education, and he was 
then engaged in Lewiston, Penn., to learn the printer's trade, in 
which he succeeded, and afterwards worked in the cities of Balti- 
more and Philadelphia as a jour printer, he then went to 
Jackson, Tenn., and established the Western Jiepiihliniii, where he 
staged about two years, and thence to Florida, after which tour he 
returned to Huntington, Penn., and assumed charge of the paper at 



684 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

that place and held editorial control about four years, when he 
went to Pittsburg to accept the position of foreman of one of the 
leading papers of that cit\'. There he remained two j'ears and 
then emigrated westward to Peru in 1838 and became the editor 
of the Peru Gazette, associated with James Scott, now of Delphi. 
After a time he purchased a yoke of oxen and commenced farm- 
ing. In September, 1834, ^e married Miss Sarah McConnell, 
a native of Huntington, Penn., and their marriage resulted in 
the birth of the following children: John (deceased), James (killed 
at Mission Ridge), Mary, Catharine, Martha, Sarah, David 
(deceased) and Augustus. Politically he is a Republican. 

WILLIAM V. BEECHER is a native of Chester County, 
Pennsylvania, born December 4, 1831. His parents, Benjamin and 
Margaret ( Finney ) Beecher, were both natives of Pennsylvania. 
The former, Benjamin Beecher, was a son of John and Mary A. 
(Albert) Beecher, who were natives of Germany, and from thence 
emigrated to the United States in a very early day, settling in the 
State of Pennsylvania. Thev were the parents of fifteen 
children, viz: George, Samuel, Jacob, William, Benjamin, John, 
Catherine, Lydia, Barbra, Mary, Margaret, and four whose 
names have been forgotten. Benjamin, the father of our subject, 
was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, October 3, iSoi. He 
was married in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, October 13, 
1825, to the above Margaret Finney, who was born in Chester 
County, Pennsylvania, August 6, 1804, and a daughter of Sam- 
uel F. and Elizabeth Finney. After their marriage they settled 
in Lancaster Count}-, Pennsylvania, and from thence moved to 
Chester County, Penns\lvania, and from there to Frank- 
lin County, Ohio, in the year 1856, and in 1861 moved to 
Miami County, Indiana, where they afterward resided until 
their respective deaths. Thev were the parents of the follow- 
ing nine children, namely: Cvrus F., Samuel F., Eliza J., 
William V., Mary A., Catherine M., John J., Margaret S. and 
Lydia.. William V., our subject, resided in Pennsylvania until 
1852, when he went to Columbus, Ohio, where he engaged in 
the cai'penter trade, and was there married, April 3, 1S53, to 
Julia A., daughter of William and Julia A. (Carpenter) Beecher. 
She was born in Franklin County, Ohio, October 4, 1835. I" 
1861, Mr. Beecher, removed to Miami County, Indiana, 
and first settled in Peru' Township, where he purchased 
land and resided until February, 1872, at which time he pur- 
chased and settled upon the farm on which he now resides in 
section 35, Jefferson Township. He owns at present • 160 acres 
of fine and well improved land. He has had born to him nine 
children, viz: Margaret J., born April 7, 1854; M^'T J-! born 
January 31, 1858: EHzabeth E., born May 31, 1S60; George L., 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 68$ 

born September 22, 1862; Cyrus M., born January 22, 1865; 
William C, born March 2, 1868; Ulysses G., born June 22, 1870; 
Charles W., born December 30, 1872, and Gracie P., born July 
23, 1S75. Mr. Beecher is an intelligent and enterprising man, 
and is highly esteemed by all who know him. He is a member 
of the Odd Fellows' order, and he and wife are members of the 
M. E. Church. 

A. D. COE, M. D., is a native of Portage County, Ohio, and 
was born January 24, 1824. His parents were Samuel A. and Lucy 
(Lester) Coe, natives of Massachusetts and Connecticut, respect- 
ivelv. They were married at Granville, Massachusetts, and from 
thence, in an early day, emigrated to Portage County, Ohio. 
They were the parents of six children, viz: Samuel A., William L., 
Eliza, Mar}-, Alonzo D., our subject, and Heman L. A. D. Coe 
was educated at Twinsburg Academy, Twinsburg, Ohio, and 
also at the Western Reserve College, at Hudson, Ohio. In 1847 he 
began reading medicine at Newark, Ohio, under the instructions of Dr. 
N. W. Hubbard of that place, remaining under his instructions until 
1849, when he entered the Starling Medical College of Columbus, 
Ohio. In 1850 he attended the Alban}' Medical College, of 
Alban}', New York, after which he returned to Portage Count)', 
Ohio, and the following winter taught school, and in the spring 
of 1 85 1, came to Indiana, locating the same fall in Miami County, 
where he engaged in teaching school and practicing his profession. 
In November, 1856, he located at Mexico, Indiana, where he began 
the practice of medicine, which he has devoted his whole attention 
to since. In the winter of 1857 and '58 he attended the College of 
Physicians and Surgeons of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he graduated 
February 26, 1858. He was united in marriage at Mexico, Indiana, 
November 20, 1858, to Emily J. Hartpence (wife of John Hart- 
pence, deceased), and daughter of Horace W. and Desire (Kent) 
Mason. She is a native of New York, born near Syracuse, 
February 24, 183 1. The doctor has had born to him two children, 
viz: William H. and Dulcenia C. He is a member of the Masonic 
order, and a member of the Logansport Medical and Surgical 
Association. He is an intelligent and enterprising man, as well 
as a thorough medical scholar, and a successful and eminent physi- 
cian and surgeon. 

R. R. DONALDSON settled in the Miami Reserve in Jeff- 
erson Township, in the year 1S41, and is a native of Louden 
County, near Centerville, Virginia; born March 3, 182 1, to 
Thomas and Nancy (Saffer) Donaldson, both natives of Virginia. 
He was brought up on a farm in Ohio and when he came 
to this county continued in the same vocation. For about si.x- 
teen years he bought and sold grain, and in May, 1886, came to 
Peru and now controls the Wabash elevators. In 1850 he 



686 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

served in the House of Representatives, and was re-elected in 1852 
and 1863. In 1885 a convention of the members of the first 
constitutional convention was held, which he attended. He has 
also held the office of Township Trustee. In Julv, 1840, he was 
married to Miss Elizabeth Rickner, a native of Ohio, to whom 
five children were born, viz: Leroy P., Lorenzo, L. B., Ruth A. 
and Emma. He is a Master Mason, a Royal Arch member and 
Knight Templar. 

MATTHEW DUNCAN (of the firm of Lantz & Duncan, 
dealers in general merchandise, Mexico, Indiana), was born in Clin- 
ton Countv, Ohio, Juh' 7, 1854. His parents, Emanuel and 
Margaret (Stotlar) Duncan, moved to Grant County. Indiana, 
about 1856, and from thence, subsequently, to Miami County. 
In about 1877, he returned to Grant County, where he still 
resides: the mother died in Miami County in about 1868. Matthew 
Duncan, our subject, came with his parents to this ■ county, 
where he was married August 20, 1877, to Julia A., daughter 
of John and Julia A. Hines. She was born in Fairfield Count}', 
Ohio, October 5, 1857. After Mr. Duncan's marriage, he 
first settled in Fulton Countv, Indiana, where he engaged in 
farming about one year, after which he moved to Miami County, 
and, subsequently, to Grant Count\', where he resided until 1884, 
when he moved to Mexico, Indiana, and formed a partnership with 
Mr. Lantz in the mercantile business, purchasing the interest of Mr. 
Sullivan. He has had born to him four children, viz: Emanuel 
(deceased), Marion F., Lillie and Rosie B. Mr. Duncan and wife 
are members of the Baptist Church. 

GEORGE EIKENBERRY was born in Preble County, Ohio, 
May 6, 1830. His parents were Peter and Eliza (Morningstar) 
Eikenberrv, natives of Virginia and Maryland, respectively, and of 
German and English extraction. The former, Peter Eikenberry, 
was a son of Henry Eikenberry, a native of Virginia. His father, 
Peter Eikenberrj-, emigrated from Germany to the United States 
in an earlv day. Henrv Eikenberrv was married in Virginia to 
Marv Landess, and from thence moved to Preble County, 
Ohio, in about the year 1806. They were the parents of seven chil- 
dren, viz. : Elizabeth, Samuel, Henry, Peter, Isaac, David and 
Benjamin. Peter Eikenberry, the father of our subject, was born 
in Virginia, May 8, 1803. He moved with his parents to Preble 
County. Ohio, and was there married to Eliza, daughter of 
George and Elizabeth (Swisher) Morningstar. She was born in 
Maryland on January 13, 1806. After their marriage Mr. and 
Mrs. Eikenberry settled in Preble County, Ohio, where they 
made their home until their deaths, which occurred as follows: 
The father died February 14, 1871, and the mother Nov. 29, 
1885. They were the parents of eleven children, viz: Mary, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 687 

George, Elizabeth, Lydia, Levi, Henr)', Isaac, Eliza, Peter, and 
two which died in infancy and not named. George, our subject, 
was married in Preble County, Ohio, March 21, 1851, to Rebecca, 
daughter of Abraham and Nancy (Moses) Miller. She was 
born in Augusta County, Va., Sept. 18, 1832. In the following 
October, after subject's marriage, he moved to Miami County, 
settling upon the same farm on which he now resides in Section 27, 
Jefferson Township. He owns 268 acres of fine land, well-improved 
and under a high state of cultivation. He has had born to him ten 
children, viz: Henr}- F., born July 17, 1852, and died February 19, 
1854; Sarah J., born Nov. 5, 1854; ^""^ L., born Aug. 26, 1857; 
Mary A., born March i, i860; Ida M., born Oct. 27, 1862; 
Levi I., born March 11, 1865; Charles, born March 29, 1868, 
and died April 12, 1868; Peter A., born Jan. 11, 187 1; Eliza 
O., born Feb. 12, 1874; infant son, born Jan. 28, 1877, deceased. 
Mr. Eikenberry was elected to the office of County Commis- 
sioner of this county in 1876, and re-elected in 1880. He is a 
member of tlie Masonic order. He is an enterprising man and 
is highly esteemed bv all who know him. 

WILLIAM W. FETROW, one of the leading business men 
of Denver, was born in Coshocton Count}-, Ohio, April 2, 1832. 
He was the second son born to Daniel and Ruth Ann (Smith) 
Fetrow, both natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. Wil- 
liam spent his boyhood and youth with his parents in his native 
county. At the age of eighteen he began to learn the black- 
smith's trade. He served an apprenticeship of three years in the 
town of Keene, Ohio. After finishing his trade, he engaged in 
blacksmithing first in Keene, Ohio. In January, 1856, he came 
to this county and located at Wooleytown, Richland Township. 
Here he worked at his trade fourteen years. In the spring of 
1865 he went out into the service of the Union Army, in Com- 
panv K, 155th Indiana Regiment, from which he was honorably 
discharged on the 6th of August following. At the close of the 
war he returned to Wooleytown and resumed his trade. In the 
spring of 1869 he removed to Milford, Kosciusko County, where 
he worked at his trade until the fall of 1872. At that time he 
returned to this count}- and located in Denver, where, in the fol- 
lowing spring, he engaged in the drug business. February 8, 
1857, he was married to Mrs. Ann E. Kirby, a native of Phila- 
delphia, Penn.sylvania, born July 21, 1831. She was the daughter 
of Amos and Anna (Ellis) Wooley. To this union three chil- 
dren were born. They are Charles C, born December 13, 1858; 
Mary H., born February 18, i86i;and Ann Elizabeth, born July 
6, 1863: all of whom are living. Mr. Fetrow lost his first wife 
December 27, 1871, and on the 14th day of December, 1876, he 
was married to Airs. Eliza J. Ireland, a native of Preble County, 



688 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Ohio, born May 8, 1844. She was the daughter of James P. 
and Rebecca J. (Johnson) Kemp, natives of Maryland and Ohio, 
respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Fetrow are both members of the M. 
E. Church. Mr. Fetrow is a member of the I. O. O. F. and G. 
A. R. Lodges and a Republican in politics. He is a pleasant, 
intelligent gentleman, a reliable business man and a good citizen. 
He held the office of postmaster in Denver, from April i, 
1873, to September 30th, 1885, and discharged the duties of the 
office with credit to himself and satisfaction to its patrons. He 
has been the agent of the U. S. Express Company at Denver 
since October, 1873. From October, 1873, to June i, 1883, he 
was the agent of the American Express Company- and since the 
latter date he he^ has been the Agent of the Pacific Express 
Compan\'. He has a neat little drug store, well stocked, and is 
doing a fair business. 

JOSEPH FISHER, an old and highly esteemed pioneer of ' 
Miami County, Indiana, is a native of Franklin County, Virginia. 
His parents, Peter and Elizabeth ( Brower) Fisher, were both natives 
of Franklin Countv, Virginia, and were born as follows: The 
father May 2, 1792, and the mother December 24, i793- 
The former, Peter Fisher, was a son of Philip Fisher, who was a 
native of Germany, and from there immigrated to the United States, 
in an early day, settling tirst in the State of Pennsvlvania, and from 
thence, in an earlv dav, moved to Franklin County, Virginia, \\ here 
he afterward resided for a number of years. He was the father of 
nine children, viz: Solomon, Mary, Jacob, Daniel, Peter, Catharine, 
Abraham, Jonathan and John B. Peter, the father of our subject, 
and Miss Elizabeth Brower, were married in Franklin County, Vir- 
ginia, and from thence thev emigrated to the State of Ohio, in the 
fall of 1828, and settled in Preble Count}', where they resided until 
the fall of 1836, at which time, they moved to Miami Count^■, Indiana, 
and settled upon land in Sections 25 and 30, Jefferson Township, 
which he had entered previoush', and upon which he resided until 
death. His wife died January- 20, 1867, and he survi\ed her until 
May 27, 1878. They were the parents of ten children, viz: Lydia, 
born January 22, 1819; George, born July 23, 1820: Benjamin, born 
February 10, 1822; Joseph, born No\ember 10, 1823; Mary, born 
April 10, 1826: Isaac, born August 22, 1828: Aaron, born October 
7, 1830; Hannah, born December 28, 1833; Noah, born May 28, 
1839; Jacob, July 14, 1842. Joseph, our subject, came with his 
parents to this county in 1836, where he has resided since. He was 
married in Jefferson Township, this county, January 12, 1848, to 
Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Teal) Brower. She 
was born in Preble County, Ohio, September 28, 1827. Her par- 
ents were both natives of Virginia, and settled in Ohio, in an early 
day, where they were married, and from thence, in 1837, moved to 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 689 

Miami County, Indiana, settling in Jefferson Township. They 
were the parents of ten children, viz.: Aaron, Joseph, Noah, 
Mary, Rebecca, Abraham, EHzabeth, Sarah, Susan and Jacob. 
In 1848, Mr. Joseph Fisher purchased land in Section 35, Jefferson 
Township, this county, upon which he settled in August of 
the following year, and resided until 1864, when he settled upon 
land in Section i, this township, which he had purchased in the vear 
previous. Here he resided until March, 1884, when he moved to 
Mexico, Indiana, where he now resides. He owns at present 240 
acres of tine and well improved land, and also one of the finest 
residences in Mexico. He has had born to him four children, viz. : 
Martha A., born October 30, 1848; Dulcinea E., born November 
29, 1S51; Sarah E., born August 15, 1857; Rosa J., born Novem- 
ber 21, i860. Mr. Fisher and wife are members of the German 
Baptist Church, and are highly esteemed by all who know them. 

DAVID A. FISHER is a native of Carroll County, Indiana, 
and was born February 8, 1840. His parents, Nathaniel and 
Francis (Altic) Fisher, were both natives of Franklin County, 
Virginia, and were born as follows: The former September 8, 
1810, and the latter December 25, 1807. They were mar- 
ried in Franklin County, Virginia, and from thence in 1S34, 
moved to Darke Countv, Ohio, and from there to St. Joseph 
Count}-, Indiana, and subsequentl}' to Carroll County, where he 
died May 28, 1847. His widow subsequently married John 
Brower and moved with him to Miami County, Indiana, where 
she still resides. She is the mother of six children, five bv Mr. 
Fisher and one by Mr. Brower. David A., our subject, came 
with his parents to this county in 1850. He was married 
in Jefferson Township, this county, October 14, 1866, to Eliza- 
beth, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Rhoads) Harter, 
She was born in Preble County, Ohio, April 3, 1841. 
After Mr. Fisher's marriage he settled upon the same farm on 
which he now resides, in Section 21, Jefferson Township, where 
he resided until 1872, when he removed to Peru, Indiana, and 
engaged in mercantile business three years. In October, 1876, he 
removed to his farm in Jefferson Township, where he has since 
resided and engaged in farming and fruit growing. He owns 
113 acres of fine and well improved land. He has had born 
to him three children, viz: Infant son, born August 19, 1867 
(deceased), Charles L., born July i, 1869, and Iva L., born 
February 29, 1872. Mr. Fisher was elected to the oflice of asses- 
sor of Jefferson Township in 1886, which office he at present 
holds. 

JOHN O. FISHER was born in Franklin County, Virginia, 
November 27, 1841. His parents, John B. and Alie A. (Teel) 
Fisher, were also both natives of Franklin County, Virginia. He 



690 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

came to Miami Count}-, Indiana, in the fall of 1849, and in 1850 
begun the carpenter trade, which he completed and has engaged 
in the same more or less since. He was married in Miami Count}-, 
Indiana, July 3, 187 1, to Sarah A., daughter of Benjamin and 
Hannah Graft. She was born in Miami Count}-, Indiana, May 
12, 1843. Soon after Mr. Fisher's marriage he settled at Can- 
ton, Ohio, where he resided until the spring of 1872, at which 
time he moved to Miami County, Indiana, and purchased and set- 
tled on a small farm in section 31, Jefferson Township, where 
he resided only about one year, when he purchased and settled on a 
farm in section i, Jefferson Township, and in 1876 he moved to 
Wabash County, Indiana, where he resided until the spring of 
1886, at which time he removed to Miami County, Indiana, and 
purchased and settled on the farm on which he now resides, in sec- 
tion 6, Jefferson Townshi]i. He owns at present 120 acres of 
fine and well-improved land. He has had born to him six children, 
viz: Linnie B., Harvey A., M}-rtie B., Ethel M., Charles (de- 
ceased) and Frederick. 

LEVI FISHER is the son of George and Barbara (Moss) 
Fisher, natives of Virginia and Indiana, respectively, and 
born as follows: The former in Franklin County, Virginia, 
July 23, 1820, and the latter in Union County, Indiana, August 19, 
1822. They were married in Jefferson Township, this county, 
November 11, 1841, and afterward settled on his father's farm in 
Jefferson Township, where he resided about one year; then settled 
upon land in Section 30, Jefferson Township, where he resided until 
August, 1883, when he settled upon the farm on which he now 
resides, in Section 31 in Jefferson Township. He has had born to 
him nine children, viz: William, born September 9, 1842; Henry, 
born May 11, 1845; Levi, born December 14, 1847; Sarah J., born 
November 13, 1850; Elizabeth, born May, 30, 1853, died Septem- 
ber 21, 1862: Minerva, born February 23, 1856, and died March 4, 
1858; Peter M., born July 15,1859; Alston W., born August 4, 
1863, and died February 2, 1884; Christena, born July 10, 1868, 
and died April 15, 1871. Levi, our subject, was married in Cass 
County, Indiana, January 2, 1873, to Mary J., daughter of Samuel 
and Nancy (Graft) Dillman. She was born in Cass County, Indi- 
ana, February 14, 1854. After our subject's mai-riage he settled 
upon a farm in Jefferson Township, where he engaged in farming, 
and where he resided until the fall of 1875, ''^ which time he moved to 
Mexico, Indiana, and engaged in butchering in partnership with J. 
W. Turnipseed, for some time. He afterwards engaged in buying 
and shipping stock, and in the spring of 1877, removed to Cass 
Countv, Indiana, and engaged in farming and stockdealing until 
1 88 1, when he removed to Mexico, and again engaged in 
stock dealing. In the winter of 1886, he purchased the agency of 



BIOGRAPHICAL, SKETCHES. 69I 

this county for the Flint and Walling Manufacturing Company, and 
has since engaged in putting down the tubular wells and wind- 
mills. He owns 90 acres of land in Section 25, Jefferson Township. 
He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He assessed Jef- 
ferson Township in 1882, 1883, 1884 and 1885. 

ISAAC FOUTS is a native of Preble County Ohio, and is 
one of ten children born to Michael and Sarah (Brower) Fonts, 
natives of North Carolina and Virginia, respectively. They 
were born as follows: The father in North Carolina Sep- 
tember I, 1797, and the mother in Virginia, June 6, 1801. They 
were married in Preble Count\, Ohio, August 24, 1820, and from 
thence in the fall of 1838, moved to Miami County, Indiana, and 
settled upon land in Jefferson Township, Section 28, where the}' 
afterward resided until death, which occurred as follows: The 
father died January 10, 1857, and the mother September 27, 
187 1. They were the parents of ten children, viz: Jacob, born 
June 8, 1821; Elizabeth, born Februarj- 11, 1822; Anna, born 
October 28, 1824; Sarah, born October 6, 1826; Rosanna, born 
February 18, 1829; David, born April 22, 1831; Isaac, born January 
13, 1834; Andrew, born May 2, 1836; Sophia, born January 23, 
1840, and Mary, born January 3, 1845. Isaac, our subject, came 
with his parents to this country- in 1838, where he has resided 
since. He was married in Wabash County, Indiana, January 7, 
1858, to Diannah, daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Harter) Hoff. 
She was born in Carroll County, Indiana, July 22, 1837. After 
his marriage he settled upon the same farm on which he now 
resides, in Jefferson Township, Section 34. He owns at present 
222 acres of tine and well improved land. He has had born to 
him four children, viz: William H., born January 31, 1859; John 
H., born August 28, 1861; Jacob M., born July 21, 1864, and 
Alice M., born March 14, 1869. Mr. Fouts and wife are mem- 
bers of the German Baptist Church. 

ANDREW FOUTS, son of Michael and Sarah (Brower) 
Fouts, was born in Preble County, Ohio, May 2, 1836. He 
came with his parents to this county in 1838, and has resided 
here since. He was married in Jefferson Township, this count}', 
Aug. 8, 1858, to Mary Roller, and afterward settled upon the farm 
on which he now resides, his father's old homestead. He lost his wife 
by death, Oct. 3, 1868, having born to him by her three children, viz: 
Lavina, born Feb. 7, 1861; Albert, born April 25, 1863, and Nathan, 
born Oct. 17, 1866. Mr. Fopts was again married Feb. 10, 1870, 
to Polly Hoff, by whom he nas had three children, viz: Cora D., 
born Sept. 4, 1872; Clarence M., born June 14, 1875, and Irene 
E., born Sept. 11, 1876. Mr. Fouts owns 220 acres of line land 
in this county, and 80 acres in Wabash Countv, Indiana. 

ABRAHAM GRAFT, son of David and Anna (Grove) 



692 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Graft, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, November 
24, 1813. He came with his parents to Preble County, Ohio, 
where he was married March 3, 1839, '•° Anna, daughter of 
George and Elizabeth (Swisher) Morningstar. She was born in 
Preble County, Ohio, May 15, 1818. Her father was born in 
Virginia, October 23, 1779, and her mother in Maryland in 
August, 1782. They were married in Maryland, April 16, 1S05, 
and shortly afterward moved to Preble County, Ohio, where 
they afterward resided until death, which occurred as follows: 
The mother, October 16, 1851, and the father, May 16, 1861. 
They were the parents of nine children, viz: Elizabeth, Mary, 
Susanna, Catherine, Solomon, Jones, Anna, Julia A. and L\dia. 
In 1 84 1 Mr. Graft, our subject, moved to Randolph County, 
Indiana, where he purchased land and resided until the spring of 
1850, at which time he moved to Preble Count}-, Ohio, and in 
the following fall he moved to Miami County, Indiana, where he 
has since resided. In May, 1882, he settled on the farm on 
which he now resides, in Jefferson Township. He has had born 
to him seven children, viz: George, born November 24, 1839, 
and died October 13, 1882; David, born April 7, 1841; John, 
born May 14, 1843; Elizabeth, born February 5, 1S48, Lydia, 
born November 22, 1852; Mary C, born October 20, 1856, and 
one son who died in infancy not named. 

BENJAMIN graft" (retired farmer and grain merchant, 
and one of the old and highly esteemed pioneers of Miami 
County, Indiana), is a native of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 
born August 3, 1815. His parents, David and Anna (Grove) 
Graft, were natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectively. 
They were married in Augusta County, Virginia, and from thence, 
subsequently, moved to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, after 
which the}' removed to Augusta County, Virginia, and from 
there to Preble County, Ohio, where the mother died Novem- 
ber 5th, 185 1, at fifty-seven years of age. The father afterward 
retired and made his home with his children until death, which 
occurred in this county, July 29, 1854. He was the father of twelve 
children, viz; Abraham, Benjamin, David, Eliza, Nancy, John, 
Samuel, Daniel, Margaret, Henry, and two' which died in infancy 
not named. Benjamin, our subject, was married in Preble 
County, Ohio, April 14, 1839, to Hannah, daughter of Henry and 
Hannah (Dillman) Brower. She was born in Preble County, 
Ohio, March 22, 1818. In 1841, Mr. Graft, our subject, moved to 
Miami County, Indiana, landing here in September of that year. 
He purchased and settled upon land in Jefferson Township, Section 
19, where he resided until the spring of 1864, at which time he set- 
tled upon a farm in Section 6, Jefferson Township, which he had 
purchased previously. Here he resided until the spring of 1880, at 



BIOCKAPIIICAL SKKTCIIES. 695 

which time he mo\ed to Mexico, Indiana, where he now resides. 
lie has had born to him eleven children, viz: Isaac II., born Feb- 
ruary 29, 1840; Nanc}-, born May 31, 1841, died April 23, 1868; 
Sarah A., born May 12, 1843; John, born November 2, 1844; Harriet, 
born August 14, 1846; David, born March 2, 1848; Isabelle, born 
January 24, 1850, died August 10, 1870; Margaret, born 
November, 9, 1851; Catharine, born April 22, 1853, and died Sep- 
tember I, 1854; Mariah E., born May 25, 1855; Alonzo D., born 
June 27, 1859. Mr. Graft is an -enterprising and highly esteemed 
citizen. He was one of the three earl}- Trustees of Jefferson Town- 
ship, and in 1870, was elected to the office of County Commissioner, 
and re-elected in 1873. 

ALONZO D. GRAFT, son of Benjamin and Hannah ( Brew- 
er ) Graft, was bom in Jefferson Township, this county, June 27, 
1859. ^^ ^^'"^'^ married in Berrien Countv, Michigan, December 
13, 1877, to Martha A., daughter of Allen and Rebecca (Jenkins) 
McGuire. She was born in Jefferson Township, this county, March 
7, i860. After marriage, Mr. Graft first settled upon his father's 
farm in Jefferson Township, where he resided until the spring of 
1886, when he moved to Mexico, Indiana, where he now resides. 
He owns 160 acres of fine land in Fulton County, Indiana, which he 
purchased in April, 1886. He has had born to him one child — 
Freddie E., born December 4, 1878. Mr. Graft is an enterprising 
and intelligent young man, and has a prospering future. 

HARRISON GRIMES, one of Miami County's pioneers and 
one among the early settlers of Union Township, was born in Mont- 
gomery County, Ohio, February 14, 1823. He was the oldest 
child born to Jeremiah and Barbara (Hashbarger) Grimes, natives 
of Mar\land and Virginia respectiveh', the former of Irish and the 
latter of Dutch descent. Harrison left home at the earl}- age of ten 
years and went to Preble County, Ohio, where he worked upon a 
farm for his board and clothes until he reached the age of sixteen, 
when he was given his choice of keeping his place or learning 
the blacksmith's trade. After due consideration he chose the lat- 
ter, but owing to an inaccurate understanding with the man who 
was to give him the instruction, he abandoned the notion of learn- 
ing the trade and concluded to remain upon the farm, which he did 
until he was twentv-one of age. He had been bound to his cmplo}er, 
who, wlien Harrison became of age, was to give him one hundred 
and fifty dollars. He took a horse worth fifty dollars and one hun- 
dred dollars in money, which represented his entire capital at that 
time. Upon leaving the farm he came on foot, with a thirty-seven 
and one-half pound budget upon his back, to this county. This was 
in March, 1844. Here he worked upon a farm until the following 
June, when he walked the entire distance back to Preble County, 
Ohio, but in the following August he again came to this county — 

2B 



6g6 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

this time on horseback. During the first 3ear of his resi- 
dence here he worked by the month and job at any and 
all kinds of work which he could find to do. In 1846 
he purchased a farm of ninety-three acres in Section 16, 
Union Township. There he located, and immediately set 
about clearing up a farm. To do this without any assist- 
ance necessarih- devolved upon him a great deal of hard 
work. He chopped, grubbed, burned brush, rolled logs, plowed, 
and in fact did all kinds of hard work which the de\elopment 
of a new country necessitates. Since then he has purchased 
other lands, until at one time he owned about 1,000 acres. His 
attention during his entire life has been given to agricultural 
pursuits, though he has in more recent \ears given some atten- 
tion to the grain business, the buying and selling of hogs, and 
to the raising of fine stock. He was married on the 4th of May, 
1845, to Elizabeth Brower, a native of Montgomery County, 
Ohio, born of Dutch descent, February 8, 1826. She was the 
daughter of George and Sarah (Swihart) Brower, both natives 
of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Grimes ha\e had nine children. 
Their names are: Josiah, born July 31, 1846: Hiram, born Jan- 
uary 5, 1848, died September 12, 1880; Joiin H., born 
March i, 1849, ^^^^ February 11, 1853; Sarah D., born 
August 22, 1851; George T., born October 24, 1854; Albert, 
born September 5, 1856; Martha J., born December 24,. 1857; 
William, born June 29, 1859, and Charles, born October 13, 
1868. Politically, Mr. Grimes is a Republican. He has held 
the office of Assessor in Union Township two terms. He has, 
where he resides, a fine farm of 187 acres, nearh- all of which 
is in a high state of cultivation. His farm is fitted up with good 
buildings and fences, and is one of the most desirable locations 
in the county. Mr. Grimes is an honest, upright, square-dealing 
man, a pushing and enterprising farmer, and a good citizen. He 
tegan life without a dollar, but through industr\-, perseverance 
and economy, he is now in good circumstances. 

DANIEL GRISWOLD (dealer in grain and seed, and 
also agent of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific R. R., Mexico, 
Ind.) was born in Lamoille County, Vermont, August 24, 1830. 
His parents, John and Mary (Weeks) Griswold, were natives 
of Vermont and Massachusetts, respectivel}-. The former was a 
son of Daniel and Sarah Griswold, who were both natives of 
Vermont, where the mother died, and he subsequently married 
a Miss Berry and moved to Miami County, Ind., in the year 
1845, where he afterward resided until death. He was the 
father of six children. John Griswold, the father of our subject, 
was born in Franklin County, Vermont, in the year 1805, and 
was married to the above Mary Weeks in 1826, who was born 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 697 

in Massacliusetts in the year 1801. After their marriage they 
settled in Lamoille County, Vermont, where the}' resided some 
time, and from thence moved to Massachusetts, and from there 
to Miami County. Ohio, and subsequently to Darke County, and 
from thence to Miami Count\', Ind., in 1S44, settling at Alexico, 
where the}' afterwards resided until their deaths, which occurred 
as follows: The mother died in 1873, and the father in 1886. 
Thev were the parents of two children, Adelia, and Daniel, our 
subject, the elder member of the family. He came with his 
parents to this county in 1844, and has resided here principally 
since. In 1852 he went to California, where he engaged in 
mining until 1854. Haying engaged in the merchantile business 
at Mexico, Ind., with his father preyiously, after his return to 
Mexico, Ind., in 1S54, he again engaged in the mercantile trade 
with his father, and was united in marriage at Mexico May i, 
1854, to Louisa, daughter of Henry and Alary (Howard) Bliss. 
In i860 he purchased 196 acres of land in Section 7, Jefferson 
Township. In 1863 he sold his interest in the store. In 1872 
he began the grain and seed trade at Mexico, Ind., and has 
engaged in the same ever since. In 1876 he purchased stock 
in the Mexico Manufacturing Company, which he still owns. 
In 1867 he was elected to the office of trustee of Jefferson 
Township. He is a member of the Masonic order. He has 
had born to him eight children, viz: Alton (deceased), John, 
Cassius N., George, Edward, Nellie (deceased), Emma and 
May. Mr. Griswold is an intelligent and enterprising man. 
■ DANIEL IL\RTER is a native of Preble County Ohio, and 
was born March 4, 1834. ^'^ parents, Jacob and Elizabeth 
(Rhoads) Harter, were natives of Virginia and PennsyKania, 
respectively. They settled in Montgomery County, Ohio, in an 
early day, and from thence moved to Preble County, Ohio, and 
from there to Miami County, Indiana, in about the year 1849, and 
settled upon the same farm upon which our subject now resides, 
where they afterwards resided until deaths, which occurred as fol- 
lows: The father died May 30, 1879, ^^ '^^e age of 77 years, 7 
months and 18 days, and the mother died May 8, 1881, at the age 
of 77 years and 7 months. They were the parents of eight chil- 
dren, viz : Rebecca, Mary, John, Daniel, George, Catharine,' Eliza- 
beth and Nancy. Daniel, our subject, came with his parents to this 
county in 1849, and has resided here since. He was united in mar- 
riage in Jefferson Township, this county, November 21, 1867, to 
Nancy, daughter of^ Levi and Ursula Miller. She was born in 
Miami County, Indiana, July 21, 1844. After Mr. Harter married, 
he settled upon his present farm, where he has resided since. He 
owns, at present, 360 acres of fine and well improved land. He lost 
his wife by death, January 19, 1879, ^^^ having borne four 



698 HISTORY OF .MIAMI COCNTY. 

children, viz: Dora O., born September 25, 1868; William E., 
born June 21, 1870; Iva L., born March 11, 1872 (deceased); 
Delbert D., born Juh' i, 1875. ^I'"- Harter is one of the substan- 
tial and enterprising men of Miami County. He is a wide-awake 
citizen and is highly esteemed by all who him. . 

MICHAEL HINER, an old and highly esteemed pioneer of 
Miami County, Indiana, is a native of Highland County, Virginia, 
and was born July 10, 1819. His parents, John and Rachel 
(Hoover) Hiner, were also both natives of Highland County, Vir- 
ginia, and of Scotch-Irish extraction. The former, John Hiner, was 
a son of John and Margaret (Burner) Hiner, who were married in 
Highland Count}', Virginia, where they resided until deaths. They 
were the parents of eleven children, viz: Alexander, Joseph, Jacob, 
Herman, John, Esther, Jemima, Molly, Mary, Jane and Lucinda. 
John Hiner, the father of our subject, and Rachel Hoover, were 
united in marriage in Highland County, Ohio, and from thence in 
1836, moved to Miami County, Indiana, settling in Peru Township, 
where they afterward resided until death. Thev were the parents 
of nine children, viz: Margaret, Mariah, Catherine, Herman. Eliza- 
beth, Michael, Eli, John and Joseph. Michael, our subject, came with 
his parents to this county, in 1836, and has resided here since. He 
was married in Richland Township, this county, May i, 1843, to 
Catherine S., daughter of Samuel D. and Catherine ( Deff enbaugh ) 
Rank. She was born in Union County, Pennsyhania, February 26, 
1826. In 1862, Mr. Hiner, our subject, settled upon the farm on 
which he now resides, in Jefferson Township, Section 18, and has 
since resided. He owns at present. 277 acres of fine and well im- 
proved land. He has had born to him eleven children, viz: Mary, 
Rachel, Samuel, Mariah. Catherine, Ada, Agnes, Ruth, Jesse, and 
two which died in infancy and not named. 

VINXENT C. HOMAX is a native of Preble County, Ohio. 
His parents, Benjamin and Rachel (Curtis) Homan, were natives 
of Pennsylvania and New Jersey respectively. The former, Ben- 
jamin Homan, was a son of Eber and Jane (McPurdy | Homan. 
who were natives of New York and Ireland, and were born as fol- 
lows: The former at Long Island City, New York, September 7, 
1764, the latter in Ireland, Ma\- 25, 1775. They were married in 
Pennsyhania and settled in Fayette County, where the mother 
died April 14. 18 10. He subsequenth' married again and moved to 
the State of Ohio, where he died March 25, 1840. They were the 
parents of seven children, viz: David, born September 26, 
1802: James: born October, 1803: Phebe, bori^ November 7, 1804: 
Eder, born March 16. 1806; Jane, born June 7, 1807; Keder, born 
May 29, 1809, and Benjamin, the father of our subject, the eldest 
member of the family, born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, 
August 13, 1801. He and Rachel Curtis were married in Warren 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKKTCHES. 699 

CduiUv, Ohio, March 27, 1823. She was born in New Jersey, 
Jul}- 14, 1S02. After Mr. Benjamin and Rachel lloman's marriage, 
they tirst settled in Warren Count}-, Ohio, atid subsequenll}- moved 
to Clinton County, Ohio, and from thence to Preble County, Oliio, 
where he still resides. His wife died July 15, 1844, and he subse- 
quently married Mari^aret Grissam. lie is the father of se\-en chil- 
dren, viz: William, born February 13, 1S24, and died July 3, 1S32; 
Ezra, born October 24, 1827, and died July 9, 1832; Sarah J., born 
October 3, 1S32; Vincent C, born October 18, 1837, and Mary E., 
born May 16, 1841, by the first wife, Rachel; and Ben- 
jamin F., born September 17, 1847, and Nancy K., born August 5, 
1849, bv his last wife, Margaret. \'incent C, our subject, 
was educated in Preble County, Ohio, was raised on a farm until 
histwentv-lirst year, after which he clerked in a grocery at Eaton, 
Ohio, for a short time, and in August, 1859, he, in partnership with 
his father, purchased a stock of groceries at that place and engaged 
in business until March, 1865, at which time he sold out and came 
to Me.xico, hidiana, and in April of that year, purchased a half inter- 
est in a stock of general merchandise at Mexico, Indiana, with 
Janies L. Wilson, with whom he carried on business until Septem- 
ber. 18S2, at which time they traded their stock of-goods for a tract 
of land in Pulaski County, Indiana, consisting of 662 acres, of which 
Mr. Iloman ownes a half interest. He also owns 150 acres of fine 
land in Jefferson Township. Miami County, which he purchased 
in 18S4. He also owns stock in the Mexico Manufacturing 
Companv, and a line residence in Mexico, where he resides. 
He was married at Mexico, Indiana, October 27, 1863, to Sarah J., 
daughter of James and Sarah ( Ault) Wilson. She was born in 
Preble Countv, Ohio, July i, 1840. Mr. Homan is an intelligent 
and enterprising man, and is highl}- esteemed by all who know him. 
He is a member of the Masonic order, and he and his wife are mem- 
bers of the M. E. Church. 

CHARLES H. KLINE (of the firm of Khne & Bender, dealers 
in hardware, stoves, tinware, paints, glass, sash, doors, etc., Mex- 
ico, Indiana) is a native of Berks County. Pennsylvania, and was 
born January 27, 1837. His parents, Josiah and Hannah (Snyder) 
Kline, were also both natives of Pennsylvania, and were born as fol- 
lows: The father, March 13, 181 2, and the mother, February 8, 
181 4. After their marriage, they settled first in Berks County and 
resided for some time, after which they moved to Lehigh County, 
where they still reside. They are the parents of seven children, 
viz: E^clwin S., William S., Amanda E., Mary A., Benjamin F., 
Preston J. and Charles H., our subject, the eldest member of the 
family. lie was educated in Penns}lvania. and engaged in farming 
and teaching school. He enlisted in the service July 20, 1861, in 
Battery A, Fifth United States Artillery, and served until January 



700 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

27, 1863, at which time he was discharged and returned home. He 
was wounded at the battle of Malvern Hill, Virginia, on July i, 
1862, by rifle balls, one through the left shoulder and one through 
the riglit foot. In the spring of 1 864, he came to Miami County, 
Indiana, and after a short stay, returned to Pennsylvania, and in the 
spring of 1865, he went to Kansas, where he engaged in driving 
teams for the government, and in July, 1865, returned to Miami 
County, Indiana, where he was united in marriage, on August 27, 
1865, to Martha, daughter of Philip and Rosanna (Long) Sullivan. 
She was born in Williams County, Ohio, March 4, 1844. After 
Mr. Kline's marriage, he settled on Eel River, near Mexico, where 
he engaged in the lumber business until 188 1, when he moved to 
Me.xico, Indiana, and engaged in the hardware business, which he 
has since continued. He also owns a large interest in the Mexico 
manufacturing establishment, of which he is the present president. 
He was elected to the oflke of Trustee of Jefferson Township in 
1874, and held the office for three successive terms. He had born 
to him five children, viz: Carrie E., Minnie C, Rosa A., Elmer E. 
(deceased ), and Elbert S. Mr. Kline is a member of the Masonic 
Order: also, a member of the Odd Fellows' Order. He and wife 
are members of the Reformed Church. Mr. Kline is an enterpris- 
ing citizen, as well as a wide-awake business man. 

JOHN H. LANTZ (of the firm of Lantz & Duncan, deal- 
ers in general merchandise, Mexico, Ind.) was born in Union 
Township, this count}', Aug. 12, 1855, and is the son of Gabriel 
and Caroline (Ream) Lantz. He was married in Union Town- 
ship, this county, February 24, 1876, to Miss Priscilla, daughter 
of William D. and Harriet (Mann ) Tracy. She was born in 
Miami County, Ind., September 5, 1S59. In April, 1876, Mr. 
John H. Lantz, our subject, settled at Denver, Ind., where he 
opened up a flour and feed store, which he continued for sev- 
eral months, and in the fall of 1878 he moved to Mexico, Ind. 
In Julv, 1881, he opened up a meat market at that place, and 
in October, 1884, opened up a stock of groceries 'in partnership 
with Philip Sullivan, and at the same time carried on butcher- 
ing. In April, 1885, Mr. Sullivan sold out his interest to Mat- 
thew Duncan, since which time the firm has been Lantz & 
Duncan. In April, 18S6, they disposed of their meat market 
and have since turned their full attention to the mercantile 
trade, and are at present commanding a large and e.xtensive 
business. In April, 18S6, they purchased a half interest^ in the 
large and commodious brick building known as the Wilson & 
Homan block, into which they moved their stock of goods, and 
bv adding more to it the}' now have one of the largest and 
finest stocks of general merchandise in the place. They are 
both wide-awake and enterprising young business men, and are 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. JOT 

highh" esteemed by all who know them. Mr. Lantz has liad 
horn to him one child, Maud D., born Juh- 17, 1881. Mr. 
Lantz and wife are members of the Baptist Church. 

PHILIP M. LAWRENCE, of Denver, was born in Auglaize 
County. Ohio, October, 9, 1850. He was the third son born to John 
and Nancy (White) Lawrence, the former a native of Pennsj-lvania,. 
and the latter a native of Maryland. When Philip was 3et a 
child, he accompanied his parents to St. Joseph Count}-, this State. 
They came to this county in 1857, and located at Chili, Richland 
Township. In the \icinity of that place Philip spent liis youth, 
working iipt)n a tarni. In 1866 he accepted a position as brake- 
man upon the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, 
between Crestline, Ohio, and Pittsburgh. He was thus emplo\'ed 
nearly one year. He then returned to this county, and for one 
\ear worked upon a farm. He then went to Iowa, where 
he worked upon a farm about eighteen months. He then returned 
once more to this countv and located at Chili, where 
he bejran to work at the blacksmith's trade. This has 
received his attention ever since, excepting one year, in which 
he acted as agent for a sewing machine company. He located 
in Denver in August, 1884. Jul\- 30, 1873, he was married to 
Laura A. Smith, a native of Allen County, this State, born May 8, 
1856. She was the daughter of E^aniel and Ruth Ann (Homan) 
Smith, both natives of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence have had 
three children. Thev are, Arba, born April 30, 1875; Edna Zoe, 
born October 9, 1877, and Loa L., born May 25, 1879: all of whom 
are living. Mr. Lawrence is a member of the F. and A. M. Lodge 
and a Democrat in politics. He was elected to the office of Justice 
of the Peace in the spring of 1886, and is the present incumbent. 
He is an industrious \'oung man, a good workman and a number one 
citizen. 

LEV'I MILLER, an old and highly esteemed pioneer of Miami 
County, Indiana, was born in Augusta County, Virginia, February 
23, 1817. His parents, Abraham and Nancy (Moses) Miller, were 
both natives of Augusta Countv, Virginia, where they were married 
and resided until 1833, when they moved to Preble Count}-, Ohio, 
where the father died. The mother subsequently came with her 
children to Miami Countv, Indiana, where she departed life. They 
were the parents of eleven children, viz: Catharine, Levi, Daniel, 
Isaac, Elisha, John, Abraham, Nancy, Rebecca, Jacob, and an infant 
son, which died in infancy and not named. Levi, our subject, was 
married in Preble County, Ohio, in November, 1840, to Ursula, 
daughter of John and Elizabeth (Eikenberry) Albaugh. In Feb- 
ruar\-, 1842, Mr. Miller, our subject, moved to Miami County, 
Indiana, and settled upon the farm on which he now resides, in Sec- 
tion 4, Jefferson Township, where he has resided since. Mr. Miller 



702 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Started in life a poor boy, beginning in this county on i6o acres of 
woodland, upon which he toiled and labored hard, and succeeded in 
clearing up his land, and from that, little by little, he added to his 
lands, and through hard work and well directed industry, his estate 
magnified to about one thousand acres of tine land. He distributed 
among his children, and after giving them all line homes, he still 
owns 1 20 acres of tine and well improved land, and tine propert\- in 
the city of Peru, Indiana: also in the Mexico saw-mill and planing 
factory. He is also a stockholder in the Citizens' Bank of Peru, 
Indiana. He lost his wife by death in October, 1876. He had 
born to him by her ten children, viz : Abraham, Elizabeth, Nancy, 
Sarah, Mary A., Rebecca, John H., William I., Eli and Joseph E. 
Mr. Miller is a member of the German Bapdst Church. 

ABRAHAM MILLER, son of Levi and Ursula (Albaugh) 
Miller, was born in Preble County, Ohio, October 11, 1S41. He 
came to this county with his parents in 1842, where he resided until 
1867, when he went to Johnson County, Missouri, where he pur- 
chased land, and engaged in farming. He was there married. 
December 25, 1870, to Mary E., daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth J. 
(Alexander) Wampler. She was born in. Hamilton County. Indi- 
ana. January' 13, 1851. In December, 1870, immediately after our 
subject's marriage, he moved to Miami County, Indiana, and settled 
upon the farm upon which he 90W resides, in Jefferson Township, 
Section 19, where he owns 255 acres of tine and well improved 
land. He has had born to him seven children, viz : Florence, born 
October 7, 1871: Clara, born July 6, 1873, died March 12, 1877; 
Ursula, born April 26, 18751 Oscar L.. born April 5, 1877: Rebecca, 
born May 10, 1880: Gilbert I., born January 12, 1883, and Leroy, 
born Aufifust 31, 1886. Mr. Miller and wife are members of the 
German Baptist Church. 

ABRAHAM L. MILLER, son of Isaac and Anna (Ly brook) 
Miller, was born in Jefferson Township, this county, October 11, 
1847. He was married in Richland Township, this county. March 
31, 1870, to Rebecca S., daughter of Lewis and Sarah (Shideler) 
Trent. She was born in Miami County, Indiana, April i, 1852. 
After Mr. Miller, our subject's, marriage, he settled upon the farm 
on which he now resides, in Jefferson Township, Section 33, where 
he has resided since. His wife died May 25, 1872, having borne 
him one child. Otto E., born July 31, 1871. On February 
26, 1874, Mr. Miller married Elizabeth, daughter of Noah and Anna 
(^Trouts) Fonts. She was born in this county. October 28, 1851. 
Seven children were born to this union, viz: Elbert G., born Jan- 
uary 6, 1875: Marion E., born October i, 1876: Anna, born March 
15, 1878: Truman E., born March 31, 1880: Howard E., born Sep- 
tember 9, 1881 ; May, born May 28, 1S83, and Flora, born Feb- 
ruar\- 7. 188 v Mr. Miller owns 201"^ acres of tine and well 



BIO(;UAI'HRAI. SKETCHES. 703 

improxecl land. lie and wife are members of the German Ba|nisl 
Church. 

JOHN II. MILLER, son of Levi and Ursula ( Albaugh) 
Miller, was born in Jefferson Township, this countv, November 
9, 1852. He was married in Jefferson Townshi]-), this countv, 
March 26, 1874, ^o Rebecca A., daughter of William Stroud. 
She was born in Cass County, Ind., Januar}- 20, 1855. After 
Mr. Miller, our subject's, marriage, he settled upon the same 
farm on which he now resides, where he owns 360 acres of 
tine and well-impro\'ed land. He lost his wife by death January 
II, 1879, hiivi'ig borne to him one child. Bertha E., born 
August 6, 1875. On November 28, 1881, he married Emma, 
daughter of Isaac and Talittia (Stinglev) Constant. She was 
born in Cass Count}-, Ind., April 30, 1862. One child has been 
born to this union, Walter L., born August 28, 1883. Mr. 
Miller is a wide-awake and enterprising young man, and is 
highly esteemed bv all who know him. 

JOHN F. MYERS, Commissioner of Miami County, Indiana, 
is a wide-awake and enterprising citizen, and is one of the most 
extensive farmers and stock dealers of Jefferson Township. He 
is a native of Germany, and was born near Hanover, December 
25, 1828. His parents, Nicholas C. and Catharine Myers, were 
also both natives of Germany, and emigrated from there to the 
United States in 1833, settling in Miami County, Indiana, where 
they afterward resided until death. They were the parents of 
eight children, viz : Catharine E., John F., Henry, Mary, Emma, 
Elizabeth, Isaac N. and an infant son which died young and not 
named. John F., our subject, came with his parents to this 
county in 1833 and has resided here since. He was married in 
Peru Township, this county, in January, 1852, to Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of John and Mary (Cromer) Bowman, and afterwards settled 
upon his father's farm in Peru Township where he resided until 
the spring of 186 1, when he settled upon the farm on which he 
now resides, in section 14, Jefferson Township. He owns at 
present 650 acres of fine and well improved land, 284 acres of 
which lie in Miami County and 366 acres in Cass County. He 
lost his wife b}- death, November 3, 1883, having borne to him 
eleven children, \iz: Lewis (deceased), John F., James B. 
(deceased), William H. (deceased), George W., Amanda J., Ira 
D., Frank S., Milton H., Benjamin (deceased), and one which 
died in infancy and not named. On January 22, 1885, Mr. Myers 
married Levina, daughter of Enoch and Mary (Myers) Bowman; 
having born to him by this lady, one child, Edna. Mr. Myers 
was elected to the office of Commissioner of this county in 1882. 

ISAAC NEWMAN, an old and highl}- esteemed pioneer of 
Miami Count\-, Indiana, is a native of Montgomer\' County, Ohio, 



704 HISTORY OF MIAMI COLNTV. 

and was born May 3, 181 5. His parents, Jonathan and Mahala 
(Cox) Newman, were both natives of Tennessee, and from thence 
emigrated to Montgomery County, Ohio, in an early day, where 
they were married, and afterward resided until death. They were 
the parents of nine children, viz: Isaac, Cyntha, Mary A., Samuel 
K., Jane C, Elijah, Matthew C, Jonathan E., and one which died 
in infancy and not named. Isaac, our subject, was married in Miami 
Count}-, Ohio, March 6, 1834, *o Susannah, daughter of Uaniel and 
Mollie Hoover, and in September, 1835, h*^ moved to Miami County, 
Indiana, settling upon the same farm on which he now resides, in 
Section 23, Jefferson Township, where he has remained since. He 
lost his wife by death, July 20, 1851, having had born to him by her 
seven children, viz: Matilda, Benjamin F., Mary J., Sarah, James P., 
Daniel B., and one which died in infancv and not named. On Sep- 
tember 8, 1853, Mr. Newman married Mary Conner (wife of John 
Conner, deceased). Mr. Newman owns 160 acres of fine and well 
improved land. He is an enterprising and highly esteemed man. 

ELIAS OLINGER (dealer in general merchandise, Me.vico, 
Ind. ) is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, and was born 
March 20, 1835. His parents, George and Barbara (Shoe- 
maker) Olinger, settled in Miami County, Ind., in about the 
year 1846. They were the parents of four children, viz: Anna, 
Levi, Sarah and Elias, our subject, the eldest member of the 
family. He came with his parents to Miami County in 1846, 
where he has resided ever since. He engaged in harness mak- 
ing for a number of years, after which he engaged in shoe- 
making and also handling ready made goods. He began in life 
with a very small capital, and b}- well-directed industry he 
added to his stock, little bv little, until he has now a fine stock 
of general merchandise of nearly $5,000. He married Eveline 
Skinner, by whom he has had born to him two children, viz: 
William L. and Laura D. This ladv died, and he subsequently 
married Pauline Reed, by whom he is father of three children, 
viz: Grace D., Barbara E. and Jesse (deceased). 

WILLIAM O. PIPER, one of the prominent business men 
of Denver, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, October 26, 1837. 
He was the fifth son born to John and Elmira (Bassett) Piper, 
the fcirmL'r a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter a native of 
Vermont, of Scotch and Irish descent respectively. When W ill- 
iam was seven years old, he accompanied his parents to this 
county, and located with them in the woods of Union Township. 
That was in 1844. There our subject spent his boyhood and 
youth, working upon his father's farm. At the age of twenty 
he left home and went to Ogle County, Illinois, where he worked 
upon a farm by the month, one year. He then returned to this 
county, and during the three years which followed, he taught 



BIOGRAIMIICAK SKETCHES. 705 

school in the winter time and worked upon the farm, and at 
threshintj during the sunuiier. October 8, iS6i, he enlisted into 
the service of his country in Company G, 51st Indiana regiment, 
from which he was honorably discharged December 16, 1864, hav- 
ing, in the meantime, been promoted to the rank of sergeant. 
He participated in the battles of Stone River, those attending 
the raid of Col. Streight, and Franklin. He was taken prisoner 
near Rome, Ga., and for a short time was imprisoned at Belle 
Isle. Virginia, but was soon liberated by exchange. At the 
close of the war he went to Newton County, this State, and 
engaged in farming. Four years later he returned to this county, 
but a year later he went to Topeka, Kansas, where, in the 
spring of 1870. he engaged in the real estate business. In the 
following October he again returned to this county and located 
at Denver, where he has ever since been engaged in the mercan- 
tile business. January i, 1861, he was married to Ann E. Charles, 
a native of \Va}ne County, this State, and daughter of Reuben 
K. and Margaret (^Cunningham) Charles, nati\-es of Preble County, 
Ohio, and Virginia, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Piper have had 
seven children, six sons and one daughter, all of whom are liv- 
ing. Their names are Charles E., William J., Walter E., Harry 
M., George W., Omer S. and Clara E. Mr. Piper is a member 
of the F. and A. M., I. O. O. F., A. O. U. W., and G. A. R. 
Lodges, and a Republican in politics. He is a pleasant and intel- 
ligent gentleman, a successful business man and a number one 
citizen. During the last four years his attention has been divided 
between the mercantile business and farming. He owns 150 
acres of good land adjoining the town of Denver, nearly all of 
which is in a high state of cultivation. Politically, Mr. Piper 
was a Democrat, and entered the war as such, but on returning 
he declared himself in favor of the Republican party, whose 
principles he has ever since ardently supported. 

JOHN Q. A. ROBBINS, M. "D., of Denver, is a native of 
Wayne County, tliis State, and was born November 6, 1826. He 
was the second son born to Moses and Elizabeth ( Long ) Robbins, 
both natives of North Carolina, the former of Welsh and Irish and 
the latter of German descent. Our subject spent his boyhood and 
youth working upon his father's farm in his native county. At the 
age of sixteen, having decided to tit himself for the medical profes- 
sion, he began the study of medicine with Dr. James Ruby, of 
Abington, Wayne County, with whom he diligentl}- pursued his 
studies for about five years. In June, 1849, he came to this county 
and entered upon his professional duties at Chili. Here he 
remained until April, 1856, when, owing to the impaired condition 
of his health and the death of his wife, he returned to his father's in 
Wayne County for recuperation. He remained there about one 



7o6 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

3ear and a lialf, during which time lie traveled through the West 
for his health. On the ist day of January, 1858, he located at 
Abington, where he again entered upon the practice of his pro- 
fession. In the latter part of November, 1881, he again came to 
this county, and this time located at Denver, where he has ever 
since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. In 
the fall of 1 868, while a citizen of Abington, he entered the Cincin- 
nati College of Medicine and Surgerv, where he attended one course 
of lectures, graduating in Februar}^ 1869. On the 17th day of 
Ma\', 1849, he was married to Marv C. Jarett. also a native of 
Wayne County, this State, born of English descent, in September, 
1826. She was the daughter of William and Nancv (Wilson). Jar- 
ett, both natives of Virginia. To this union two children were born: 
Moses E. and John H. C, the former of whom died at the age of 
eleven years, and the latter died before he was two vears old. Dr. 
Robbins lost his lirst wife October 13, 1853, and on the 6th day of 
April, 1854, ^^ ^^'"^^ married to Eliza Ann W. Myers, who died Feb- 
ruary 21, 1856. She was born in Preble County, Ohio, and was 
the daughter of James Mvers. His second marriage resulted in the 
birth of one child — James Edgar, who died at the age of se\en 
3ears. October 27, 1858, our subject was married to Mrs. Martha 

E. Heacock, a native of Wayne County, this State, and daughter of 
William and Nancv (Long) Larkin, natives of Tennessee and \'ir- 
ginia, respeclivelv. To this last union four children have been born. 
Their names are Harriet A., born August 24, 1859: Carrie J., born 
August I, 1862; Francis C, born June 11. 1867, and Altie H., born 
June 16, 1876, all of whom are living. Dr. Robbins and wife are 
faithful members of the M. E. Church. He is a member of the 

F. & A. M. and I. O. O. F. Lodges, and a Republican in politics. He 
is a pleasant, intelligent gentleman, a hrst-class citizen, and as a phy- 
sician is very successful. 

REV. "ERWIN C. ROBBINS, of Denver, is a native of 
Richland Township, this count\', and was born Julv 16. 1853. He 
was the eldest son born to Emma D. and Alice (Clendening) 
Robbins, who were among the first settlers of Richland Town- 
ship. Our subject spent his earlv life working upon his father's 
farm and attending the public school. In September, 1874, he 
entered the State Normal School, at Terre Haute, where he 
spent nearly one \ear fitting himself for the avocation of a teacher. 
He then began teaching and taught, in all, six terms, spending 
his summers upon a farm. He continued to farm until the spring of 

1884. at which time he yielded to an inclination to enter the ministrj-. 
He immediatelv began to tit himself for this work, and in February, 

1885, he was licensed to preach in the Baptist Church. His pastoral 
work was begun in the Palestine Church, of Fulton County, 
where he preached for one year. Since October, 1886, he has 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. ']0^ 

occupied the pulpit in the Baptist Churcli of Den\er, he lia\ iii^ 
located in that place in September of 1885. September, 17, 1875, 
he was married to Sarah A. Charles, w ho died February 29, 
1884, leaving to the care of our subject, four children: Charles 
O., born September 27, 1877; Alta M., born August 20, 1879; 
Ida E., born June 16, 1881; and Kercheval, born November 23, 
1883: all of whom are living. On the 19th da\' of August, 1885, 
Rev. Robbins was married to Mrs. Emma E. Howes, a native of 
Kane Count}-, IlHnois, born August 19, 1854. ^^^^ ^^'^^ the daugh- 
ter of Nelson E. and Mary A. (Peck) Gowdy, both natives of 
Alleghany County, New York. Politically, our subject is a Repub- 
lican. He and his little family are pleasantly located in Denver, 
where they expect to remain. He is a good citizen and an earnest 
and successful worker in the cause of Christianity. 

PHILIP M. SMITH, operator at Denver, was born in John- 
son County, this State, Mav 13, 1850. He was the second son 
born to Martin and Christiana (Orm| Smith, the former of 
whom is at present a resident of Tipton Count}', this State. 
When Philip was quite young his parents removed to Tipton 
County, where his boyhood and jouth were spent work- 
ing upon his father's farm, one mile and a half west of Jackson 
Station. At about the age of twenty he had the misfortune to 
lose his left arm — the result of an accident which befell him as he 
was in the act of coupling cars. He then resolved to fit him- 
self for the teacher's profession. Preparatorv to this he attended 
the Hi<ih School in Kokomo about six months. He then tauirht 
school one term, but before he half finished it he was, owing to 
an attack of brain fever, compelled to resign his position. After 
a short time spent upon a farm he then went to Indianapolis 
and took a course in telegraphy. That was during the winter 
of 1873 and '74. This finished, he returned to his father's farm 
in Tipton County, where he remained until March, 1875. He 
then accepted a position as night operator at Tipton. Here he 
remained until the 30th day of June following. July i, 1S75, 
he took the position of night operator at Denver, this county. 
In March of 1882 he was made dav operator at that place, 
which position he still continues to hold. April 18, 1877, he 
was married to Mary L. Hays, a native of this State, born 
March 8, 1852. She was the daughter of James M. and Mar- 
garet (Reynolds) Hays. Politically, Mr. Smith is a Democrat. 
He is a voung man of steady habits and irreproachable charac- 
ter, and his retention for so many ^■ears in the telegraph office 
at Denver is evidence of the complete satisfaction gi\en his 
emplo\ers. 

DR. O. F. SNOOK, of Denver, is a native of Defiance Count}', 
Ohio, born August 4, 1849. ^^^ ^^''^^ ^^"^ eldest son born to Peter 



yoS . HISTORY OF >ri.\MI COUNTY. 

and Sarepta (Brown) Snook, both natives of Ohio. When he was 
one year old he accompanied his mother to Whitlev County, this 
State, and about 1858 they came to Miami County, his mother, in 
the meantime, having been married to Leonard M. Briggs. Their 
tirst location was at Peru, but a short time afterward they removed 
to Mexico. Here they remained until about 1862, when they 
returned to Whitley County, from whence our subject, early in the 
j'ear 1864, went to Peru and began to learn the printer's trade. 
His first work was in the office of the Peru Rcfublican, edited at 
the time bv W. S. Benham. He remained until in January, 1865, 
when, at the early age of fifteen, he entered the service of the 
Union Army in Company D, 151st Indiana Volunteers, from which 
he received an honorable discharge in the September following. 
At the close of the war he went to North Manchester, Wabash 
County, whence his mother, with her husband, had in the mean- 
time gone, and where the former had died March 5, 1865. Having 
a desire to finish his trade, he worked in different places until the 
latter part of 1867, when he found himself in New York City. In 
that place he did journeyman work upon various papers for about 
one year. After being thus employed in several other cities until 
about 1809, he, having concluded to enter the medical profession, 
then went to Philadelphia where he attended two courses of lectures 
in the Eclectic Medical College. His professional duties were 
betrun in Fulton County. He afterwards successfully practiced his 
profession in Whitle}', Kosciusko and Wabash Counties. In 
November, 1883, he again came to this county and located at Denver, 
w^here his attention has been divided between the practice of medicine 
and the editing and management of the Denver S/e/i, a newsy little 
paper, which he launched into existence nearly three years ago. 
November 16, 1873, he was married to Mary B. Corbet, by whom 
he has had four children: Marion C, Lou Effie E., Oscar R., and 
Ida E., all of whom are living. Mrs. Snook is a member of the M. 
E. Church. Tne Doctor is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, 
and independent in politics. 

OLIVER T. SNYDER, an enterprising young business 
man, of Denver, is a native of Union County, this State, and was 
born May 12, 1850. He was the only son born to John M. and 
Mary A. (Thomas) Snyder, natives of Union and Fayette Coun- 
ties, this State, respectively. When our subject was about three 
years old he accompanied his parents to Wayne County, Indiana. 
There he spent hi.s boyhood and youth working upon his father's 
farm. He received in the public schools a good common school 
education, after which he continued his studies in the Centerville 
High School about one year. At the age of nineteen he accepted 
a position of traveling salesman, and was thus employed two 
vears. He then engaged in the lumber business, which received 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. ^0g 

his attention six years. Before beginning the study of I'har- 
niacy, he was engaged in selling books about two years, hi 1879, 
he began the study of Pharmacy, with a yiew to tit himself for 
the drug business. This was mastered in due time, and early in 
1883 he came to this county and opened up a drug store at 
Denyer. lie was united in marriage to Sarah E. Robbins, 
a natiye of this county, born September 22, 1S58. She was the 
daughter of Hiram ^I. and Permelia (Gentry) Robbins, the for- 
mer a native of Wayne County this State, born September 17, 
1826, and the latter also a native of Wayne County, born May 
18. 1835. Mr. Snyder is the father of two children : Carrie and Ethel. 
Mrs. Snyder is a member of the M. E. Church. Politically, Mr. Sny- 
der is a Democrat, He is a pushing, energetic J'oung man, and a 
number one citizen. He has a neat little drug store, well stocked and 
is doing a good business. 

MICHAEL N. TAYLOR, an old and highly respected citi- 
zen of Denver, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, February 7, 1814. 
He was the second son born to Samuel and Mary (Hancock) Tay- 
lor, who, when Michael was three years old, came to Indiana and 
located in Wayne Count\-, being among the early settlers of that 
locality. Our subject spent his boyhood and youth working upon 
his father's farm. When he had reached his majority he began 
farming for himself. That was in Wayne County, this State. In 
about the year 1836, he removed to Wabash County^ and located 
upon a farm four miles west of North Manchester. He had entered 
one hundred and sixty acres of wood land, upon which he built a 
cabin, and immediatel}' set about clearing up a farm. To do this 
without assistance, necessarily devolved upon him a great deal of 
hard work. He chopped, grubbed, burned brush, rolled logs, 
plowed, and, in fact, did all kinds of hard work which the develop- 
ment of a new country necessitates. The woods abounded with 
deer, wolves, wild turkeys, bear and Indians, and occasionally 
Michael found time to participate in the hunt. Upon one occasion 
he discovered a large bruin attacking some hogs, and a well directed 
shot from his rifle has entitled him to a reputation which but few 
enjoyed — that of killing a bear. He remained upon that farm, 
engaged in agricultural pursuits, until 1842, when he returned to 
Wayne County. A year later he came to this county and located in 
Richland Township, where he resided until October, 1883. At 
that time he removed to Denver, where he has erected a beautiful 
little residence, which, at present is occupied by himself and grand- 
tlaughter. Miss Alma D. Norris. June 11, 1835, he was mar- 
ried to Nancy Brown, who died October, 13, 1846. She was 
born in Wayne County, this State, December 16, 1813, and 
was the daughter of William Brown, who located in Wayne 
County in an early day. To that marriage five children were 



7IO HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTV. 

born: Samuel A., born July 4, 1836, died November 5, 1838; 
Sarah J., born November 15, 1837, .deceased: Mary C., born 
April 30th, 1839; Lucy A., born February 6, 1843; Philtna, 
born October 3, 1846, died October 23, 1846. May 10, 1847, Mr. 
Taylor was married to Araminta Woolpert, who died April 9, 
1886. She was born in Wayne County, this State, November 
15, 1827, and was the daughter of Peter and Phoebe (^'ea^) Wool- 
pert, natives of New Jersey. Mr. Tavlor has been a member of 
the M. E. Church over forty 3'ears. Politically he is a Republican. 
He began life poor, but through industry, perseverance and economv, 
he is permitted to spend his declining vears in comfortable circum- 
stances. He is an honest, upright man, and one of the county's 
most highly respected citizens. 

JOHN W. TURNIPSEED (dealer in agriculture and farm- 
ing implements, and also stock dealer, Mexico, Indiana,) is a native 
of Stark Countv, Indiana, and was born April 13, 1851. His parents, 
George and Sarah (Veal) Turnipseed, were natives of Ohio and 
New Jersey, respectively. He was married in Cass Count}-, Indi- 
ana, October 14, 1872, to Josephine, daughter of Samuel and 
Nancy (Graft) Dillman. She was born in Cass County, Indiana, 
November 19, 185 1. In the spring of 1873, Mr. Turnipseed, our 
subject, settled upon land in Jefferson Township, this county, where 
he engaged in farming until the fall of 1877, when he moved to 
Mexico, Indiana, where he engaged in the butchering business for 
about one vear, after which he engaged in buving stock for Mr. S. 
E. Skinner, and about one year later he entered a partnership w ith 
Mr. Skinner in stock business, which they continued together until 
Skinner's death, in November, 1884. He then devoted his atten- 
tion to stock business by himself, which he has carried on quite ex- 
tensivelv since. In the fall of 1886 he took Mr. A. Crook in as a 
partner, and the\ are now doing business together. Mr. Turnip- 
seed is an intelligent and enterprising man, and is highly esteemed 
bv all who know him. He owns 109 acres of land in Sec- 
tions 19 and 30, Jefferson Township: also fine propertv at Mexico. 
Indiana. Mr. Turnipseed and wife are members of the Baptist 
Church. 

THOMAS WHITCRAFT (foreman of the Mexico Manu- 
facturing Companv). was born in Hocking Countv, Ohio. April 
26, 1S47. His parents — ^John H. and Amy R. (Brown) Whitcraft 
— were also both natives of Hocking Countv, Ohio, and were 
born as follows: The father in the year 182 1 and the mother 
in the year 1824. They were married in Hocking County, 
Ohio, where the father died in the year 1856. The mother sub- 
sequentlv married Lewis Smvers, and moved with him to Wabash 
County, Indiana, in 1857, where she still resides. She is the 
mother of fourteen children, viz: Thomas, Margaret, Jacob L., 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCIIKS. 7II 

William C, Luther B., Elizabeth A., (by Mr. Whitcraft), and 
Mary, Elmira, George W., John W., Luther B., Amy R., Ida 
and an infant daughter which died young and not named (by- 
Mr. Smyers). Thomas, our subject, moved with his parents to 
Wabash County, Indiana, in 1857, and in 1871 began the cabinet trade 
at South Wabash, Ind., which he completed and has engaged in the 
same principally since. He was married at South Wabash, Indi- 
ana, November 9, 1875, to Anna M., daughter of Mark and 
Esther (Jenkins) Jones. She was born in Wabash Countv, 
Indiana, December 22, 1854. In 1877, Mr. Whitcraft, our sub- 
ject, moved to Mexico, Indiana, and began work as an emplove 
in the Mexico Manufacturing Factory, which he has since con- 
tinued. In Ma}', 1884, he was promoted to foreman of the fac- 
tory, which capacity he now fills. He has had born to him four 
children, viz: Vesta J., born October 21, 1876; Vermon H., 
born July, 12, 1878; Lenora, born March 10, 1880, and Edwinna, 
born Februai-}' 10, 1882. Mr. Whitcraft is a member of the 
Masonic Order, and he and wife are members of the M. E. Church. 
He is a wide-awake and enterprising young man, and is much 
esteemed by all who know him. 

JOHN N. WOOLLEY, one of the pioneers of this county 
and one among the earl}- settlers of Richland Township, was 
born in Hamilton County, Ohio, September 18, 1820. He was the 
second son born to Amos and Anna (Ellis) Woolley, both natives 
of New Jersey, of Welsh descent. When John was about six 
\ears old he accompanied his parents to Philadelphia, Penn., but 
six years later, or in 1832, they returned to Ohio, and this time 
located in Warren County. His father located in Palmyra (now 
Mason), where he worked at his trade, which was that of wagon- 
maker. Very early in life, John learned the trade also, with his 
father, at which he has worked chiefly all his life. On the nth day 
of April, 1844, he was married to Alice E,. Warwick, a native of 
Warren County, Ohio, born of English and Scotch descent, April 
28, 1826. She was the daughter of Jacob and Leah (Parker) 
Warwick, both natives of Pennsylvania. In 1847, Mr. and Mrs. 
Woolley came to this count}- and located in the woods of Richland 
Township. There our subject worked at his trade until about 1873, 
when he located in Denver. Mr. and Mrs. Woolley have had ten 
children. They are Emily E., born March 18, 1845, died October 
I, 1S60; Mary J., born December 12, 1846; Laura A., born Octo- 
ber 29, 1847; Joseph C, born October 2, 1850, died January 15, 
1851; Benjamin K., born July 31, 1855, died August 4, 1858; Alice 
E., born October 31, 1857: George L., born November 15, 1859; 
Anna E., born March 2, 1862; Alfred W., born December 8, 1864; 
and Amos E., born September 17, 1867. Mrs. Woolley is a mem- 
ber of the Christian Church. In politics, Mr. Woolley is a Repub- 

27 



712 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

lican. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace four years. 
He is an honest, upright man, and one of the countj-'s most highlj- 
respected citizens. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



Perry Township — Early Settlement — Land Entries — 
Township Organization — Improvements and Industries 
— E.\RLY Births, Deaths and Marriages — Wolves — L.\w- 
LEssNEss — Religions — Gilead — Stockdale- — Biographical 
Sketches. 

PERRY TOWNSHIP, the largest division of Miami County, 
forms the northeast corner of the county, and embraces a geo- 
graphical area of forty -two square miles, all of w hich is included in 
Township 29, North, Ranges 4 and 5, East, of the Congressional sur- 
vey. It joins Fulton County on the North, Wabash County on the 
East, Richland Township on the South, Union and Allen Townships 
on the West, and was named in honor of Commodore 01i\er II. Perry, 
the gallant hero of Lake Erie. The surface of the township is pleas- 
antly diversified, the general face of the country being gentlj' rolling, 
with occasional hills along the streams. Like other parts of the countj^ 
it was formerly well timbered, but large areas of woodlands have 
long since been cleared away and put in cultivation. Much valua- 
ble timber was wantonly destroyed, which, if now standing, would 
more than equal in value the land upon which it grew. The soil is 
generally a sandy loam, resting upon a clay subsoil — very durable 
and well adapted to wheat, corn, oats and the other cereals and 
fruits indigenous to this latitude. In fact, the abundance and variety 
of its productions are such that it can challenge competition with any 
part of the county. The natural advantages have been so well 
improved by skill and industry, that Perry Township may be, in 
some respects, regarded as a model for imitation by farmers in 
other parts of the county. 

Settlement. — James Malcolm was the first white man to lead 
the march of civilization into what is now Perry Township. 
He came to the country as early as 1833, and obtaining a small 
log cabin from an Indian village soon after fixed his home on 
what is now known as the Jacob Wiles farm, not far from the 
southeast corner of the township. " He doubtless entered the 
deep forest, as did the majority of young pioneers, with e.xult- 



PERRY TOWNSHIP. 713 

ant hopes, looking forward to the time when the dense woods 
should be cleared away, and when line farms should appear in 
their stead." He lived to see all these changes take place, but, 
contrary to his expectations, instead of accumulating a compe- 
tency and living to enjoy the same, was compelled to pass his 
declining 3-ears in the county poor house, where he died a com- 
mon pauper. The next man who sought a home in the new 
country was William Akright, who located in the southeast 
corner of the township, where Ananias Harmon now lives, some 
time in the year 1S34. Mr. Akright was in the true sense of 
the word a pioneer, and, like his predecessor, was doomed to 
bitter disappointment, so far as the accumulation of property was 
concerned, dving in indigent circumstances in the year 1884. 
His son, John Akright, came the same time, figured as an 
early school teacher of the township, and later sold goods for a 
number of years in the village of Gilead. The same year Mat- 
thias Mo\er settled near the eastern boundary of the township, 
where he cleared a good farm and set out one of the first 
nurseries in the county. " Benjamin Musulman and Jacob Gill 
were early settlers in the same locality, but did not purchase 
land at that time, both of them leasing a part of Mr. Moyer's 
place." 

During the year 1835, -^ number of substantial men were added 
to the population of the little colony, conspicuous among whom was 
John Rhodes, who entered a large tract of land near the central 
part of the township, upon which he lived the remainder of his life. 
Unlike the majority of settlers in a new countr\% Mr. Rhodes was 
a man of considerable wealth, by means of which he was enabled to 
secure a valuable property and live in comparative ease. His son, 
Adam E. Rhodes, accompanied him to this country and settled upon 
the present site of Gilead, of which village he was proprietor. He 
was a man of great energy and superior business qualifications, and 
ranked as one of the leading citizens of the county for a number of 
years. Another prominent settler of 1835 was Ira Mitchell, who 
located a short distance east of Gilead, on what is now the John 
Baker farm. John Close came the latter part of the same year and 
made an improvement near the eastern boundary of the township, 
and James Waddle is reputed to have been living on the Samuel 
Seidner place not far from Niconza, prior to 1836. Among others 
of 1835, were Peter Onstatt, two and a half miles southeast of Gil- 
ead; James Fiers, on the Tombaugh farm in the southeast corner of 
the township; Rev. Wesle}' Borders, a Methodist preacher and earlj- 
Justice of the Peace, in the same locality; Joseph Wildman and his 
son Joseph, near the Keesling farm, southwest of Gilead; Alfred 
Doud, a half mile west of the village: Charles Cleland, in the vicin- 
ity of l)o\vd"s place; James Cleland, brother of Charles, and an early 



714 HISTORY OK MIAMI COUNTY. 

trader, about four miles southwest of Gilead; James Biggs, north- 
west of Gilead; Benjamin and David Marquis, on the Sickafoos 
farm; Willis Hill, on the Graft farm, in the southwest part of the 
township; Jacob Richard, son-in-law of Alfred, near the central 
part of the township; John Walters, on the Joseph Grogg farm: 
John Anderson and Matthias Bird, near Gilead; and James Bunton. 
who purchased land owned at the present time by Jacob Kessling 
and Fred Kircher, where he died within a short time after cominsr 
to the county. 

Prominent among the arrivals of 1836 was Peter KciSsling, 
who, the previous fall, purchased the land where Willis Hill had 
settled, to which he moved his family the following spring. He 
was a prominent citizen of the township until his death in i860, 
and can be appropriately classed with the earh' representati\e men 
of Miami County. His sons, Jacob, Titus, Peter, James and Jackson, 
came the same \"ear, and Samuel a little later. They were all sub- 
stantial citizens and left the impress of their characters upon the 
communities in which they resided. Jacob Kessling, the onl\- one 
of the brothers here at the present time, is one of the oldest and 
wealthiest citizens of the township. 

Samuel Shoemaker settled in the southeast corner of the 
township in 1836, and before the close of that year the popula- 
tion had been increased by the following comers: Samuel Essick, 
on the Timothy Baker farm; Peter Sager, a short distance south 
of Gilead; Jacob Huffman, in the northeastern part of the town- 
ship; William J. Keever, who purchased part of the Marquis 
land, and John Clifton, about three miles north of Gilead. Dur- 
ing the interval from 1837 to 1839, ^^^^ following settlers, with 
others, sought homes within the present limits of the township: 
John Grogg, where he is still living; George and Joseph Grogg, 
the former in the northern part of the township and the latter 
where his sons are still living: Hiram Butler, an earl)- Trustee 
and County Commissioner, near the southern border; John D. 
Haken. father-in-law of Jacob Kessling, in Section 16, eastern 
part of the township; John Tombaugh, on land now owned by 
Noah Miller; John Bowers, where Michael Thomas lives; John 
Meyers, eastern part of the township, Section sixteen; Larkin 
Norman, southeast corner: John Cliambers and sons. Pleasant 
and Elijah, in same locality; William Hester, first Justice of the 
Peace, near the center part of the township; Zera Sutherland, 
near Gilead: Henry and John Daggy, on land owned at this 
time by Andrew Yarian; Jesse Butler, on the road leading from 
Gilead to Peru; Robert Meek and John Tracy, in southern part 
of the township; Peter Shrig, a transient settler who lived in 
various places; Alexander Jameson, where Daniel Cams now 
lives: Allen Jameson, on same place; John Olds, Prior Wright, 



I'KKK^• ■I'owNsiiip, 715 

and Joshua Murpliy, in southern part; Amos Ellison, central part: 
Caleb B. Ash, one of the first school teachers, ten miles north 
of Gilead, and James Chapen, northeastern part. Among others 
who came in from time to time, were the following: Charles 
S. Low, Thomas Carpenter, Daniel Keim, George Keim, J3en- 
jamin Keim, Calvin Tracy, Hezekiah Tracv, John Gilliland, Joseph 
Oldfather, Samuel Thompson, Vinal Thurston, Samuel Rank, 
Reeder Drake, William A. Sower, Barnes Dowd. James S. Love, 
Hiram Daines, Peter Mowry, Adam Daines, Jacob Barnhcisel, 
John Gaerte, Jacob Myers, John Myers, Dennis Garber, Jacob 
Miller, Joseph Miller, John Fiers, Thomas Goudy, Henrj- Bidd- 
ing, James Goudy, John Goudy, Henry Koffle and John Slagle, 
the majority of whom became residents as earlv as 1840. The 
following are the names of a few who came in after that date: 
Hugh Miller, James Trac}', Michael Smith, Philip Smith, William 
Garber, George King, Jacob Seidner, Samuel Seidner, Jacob 
Harmon, Robert Love, John Cregg, David Love. T. L. Hurl- 
burt, Isaac Hester, Cyrus Kreig. William Smith and Fleming 
Smith. 

Early Laud Entries. — Quite a number of the settlers enum- 
erated purchased their lands directly from the (joverment, and 
obtained patents for the same within a short time after coming to 
the countv. The following is a list of those who entered land dur- 
ing the vear 1S35, several of whom became residents of the town- 
ship: Nathan Seavay and Andrew Onstatt, Section 13, Township 
29, North, Range 4, East: Jos. Cox, John McCrea and Chas. S. 
Lowe. Section 22; Nathan Seavay, Section 24; John R. Wright, 
Section 27: Jerome Hoover, Section 3, Township 29, Range 
5, East; Samuel Wallace, Section 4: Noah Webb, John Wiseman 
and Adam Weaver, Section 6; Ira Mitchell and W. H. Dubois, Sec- 
tion 7: James Adams and A. E. Rhodes, Section 9; William 
Akright, Philip M. Tabb. James Waddell and John Mowry, Sec- 
tion 15: Orion Taylor and Ann Huff, Section 17: John Rhodes, 
Section 18; Jonathan Science, Section 19; John Close, Jacob Flora 
and John Bailey, Section 21; Nathan Moyer, William M. Duff and 
Peter Onstatt, Section 22; Daniel Hawkins, Section 27; William 
Butler, Elihu Plummer and Thomas Plummer, Section 28; David 
Hiatt, Section 29: Hiram Butler and William Ikitler, vSection 30: 
James Malcolm, William Clark and Samuel Essick, Section 33. 

The following is a full list of those who purchased lands from 
the government in 1836, in Township 29, North, Range 4, East: 
Noah Noble, James Biggs and Chas. Cleland, Section i ; Daniel 
Gilchrist and Chas. Smith, Section 2: Samuel A. Manon and Sam- 
uel Hoover, Section 3; William Bake and Miles Craig, Section 10; 
E. Dowd, Section 11; W. H. Duboi.s, A. Dowd and W. H. Stub- 
blelield. Section 12; Wm. Robbins, Section 13; W. Hill and A. 



7l6 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Weaver, Section 14; Jos. Wildman, Sullivan Wait and Enos Wildman, 
Section 15; Luther Wait, Section 16; Cyrus Taylor, Wm. Bain, 
and P. Smith, Section 23; L. W. Sale and Jos. Tarkington, Section 
24; David W. Murray, Section 25: Township 29, Range 5, East; 
Isaac Smallev, Section 3: James Adams, Section 4; John Webb, 
Townsend Hoover, T. Summerton, A. E. Rhodes and T. Evans, 
Section 5; Daniel Stimel, D. Cambell and Chas. W. Catheast, Sec- 
tion 8; Henry Worst and John Mowry, Section 9: Jacob Flora, 
R. M. Buck, Moses Bunton, L. Newton and S. Newton, Section 20; 
John Webb and John Bailey, Section 22; D. Clark, Section 27; Wm. 
Hester, H. Daggy, James Fiers, B. F. Town and D. B. Forman, 
Section 29; John Daggy and David Marquis, Section 30; B. Hill, 
Jos. Beckner, W. Brown and David Mowlsby, Section 30. 

Tinvnship Organization. — Perrv Township was set apart as 
a separate jurisdiction on the 27th of February, 1837. "The 
same vear an election to choose the necessary officers was held 
at the house of Peter Onstatt, near the present site of Gilead, 
Aleaxander Jameson acting as inspector. William Hester, Hiram 
Butler and George Tombaugh were probably the first trustees 
of the township. The first Justice of the Peace was Wesley 
Borders, after whom served in an early day George Tombaugh 
and Jacob Richards." 

Earlx Iniprovenients, /ndiis/rics. Etc. — The development of 
Perry Township during the early years of its history was not 
very rapid on account of the dense forests to be cleared away, 
the prex'alence of malarial diseases and the absence of mills, 
market places and the facilities for communication. Corn and 
potatoes were the first crops raised, and with game afforded the 
early settlers their chief means of subsistence. The first articles 
of commercial importance were ginseng, " yellow root,'" wild 
honey, maple sugar, \enison. deer and coon-skins, which were 
exchanged at the nearest market places for groceries, shoe leather, 
and what few dry goods the pioneers needed. The majority of 
the early families manufactured their own wearing apparel, and 
the spinning-wheel was a familiar object in almost e\ery house- 
hold. The houses* in which the pioneers' made their first homes 
were of a similar kind to all earl}- habitations in a new country. 
The most of them were rude structures of unhewn logs, covered 
with clapboards rived from some convenient oak, and containing 
but a single apartment. They were daubed with clay mortar, 
and afforded a tolerable shelter from the rain and cold. At one 
end of the room a ver}' large fire-place was erected, from which 
arose a stick and mortar chimney. The unthinned wilderness 
supplied an abundance of fuel, and in that day with such splen- 
did facilities for destruction, quantity was an object of little impor- 
tance. The family food was cooked by the open fire, such arti- 



PERRY TOWNSHIP. 717 

cles of luxury as cook stove being at that time unknown. Tiie 
furniture for the interior was in keepin<r with the habitation, sim- 
ple and inexpensive, and provided without much dillkultv, as 
tiiere was then no neii^hborhood rivalry in the matter of orna- 
mentation or extravagant disphi}-. In the absence of a more 
convenient and sightly bedstead, one was often improvised by 
inserting the ends of two small poles between the logs at a 
proper distance apart, while the ends within the room were laid 
upon forked sticks driven into the ground through holes made 
in the puncheon floor. Upon these was laid the foundation of 
the bed proper. In many cases the furniture for the entire bouse 
was of this cheap and primitive character. Notwithstanding the 
rudeness and unalloyed simplicity of all tiiese arrangements, not- 
withstanding the extreme toil and hardship of life in the wilder- 
dess, here were found home, happiness and personal liberty. No 
prince could have greater affection for his palace nor lord for his 
castle than these dauntless pioneers cherished for their cabins. 

For a couple of years after tlie date of the first settlement 
the pioneers experienced some difficulty in obtaining breadstuffs, 
and various devices were resorted to in order to obtain the staff 
of life. A common way was to crush the corn in a mortar 
made by hollowing out the top of a hickory stump. The pestle 
was usually an iron wedge made fast to a handle, with which a 
coarse but wholsome article of meal could be manufactured. 
Families that had no sucii contrivances, frequently had recourse 
to the common tin grater, an article with which every house- 
hold was supplied. The first mill patronized by the early resi- 
dents of Perry was a primitive affair on Squirrel Creek, just 
across the line in Wabash County, erected early in the thirties 
by Benjamin Mussulman. It was a saw mill with a corn buhr 
attaciied, and for several years supplied nearly all the lumber 
and meal used by the settlers in the vicinity. The first mill in 
the township was put in operation by John Bowers about liie 

year 1849 °'" '5°- ^^ ^^'^^ "^ ''''^^ "^'^' ''"^ stood on a branch of 
Squirrel Creek, from which it received its motive power. Its 
last owner was a man by the name of Wise. A steam saw 
mill was built a short distance we.st of Gilead m 1854 o'' 55 ^Y 
Alfred Dowd, who ran it quite extensivel}' for some years. It 
passed into the hands of other parties and was Anally moved 
from the township. Several other steam mills have been in the 
township from time to time, and the lumber business was 
formerly an important industry. A small distillery was started 
in the northeastern part of the township some time prior to the 
war by John Anglehart, who acquired the reputation of making 
a superior article of " apple jack," which found ready sale in tiie 
immediate neighborhood. Anglehart subsequently sold the estab- 



7l8 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

lishment to one George King, who was soon compelled to close 
it on account of a little misunderstanding with some of Uncle 
Sam's revenue agents. 

There lived, in an early day, near the southern boundar}- of the 
township, a quaint old woman who distilled whisky in a common 
tea kettle and obtained a li\elihood bv retailing the same to such 
customers as saw tit to patronize her bar. Her little cabin stood 
near one of the principal highways of the countrj-, and many of the 
passers-b)- found it quite convenient to stop and " warm their toes" 
by the generous tire, which the old lady never let go out. It was 
equaMy convenient in summer time, also, the shadow of the house 
being reputed the " coolest" spot in the entire neighborhood. 

One of the early mechanics of the township was Joseph Miller, 
a cabinet maker, who lived not far from the Wabash County line. 
He manufactured much of the furniture used by the first settlers, 
and also made the colfins in which a number of the pioneers were 
buried. The first blacksmith was Peter Onstatt, who opened a 
shop on his place, about two and a half miles southeast of Gilead, as 
early as 1836 or '37. He subsequently moved to the village and 
was the hrst workman in the place. Another early industry was a 
tannery operated h\ John Dagg}-, on the farm now owned by 
Andrew Yarian, as far back as the year 1840. Mr. Daggy made a 
good article of leather and carried on a small local business for 
a period of three or four years. About 1838 the clay of a certain 
portion of the townshi]-) being found valuable for earthen\\are, an 
establishment for the manufacture of potter}' was put in operation 
near Niconza by Elias Slagle. The enterprise, although not remun- 
erative, was fairlv successful, and, during the time it was in opera- 
tion, a considerable quanity of earthenware was manufactured and 
sold in the neighborhood. 

About the vear 1836 a small store was started by James 
Waddle, at Niconza, his business house being a diminutive log 
cabin, 14x15 feel in size, about one mile distant from any habitation. 
His stock consisted of a few groceries and several pieces of dry 
goods, and his patrons were limited to the several families in the 
vicinity. The store was in operation about two years. The tirst 
brick in the township was manufactured a short distance west of 
Gilead bv Alfred Dowd, and among the first frame houses were 
those erected b\ Ira Mitchell and Jacob Meyers. A valuable 
industry of the township in an earh' day was the nursery set out 
by Matthias Mover, from which the trees for nearly all the orchards 
in the countrv were obtained. The nursery was kept up a number 
of Years, and proved the source of a comfortable revenue to the 
energetic proprietor. 

Deaths, Births and Marriages. — '• The first death in the town- 
ship was that of James Bunton, in August, 1835. I^'' •■"I'^t to the 



PERRY TOWNSIIII'. 7lp 

counly in the spring of tliat year to maku preparations for moving 
his family in the fall, but took sick and died at the date gix'en 
above."' " He was buried in the Niconza graveyard, one of the 
oldest cemeteries in the county. Another death the same year 
was that of Mrs. Matthias Moyer.'" "There being no saw-mills 
there to furnish lumber, a cotKn was made from hewn puncheon." 
The death of Mrs. Peter Sager, in 1838, was perhaps the third 
e\'ent of the kind in the township. Iler's was the first burial in the 
Gilead grave3'ard. Other earl}- deaths were those of Adam Engle 
and a daughter of Richard Miller, both of which occurred as long 
ago as 1839. 

Among the earliest marriages in the township, was that of 
Thomas Clemens to a daughter of Joseph Wildman, solemnized 
April, 1836; Peter Ihrig and Elizabeth, daughter of George and 
Susan Tombaugh, were united in marriage a little later, and in 1838 
Jacob Richard and Mary J., daughter of Peter Kessling, were pro- 
nounced man and wife with appropriate ceremonies: Allen Jameson 
and Polly Wildman were among the early couples married, as were 
also George Harvev and Miranda Rhodes. It is impossible at this 
remote date to determine the name of the first child born within 
the present limits of the township, as birtiis occurred in manv of the 
families of the early settlers shortlv after their arrival in the county- 
Among the earliest, however, was Richard Miller, son of Robert 
and Rebecca Miller, whose birth occurred in 1838. 

Wolves. — In the early settlement of the to\^'nship, the citizens 
were, for man\' vears, greatlv annoved bv the wolves carrying off 
sheep, pigs, etc. The barking of these troublesome animals was 
a familiar sound, but carried with it no alarm, save for the safetv 
of the stock, which had to be penned in tight enclosures at night in 
order to protect it from the fangs of the hungr\' scourges. The 
wolves were generally very cowardly and would flee upon the 
approach of man, but when emboldened by hunger they have been 
known to tr\- to get into houses, causing no little uneasiness to the 
inmates. 

"In the winter of 1847, Squire Richard and Jacob Kessling 
started home from Peru at a rather late hour in the evening. It 
was a beautiful moonlight night, the ground was covered with snow, 
and the 'jumper,' in w hich our friends rode, bounded lightly over the 
crystal surface. About 10 o'clock. Mr. Kessling, looking behind, 
saw a large gray wolf pursuing them. The whip was applied to 
the horse, and for some time the}' had but little trouble in keeping a 
safe distance from their foe. Presently, however, both parties 
looking back, the horse was drawn from the road, and the 'jumper,' 
striking some obstacle, was overturned. Although one of the par- 
ties declared that the}' were not frightened, yet assures us that a 
lively scene followed the overturning of the sleigh. The wolf. 



720 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Strange to say, to the surprise and pleasure of all, stopped as if in 
utter astonishment at the strange spectacle before it. It did not 
attempt to advance until the 'jumper" had been properly adjusted 
and the journey again continued, when pursuit was commenced as 
vigorously as ever. Meeting with no accidents, however, our friends 
reached home in safety." " Soon after this it was determined to get 
rid of the troublesome animals." "To do this thev surrounded a 
large area of territory and closing in, drove the wolves to a swamp 
of about live acres on the Widow Akright's farm, where thej' were 
speedily killed by the hunters." " Many deer and other wild animals 
were killed at the same time." 

Lazvlcssuess in Perry. — In its earh- history a portion of this 
township acquired an unsavory reputation on account of the 
presence of a set of lawless characters, who made it a resort to 
evade pursuit from other quarters, thus gaining for the neighborhood 
the reputation of being a community of horse thieves. This 
class infested the northwest as early as 1838, and, while they 
scrupled at the commission of no form of crime, they were 
especially annoying in their principal business of horse stealing 
and counterfeiting. Their plan of operations was to take the 
lighter horses of Illinois to Indiana and sell them, making their 
return trip witn heavy draft horses, which were disposed of in 
the northern part of the State and Michigan. For a time these 
depredations were carried on with impunity. The early settlers 
did not submit to this state of affairs without some effort to 
bring these parties to justice, but, singly, the pioneers proved 
poor trappers of this game. The thieves were known to be 
desperate characters, adepts in the use of weapons, and it often 
happened when a party got close upon them, discretion seemed 
the better part of valor and the pursuit was given up. Their 
success emboldened these robbers, and the early land and stock 
buyers learned to seldom travel alone and never unarmed. 
Burglary soon followed success on the road, and farmers became 
very cautious and suspicious of all strangers. For several years 
these lawless operations were carried on almost in open day- 
light. Their perfect acquaintance with the country, their man}- 
sympathizers, who aided while not engaged in the business, 
enabled them to elude pursuit. Counterfeiting was an e\il car- 
ried on to a considerable extent within the limits of the tow^n- 
ship, and caused a great deal of indignation among the honest 
settlers. The two classes of outlaws were united, and found 
ready and willing abettors everywhere throughout the sparsely 
settled region of the country. As early as 184O a gang of 
this description had their headquarters on the farm of one John 
Van Camp, a short distance west of Gilead, aud various means 
were resorted to to rid the country of their presence. Embold- 



PERRY TOWNSHIP. 721 

enod by the success of their marauding exploits, they carried on 
their thieving with the greatest impunity, and at the least appear- 
ance of danger, which seemed to have been watched for and 
signaled from the tree tops, they hastily decamped with their 
stolen stock to some other of their numerous retreats. An inci- 
dent in connection with their presence in this part of the country 
is told by a certain man, who ingratiated himself into the graces 
of the ring leaders under the guise of becoming one of their 
number. He soon became a general favorite with the outlaws, 
and such was the confidence reposed in him that he was at one 
time intrusted with the carrying out of a daring robbery in 
Marshall County, to accomplish which the murder of an old 
man seemed almost a necessit\-. The whole arrancfements for 
the robbery were skillfully planned, and after everything had 
been gotten in readiness for putting the same into effect, the 
spy, for such he proved to be, exposed every detail to the 
authorities at Rochester, who were not slow in putting the 
othcers of justice on their tracks. The whole plot was so 
admirably arranged by the daring detective that the outlaws 
implicated were captured almost to a man, and, in the trial 
which followed, several of them were convicted and sent to the 
State prison. This served to check the further commission of 
crime for a few months, but, the spirit of lawlessness again 
manifesting itself, more determined means were resorted to by 
the citizens, and an anti-horse-thief and vigilance committee was 
organized for the purpose of ridding the countrv of the daring 
rascals. It was composed of the best men in the settlements, 
and each member was constituted a detective to arrest or cause 
the arrest of any suspicious character. The effect of the com- 
pany's work was prompt and salutarv. and before the organiza- 
tion was many weeks old the outlaws had quietlv departed for 
other and safer retreats. While a spirit of law and order was 
thus restored, putting an end to the overt acts of crime for the 
time being, there still remained a vicious element that scrupled 
not at the commission of various acts of pettv meanness, such 
as interrupting church services, stoning buildings and raising 
" sheol " generallv, whenever an occasion would permit. 

In the fall of 1853, an attempt was made by these hood- 
lums to break up a temperance meeting in Gilead. The house in 
which the meetincf was held was surrounded and a number of 
large stones thrown through the windows, causing no little con- 
sternation in the audience, the greater part of which was com- 
posed of women ; one shot was fired into the crowd by one of 
the thugs, but fortunatelv no one was seriously injured. The 
same year one Nat JMvers was arrested for passing counterfeit 
money, and so plain were the proofs of his guilt, that he was 



722 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

convicted and sentenced for a term of rears to the penitentiarv. 
He was subsequently pardoned upon a petition signed b\- his 
friends and neighbors, but the lesson served as an effectual check 
to any further attempt on his part to " shove the queer." Promi- 
nent among the citizens of Perry, who took an active part in 
inaugurating a spirit of law and order, and in bringing offenders 
to justice, was Dr. E. H. Sutton, whose early efforts in behalf 
of the moral welfare of the settlement, were not without their 
legitimate fruits in due season. He was chiefly instrumental in 
bringing about the organization of the vigilance committee referred 
to, and also established the first temperance society in the township, 
a movement that encountered much opposition, not only from the 
lawless class mentioned, but also from many of the better citizens of 
the community, who looked upon the use and sale of whisky as not 
only legitimate, but eminenth' respectable. With the growth of the 
settlements, all species of outlawry- were crowded out, and for a 
number of years Perry has possessed a reputation as a law abid- 
ing community second to no other township in the county. 

I^c/iiCioiis. — In the early settlements of the township the 
Methodists were the most numerous denomination here, and 
under the efficient preaching of the early circuit elders, was an 
important influence in shaping the character of the pioneer com- 
munity. The township owes a debt of gratitude to these early har- 
bingers of the cross, who frequently at their own expense labored 
for the spiritual advancement of its people at a time when no 
other help was nigh. So far as known, the first meeting for 
worship was held at the cabin of James Fiers as early as 1835. 
Soon after meetings were held at the residence of Alfred Doud b\ 
the same denomination, Revs. Arentis Doud and Ansel l^eech con- 
ducting the services from time to time. While meetings were 
thus held at regular intervals, among the sparse settlements 
no churches were organized nor houses of worship erected 
for several years later. The oldest organization is the Gilead 
M. E. Church, a life sketch of which will be found in the his- 
tory of the village. The Otur Branch Methodist Church was 
organized about 1843, and for a number of years was the lead- 
ing religions society of the township. Its prosperity, howeyer, 
began to decline seyeral years ago, and on account of the death and 
removals of its members, the society was tinall\- abandoned. The 
Niconza Baptist Church in the eastern part of the township, near 
the Wabash County line, is an old organization, and among its 
early members were a number of the lirst settlers of the county. 
The house of worship, a substantial frame, stands in Section 15, 
and has been used since about the year 1858. The church has 
enjoyed a fair degree of prosperity during the years of its his- 
tory, and is in a prosperous condition at this time, numbering 



PERRY TOWNSHIP. 723 

among its members many of the substantial citizens of the com- 
munity. A society of the Evangelical Association (German), was 
organized a short distance east of Gilead, in an earl}- day. and 
among the early members were Michael Smith and wife, Jacob 
Barnhcisel and family, John Ault, Mr. Hawkins and Cornelius 
Barnheisel and wife. The first meetings were held in private 
residences and school houses, and among the earliest ministers 
w ere Re\s. Platz and Schaffer. A house of worship was erected 
about the year 1858, on land donated by Cornelius Barnheisel. 
It is a frame structure, in good repair, and cost the sum of $700. 
The membership at this time is quite numerous, and the society 
is reported in a prosperous condition. Rev. James Wales is pas- 
tor in charge; Samuel Smith is class leader, and John Barnhei- 
sel, superintendent of the Sunday-school. 

In iSSo a society of the Reformed Lutheran Church was 
organized at the Buffalo school house, in the northern part of the 
township, by Rev. E. Hershej-; one year later a neat frame 
temple of worship was erected on land donated by Samuel 
King. The societv, although small in numbers, has already accom- 
plished a good work in the community, and bids fair for a prosper- 
ous future. The following ministers have sustained the relation of 
pastor since the organization, viz: Revs. Mershe\-, Shultz, Uplin- 
ger, Myers and Rosenburg. Present membership about 20. An 
older Lutheran society formerly had an existence in the township, 
and meetings were held for a number of years in what is known as 
the Greenland school house. The organization for some cause was 
llnallv disbanded, and from the few scattered members was gathered 
the nucleus of the present class. 

I "illage of Gilead. — The village of Gilead is situated a little 
north of the central part of the township, and is the site of one of 
the oldest settlements in the northeastern part of the count\'. The 
admirable location is in the midst of a rich agricultural region remote 
from any town, and the advantages it offered as a trading point for 
a large aiea of country', were the principal causes that led to the 
founding of the \illage. The projector of the town was Adam E. 
Rhodes, who about the year 1843 or 1844, employed a surveyor and 
laid out a plat of twent\"-nine lots and two squares in Sections 7 and 
18, Township 29 North, Range 5, East, and Sections 12 and 13, 
Township 29 North, Range 4 East, several of which were soon 
afterward puix'hased and improved. Among the tirst residents of 
the place was a Mr. Swavzee, who started a small store earl\- in the 
forties, and sold goods with fair success for a limited period. Dr. 
I£. 11. Sutton became a resident about the year 1840, and that time 
until 1854, practiced the healing art from the village, acquiring a 
large and lucrative business in Perrj- and adjoining townships in the 
meantime. . 



724 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Another early comer to the town was Peter Onstatt, who 
started the first blacksmith shop, which he moved from his farm 
about two and a half miles distant. The second merchant was Wil- 
liam H. Wright, who opened a general store in 1845, and continued 
the business on quite an extensive scale for a period of about twenty- 
four years. Zera Sutherland engaged in merchandising about the 
year 1846. He subsequently effected a partnership in the business 
with Charles Sutherland, and the th-m, thus constituted, lasted until 
1849. Another early merchant was William D. Smith, who moved 
a stock of goods from Wabash some time in the forties, and 
remained three or four years. James T. McKim began merchan- 
dising in 1859, and continued until about the year 1865. John J. 
and O. P. Mohler opened a general mercantile house in ^865, and 
ran as partners several years, when the former purchased the entire 
interest and continued the business for about twelve or fourteen years. 
Prominent among the merchants of the town was John Akright, 
who engaged in business in 1868. He was quite successful for sev- 
eral years, but subsequently met with numerous reverses, and, in 1878, 
closed out and removed from the place. J. H. Waite and Jonas 
Lukenbill effected a partnership in the goods business early in the 
eighties, and in 1885 Mr. Waite purchased his partner's interest, and 
has since conducted a general store with the most encouraging suc- 
cess, his stock of goods being one of the largest and most complete 
in the county, outside of Peru. J. T. Castle started a small general 
store several years ago, and is still doing business on a limited scale. 
One of the earliest industries of the village was a tannery, estab- 
lished by Samuel Essex as long ago as 1837. It was moved to the 
town in 1844 and operated by different parties until 1856, at which 
time it was allowed to fall into disuse. A steam saw mill was 
brought to the town in 1868, by Caple & Brother, who operated 
it a short time, doing a good business. It has passed through a 
number of hands, and at this time is operated bj' Messrs. Caple & 
Smith. Jeremiah Anglemeyer engaged in the manufacture of 
shingles in 1884, and still operates his mill, which has a capacity of 
about 6,000 per day. 

Among the early mechanics of the village were A. M. Grogg 
and a partner, name unknown, who opened a blacksmith and plow 
shop prior to 1840. They manufactured many of the plows used 
by the early settlers, and for a couple of years carried on a very 
thriving business. Barnes Dowd was the first shoe-maker, and 
among other early residents of the village are remembered Adam 
Rhodes, Adolphus Stone, Nelson Hawley and Peter Ihrig, all of 
whom came to the place about the time the survey of lots was made. 
.\s already stated. Dr. E. H. Sutton was the first practicing physi- 
cian of Gilead. Others who practiced in the village from tim ■ to 
time were as follows: William T. CJeland, John A. Marine, C. 



PERRY TOWNSHIP. 725 

Hector, A. Case, William McCoy, A. J. Caples and F. W. Dennis. 
The resident physician at this time is Dr. C. C. Brady- 

The present mechanics of the yillage are John J. McKee, 
blacksmith; Adam K. Daniel and B. F. Boyer, shoe-makers and 
Orlanda A. Paul, carpenter. The onl}- hotel in the place, the Gilead 
House, is kept by Alvin K. Madeford. 

Gilead Lodge, No. JS4, F. und A. M. — Efforts to establish a 
Masonic Lodge in Gilead were first made on the 9th day of Feb- 
ruary, 1866, at which time a conyention of the few members of the 
order in the yicinity, was con\ened for the purpose of petitioning 
for a dispensation, John Akright acting as chairman and J. H. Waite 
as secretary. The petition vyas granted, and on the 28th of June 
following, the lodge was instituted under a warrant of dispensation 
from the following officers, viz: James L. McKim, W. M.: Jacob 
Smith, S. \V.; Jesse Elliott, J. W.; Wm. H. Wright, Treasurer; J. 
H. Waite, Secretary; John Akright, S. D.; Elijah Barnes, J. D. and 
William Kircher, T3'ler. A charter was granted by the Grand 
Lodge, bearing date of May 29, 1867, at which time the member- 
ship did not exceed fourteen. The first meeting was held in a room 
over the store of John Akright. For a short time subsequently the 
meetings were held at the same place until a more convenient place 
could be procured. The hall in which the lodge now meets was 
built in 1868. The membership at this writing numbers thirtj-one 
and the organization is enjoying a fair measure of prosperity. The 
present officers are: William H. Smith, W. M.; James H. Smith, S. 
W.; John J. McKee, J. W.; John Grogg, Treasurer; C. C. Brady, 
Secretar}', J. H. Waite, S. D.; John Baker, J. D., and Jonas Luken- 
bill, Tyler. 

Gilead M. £. Church was organized about the year 1843, 
the first meetings being held in the village school house. Among 
the early members were Alfred Dowd. first class leader; Dr. E. H. 
Sutton and wife, Nelson Hawley and wife, Mrs. Faith Dowd, Mary 
Dowd, Louisa Welton, Charles Cleland and wife, Lorenzo Dowd 
and wife, Sullivan Waite and wife, and Chauncy Welton. Rev. 
Mr. Bennett was one of the first preachers, and in an early day, 
Aventis Dowd, a local preacher, ministered to the society in the 
absence of the regular pastor. Revs. Green, Beech, Birch and 
Black ministered to the little class during the first few years of its 
history, and later came a number of others whose names were not 
given the writer. The first house of worship was a log structure, 
erected in 1846 on ground occupied by the present building. It 
had a comfortable audience room, and was used as a meeting place 
until 1867, at which time it was replaced by the present frame build- 
ing. The society at one time was quite strong in numbers, but, dur- 
ing the last few years, has so diminished until now it is one of the 
weakest points on the Perrysburg circuit. The present pastor is 



726 HISTORY OK MIAMI COUNTY. 

Rev. J. J. Cooper. The Sunday school, under the superintendency 
of L. R. Dukes, has been the means of accomplishing much good 
in the community. 

Gilccid Presbyterian Chtireli was organized in 1846 by Revs. 
A. Johnson and O. V. Lemon. .\ frame house of worship was 
built in 1848, and for a number of years thereafter the society 
maintained ser\ices at regular intervals, and did a good work in the 
village. It was never strong in numbers, however, and the removal 
of several of its leading members from lime to time, finally led to 
the abandonment of the organization. The last meetings were held 
in 1868, and among the latest pastors was Rev. Mr. Jack. The 
building standing is used at this time for a store room. 

Stockdale — A part of the original plat of this village lies in 
Perry Township, but the greater part lies across the line in Wabash 
County. It was laid off b}' Thomas Goudy in the year 1837, and 
for a number of years was the chief source of supplies for a large 
community in the two counties. The construction of the Eel River 
Railroad through the countrv, and the consequent springing up of the 
town of Roan not far distant, served to check the growth of the place, 
and within the last few years its business interests have been trans- 
ferred to more favorable localities. A few woe-begone houses are 
all that now remain of the town. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

GIDEON ALSPACH, one of Perry Township's substantial 
farmers, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, May 25, 1830, 
the son of Jacob and Mary (Miller) Alspach, natives respec- 
tively of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Gideon w-as reared on the 
farm in Ohio, remaining with his parents until the death of his 
mother, which occured when he was fifteen vears of age. He 
had received a limited education : he then engaged as a farm 
hand, until he attained his majority, when in 185 1, he made a 
prospecting tour to Indiana and Miami Countv. purchasing land 
on which he permanently located the following year. February 
22, 1855, Catherine Kensler became his wife, and to their union 
five children have been born, viz: Ambrose, who married Mag- 
gie Beard; Glendora, Abner, Albert and Laura. In his vocation 
of farming, Mr. Alspach has met with good success, owning 102 
acres of well-improved land. He and wife are members of the 
Church of God. In politics he is a Democrat. 

RICHARD W. BUTT, a prominent citizen of Perry Town- 
ship, is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, where he was born 
November 20, 1837, being the oldest child in a family of seven 



III 



HlOCiRArUICAI. SKICTCIIKS. 



/-/ 



children born to Rignal and Phoebe (Kinsey) Biilt, ulio were 
natives of Virginia and Penns\l\ania, respectively. The}' emigrated 
to Indiana and Miami County, October, 1S45, made their tirst perma- 
nent settlement in Jefferson Township, where they lived for six years, 
then moved to Perry Township, and lived there until their deaths. 
Our subject was reared on the farm, remaining at home and assist- 
ing his parents until he attained the age of twenty-two years. He 
received a common education, such as the facilities of his da}' 
afforded. January 26, i860, his marriage with Margaret D. Cover 
was solemnized, and to their union eight children have been born, 
of whom these six are now living: Phoebe L., wife of Aaron 
Plank; Viola E., Nettie A., Marietta, Sarah M., Ira E. The two 
deceased are Martha J. and John W. Mrs, Butt was a daughter 
of William and Lucinda (Hiney) Cover, who were natives of Fred- 
erick County, Maryland, and came to Miami County in October, 
1845, Mr. Butt alwa\s made farming his principal occupation, 
in connection with which he has worked at the carpenter and joiner 
trades, and he has been very successful. He now owns 80 acres of 
well improved land, which he has accumulated b}' his own industry 
and economv. March 28, 1865, he enlisted in the cause of his 
country in Company K, i55t'i Regiment of Volunteer Infantr\-, and 
served until August of the same year, when he was discharged on 
account of the close of the war. He and wife are members of the 
M. E. Church. In politics he is a Republican, and has been 
honored with an election to the office of Township Trustee. 

HENRY K. BUTT, brother of the subject of the above sketch, 
was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, October 14, 1839, ^^^ second 
f a familv of seven. He always made his home with his parents until 
their death, acquiring a common education. September, 1S61, hi 
enlisted to aid his country in the suppression of the rebellion, becom- 
ing a member of Company B, 40th Indiana Regiment of \'olunteer 
Infantry, where he served until December, 1864, He participated 
in the following important engagements: Shiloh, Missionary Ridge, 
Chickamauga, the battles incident to Sherman's March to Atlanta, 
and Franklin, Tennessee. Soon after his return from the army, 
February 26, 1865, Mary P. Fites became his wife. He has alway.s 
made farming his vocation, in which he has been successful. He is 
the proprietor of a tine little farm of sixtv-two acres. He and wife 
belong to the M. E. Church. Politically he is a Republican. 

JOHN CRAIG is a native of Clark County, Ohio, where he 
was born May 7, 1822, being the eldest of a family of ten children 
born to Robert and Fannie (Rogers) Craig, who were both natives 
of Vermont, the former of Irish descent. Their marriage occurred 
in Ohio, to which their parents had removed in an earl}- date. Our 
subject was reared on a farm in his native State and county, and 
remained at home with his parents until he attained the age of 22 







» 



728 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

years. He received a limited education in consequence of the poor 

facilities of those days. January 25, 1843, his marriage with Paulie 
Laybourn was solemnized, and to their union twelve children ha\e 
been born, of which these four are now living: Benjamin F., who 
married Clara A. Russell; Jasper, whose wife was Phoebe R. 
Brausser; Thomas, whose present consort was Fannie Akright. 
and Ida V. Mr. Craig came to Indiana and Miami County in 1846, 
and located permanently on the land where he now li\-es. He has 
always made farming his occupation, and he has been very success- 
ful. He now owns 300 acres of well-improved land. In politics he 
is a staunch Republican, but has never sought political preferment. 

WILLIAM P. DRAKE, an enterprising citizen of Perry 
Township, is a native of Hunterdon Countv, New Jersev, born 
May 28, 1829, the son of Jacob and Phebe (Stout) Drake. Thomas 
Drake, paternal grandfather of our subject, was also a native of New 
Jerse\': he served three months in the Revolutionarv War when but 
fifteen years old. He died in his native State, and is buried in Hope- 
well Cemetery along with John Hart, one of the signers of the 
declaration for which he fought. Subjects maternal grandfather, Ira 
Stout, \\ as born in New Jersev, and was colonel of a regiment which 
was sent to quell the '-Whiskev Insurrection." Jacob Drake emi- 
grated to Ohio in 1830, where William P. was reared to manhood, 
he remaining with and assisting his parents on the farm until he 
attained the age of twentv-three years. His education was in keep- 
ing with the facilities afforded the children of his da\'. August 17, 
1852, his marriage with Catharine Strock was solemnized. The 
3'ear following the}" emigrated to Indiana and Miami County, of which 
the\' have since continued residents. Their union has been blessed 
tvith four children, these two now living: George W., who mar- 
ried Laura Ba}les, and Eli T., who married Magdaline Butler, now 
deceased. Mr. Drake has been uniforml}- successful in his vocation 
of farming, owning 248 acres of well-improved land. He is a mem- 
ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge, No. 365. 
located at Roann. In politics he is a Democrat and has been hon- 
ored with an election to the offices of Justice of the Peace and Town- 
-ship Trustee, filling both positions to the entire satisfaction of the 
individuals whose suffrages elected him. 

JESSE ELLIOTT (farmer) is a native of North Carolina, 
where he was born December 4, i8i7- His parents — Jesse and 
Rachel (Jordan) Elliott — of Scotch parentage, emigrated to Ohio 
about 1830, where thev lived until the death of the father, when 
the mother went to live with her daughter in Iowa, remaining 
there until her death. Our subject was mostlv reared in his native 
State, receiving a very limited education. In 1848 he emigrated 
to Grant Countv, living there until 1859, when he purchased and 
removed to the farm on which he now lives. August, 1844, he 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 729 

married Hannah B. Davis, by \\liom he is the father of these 
six living children : Henderson, who married Belle Bellew : Marv 
J., Sarah E., Asbur}-, Charles M. and Julia A., the latter now 
Mrs. William Kile. Mr. Elliott has always followed agricultural 
pursuits, in which he has met with good success, owning a well 
improved farm of 103 acres. His son Asbury, who makes his 
home with his parents, is also the proprietor of 40 acres. The 
family are members of the M.' E. Church. Mr. E. belongs to 
the Masonic fraternity. Politicall}-, he is a Republican. 

JAMES FITES^ a native of Frederick County, Maryland, 
was born April 12, 1832, the son of Andrew M. and Anna M. 
(Whitmore) Fites, both of German descent. They emigrated 
to Ohio in 1854, coming to Miami Count}', Indiana, one year 
later, and continuing residents of Perry Township, this county, 
until their deaths. James remained at home and assisted 
his parents on the farm until he attained the age of twenty 
years, receiving a common education. August, 1862, he en- 
listed in Company C, 87th Regiment of Indiana Volun- 
teer Infantry, where he served until December, 1863, when 
he was honorably discharged on account of disability. March, 
1865, he re-enlisted in Company K, of the 155th Regiment of 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the 
war. January i, 1867, his marriage with Isabella, daughter of 
John and Mary A. (Clendenning) Old, was solemnized. Her 
parents were among the earliest settlers of Miami County, com- 
ing about 1837. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Fites five 
children have been born, viz: Eliza J., Richard, Albert, Elmer 
and Elva, the last two twins. Mr. Fites has been successful as 
an agriculturist, and now owns 140 acres of land in a good con- 
dition. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church. In 
politics he is an ardent Republican. 

JOHN GROGG, one of the few of Perry Township's early 
settlers yet living, is a native of Starke County, Ohio, born May 
12, 1 82 3, the youngest of a famil}' of ten children born to John 
and Esther (Snyder) Grogg, who were both natives of Penn- 
sylvania, and of Dutch descent. The subject of our sketch was 
reared in his native State, receiving a limited education in the 
primitive log school houses of his day. At the age of fifteen, 
in c^)mpany with his brother and two brothers-in-law, he emigrated 
to Miami County, locating in Perry Township, of which he has 
since remained a resident, with the exception of three years, 
during which time he lived in Ashland County, Ohio. August 
5, 1847. Miss Mary Mussleman became his wife. She is a native 
of Fairfield County, Ohio, born November 11, 1824, the daugh- 
ter of Benjamin and Susanna (Walters) Mussleman, who were 
among the pioneer settlers of Miami County. To the union of 



730 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTV. 

Mr. and Mrs. Grogg rive children have been born, of wliich these 
three are now living: John H., who married Ida Paul; Sophia 
C, wife of Samuel King, and B. Frank, whose consort was 
Anna Morris. The deceased children were Jacob and an infant 
unnamed. In his life vocation of farming, Mr. Grogg has been 
verv successful. He is the proprietor of a well improved farm 
of 218 acres, which he accuumulaled by his own industrv and 
economy. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Politic- 
ally, he has been a life-long Democrat. 

ANANIAS HARMAN is a native of Columbiana County, 
Ohio, where he was born, March i, 1847, being the second child 
and oldest son of Jacob and Sarah (Seitner) Harman, of German 
descent, both natives of Pennsylvania. They emigrated from Ohio 
to Indiana and Miami Count^■ in 1847, settling in Perrv Township, 
of which thev ever afterwards continued residents. The former 
died about 1870. Oiu- subject remained at home and as.sisted his 
parents on the farm until he attained his majoritv. He received a 
limited education, such as the facilities of those days afforded. His 
father was a carpenter bv trade and Ananias followed in his foot- 
steps, learning that trade, at which he worked about three \ears, 
when he engaged in farming, which he has since made his occupa- 
tion. June 22, 1873, his marriage with Susanna Miles was solemn- 
ized, and to their union two children have been born, viz: Minnie 
S., born February 11. 1876, and Earl Andrew, born March 17, 
1883. Mrs. Harman is a daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Swank) 
Wiles. In his vocation of farming he has been verv successful. 
He now owns a rine farm of 151 acres handsomely improved. He 
and wife are members of the Church of God. In politics he is a 
Democrat. 

JACOB KESLING, a leading citizen of Perry Township, 
is a native of Warren County, Ohio, where he was born July 
6, 1820, being the fifth in a family of eleven children born to 
Peter and Laura 1 GriHis | Kesling. who were nati\es of Rock- 
ingham Countv. Virginia, and the Province of Wales, respec- 
ti\'elv. Their marriage occurred in Warren Count\-. from 
whence they moved to Preble County, the same State, where 
thev li\ed for a number of \ears. Thev emigrated to Indiana 
and Miami Countv about 1836. settling in Perrv Township, of 
w hich tiu'\' continued residents until their deaths. Our subject 
was reared on the farm, remaining at home with and assisting 
his parents until he attained the age of about twentv-one, when 
he commenced life's battle for himself. He had acquired 
a limited education in the primitive log school houses of his 
time. April 4, 1847, his marriage with Catharine Haacken was 
solemnized, and to their union this one child was born : Andrew 
|.. bom December 21, 1848, and died September 7. 185'^. 



BiOGRAiMiicAi. ski:tciii;s. 731 

Mrs. Kesling was born August 5^ 1822, the daughter of John 
II. and Catharine Ilaacken. Our subject has always made farm- 
ing his occupation and he has lieen very successful. He now 
owns a tine farm of 264 acres, which is under a high state of 
cultivation. In politics he has alwajs been a Democrat. Though 
he has frequently been importuned to run for some political 
position, he has persistently refused. 

SAMUEL KING, an enterprising farmer and native of Perrs' 
Township, was born August 21. 1848, the next youngest of 
eight children born to George and Catharine (Smith) King, 
the former a native of Germany, born in 1809. He emigrated to 
the United States about 1828, halting for a time in Buffalo, New 
^'ork, where his marriage occurred: thence mo\ed to Ohio, where 
he remained until 1S46, when he came to Miami County, where he 
lived until 1875, when he retired from active farm life and removed 
to the \ illage of Akron. Fulton County. His good old wife, the 
sharer of his joys and sorrows, died December, 1883, at the ad- 
vanced age of seventy-sexen years. Samuel grew to manhood on the 
home farm, receiving a limited education. August 6, 1872, he W'as 
united in marriage with Catharine Grogg, b\' whom he is the father 
of these four li\ing children: James F., Mar\- C, Charles E. and 
Martin L. Mr. King is a successful agriculturist, the owner of 141 
acres of improxed land. He and wife are members of the Reformed 
Lutheran Church. Politically he is a Democrat. 

ALLEN KRIEG, one of the larjiest and most extensive farm- 
ers in Perrv Township, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylva- 
nia. September 29, 1817. the son of John and Sarah ( Gouers ) Krieg, 
who were also natives of Penns\lvania, from whence they removed 
to Ohio in 1837, and after a re.sidence there of nine years' duration, 
came on to Indiana and Miami Countw where they lived until their 
death, the mother dying in 1861. and the father in 1872. Our sub- 
ject was reared in his native State, receiving a limited education. 
He accompanied his parents to Ohio and learned the carpenter's 
trade there, at which he continued to work until 1855, when he fol- 
lowed his parents to Miami County and purchased a farin, and has 
since that time made farming his principal occupation, being \ery 
successful, owning about 988 acres of improved land, all the fruits 
of his own industry and economv'. October 3, 1841, Catherine 
Wyerbach became his wife. As a result of this union five children 
were born, these four now living: Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Zim- 
merman: Sarah, now Mrs. Jacob Mohler: William, who married 
Eda Shoemaker, and Enos. August 22, 1877, lie suffered the 
bereavement of loosing his beloved wife. He is a member of the 
Presbyterian Church, and a Republican in politics. 

CORNELIUS LOW, a leading agriculturist of Perry Town- 
ship, is a native of Hunterdon Count). New Jersey, and was 



732 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

born August 21, i8i8» the fifth of eight children born to Cor- 
nelius and Elizabeth | Baker ) Low, both natives of New Jersey, 
born respectively September 25, 1783, and October 8, 1784. 
Benjamin Low, paternal grandfather of our subject, was of Dutch 
descent. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, as 
did Timothy Baker, subject's maternal grandfather. Cornelius, 
son of Benjamin Low, emigrated to Ohio in 1836, where he 
lived until his death, which occurred April 21, 1870. His wife 
died March 8, 1869. Their son, the immediate subject of this 
sketch, remained at home with them until he had attained the 
the age of twenty-seven years, receixing a common school educa- 
tion. April 24, 1845, he was united in marriage with Sophronia 
Beard, becoming by her the father of six children, named as fol- 
lows: Quimb)', who married Emma Stroop, Delpha, Ohio, now 
Mrs. F. G. Lukens; John, whose wife was SalomA Longnecker: 
Alonzo L., who espoused Anger Goss: Bettie, wife of Joseph 
Martindale. The deceased child was ALiria B., died April 25, 
1884. Mr. Low emigrated from Ohio to this county in 1853, 
purchasing and settling on the farm where he now lives. He 
has met w'ith great success. He is still the proprietor of 83 
acres of line land, and at one time owned about 900 acres, but 
he has divided his real estate among his children, starting each 
in life with a good farm. He and wife are members of the 
Baptist Church. Politicallv, he is a Democrat. 

CHARLES LUCKE'NBILL, an active citizen of Perry Town- 
ship, is a native of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, where he was 
born December 29, 1840, being the fourth in a family of sixteen 
children born to Solomon and Mary (Fesler) Luckenbill. Our sub- 
ject was reared in his native State, remaining at home with his par- 
ents until he attained the age of twenty years. He recei\ed a lim- 
ited education. Realizing the necessity of the preservation of our 
union he enlisted September 21, 1861, in Company F, 93d Penn- 
sylvania Volunteer Infantry, as a private, from which he became 
Corporal of iiis companv. He served until 1864, when he veteran- 
ized, re-enlisted in the same companv and regiment, serxing until 
December 28, 1864, when he was discharged on account of dis- 
ability. He was present and participated in the following import- 
ant entratrements: Williamsburg. White Oak Swamps. Malvern 
Hill, in the seven davs' tight there: Fairfax Court House, .\ntie- 
tam, Kellv Fork. Fredericksburg. Salem Church, Gettysburg. Mine 
Run, and the Battle of the Wilderness, where he was wounded in 
two places, while aiming to fire, a ball passed through his arm and 
jaw: the latter was a very severe wound, and it was seven months 
before he recovered sufficiently to be dicharged from tlie hospital, 
and then he suffered greatly for several years. In 1865 he emi- 
grated to Indiana and Miami County, working over a year as a 



BIOGRAPFIIC AK SKICTCIIES. 733 

farm hand, when he purchased land, and has ever since lived in 
this coiintv. August 16, 1866, his marriage with Margaret Jamison 
was solemnized, and to their union Hve children were born, viz: 
Lewis A., Ella, Anna. Alonzo and Lorenzo. Februarv, 1876, Mr. 
Luckenbill suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. 
November, 1876, his marriage with Cynthia A. Harden was cele- 
brated. His occupation has alwaj-s been farming, and he has been 
\erv successful. He now owns 120 acres of well improved land, 
which he has accumulated b}- his own industry and economy. He 
and wife are members of the M. E. Church. In politics he is a 
Republican, and he always manifested a good live interest in the 
political affairs of the count}- and comnuinity in which he lives, 
where he enjovs the respect and esteem of ail who know him. 

HUGH MILLER, farmer and pioneer, of Perry Township, 
vet li\ing, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, December 
12, 1812, the son of Daniel and Esther ( Harper) Miller, who were 
natives of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Ireland respectively- 
Our subject was reared in his natixe state, remaining with his parents 
until he attained the age of twenty-two years. He obtained a good 
education considering the facilities afforded in those days. In 1827 
he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter trade, his apprenticeship 
continuing four years. He was engaged in plying his adopted 
vocation in his native and Starke County, Ohio, until 1S41, when 
he came to Indiana and purchased land in Miami County. He then 
returned to Ohio, and two years subsequent, again came to Miami 
County, of which he has since been a resident. No\ember, 1835, 
Judith Grogg became his wife, and by her he is the father of ten 
children, eight now living, viz: Joseph, who married Sarah Rhodes, 
since deceased; Cynthia, widow of R.P.Johnson; Sarah, wife of 
Daniel King; Miranda, consort of Jonas Rhodes: Noah, (see 
.sketch ), Benjamin F., Anneta and Richard, who married Melissa 
Miller. Since 1841 Mr. Miller has made farming his occupa- 
tion and has been uniformly successful. He now owns 250 acres 
of well improved land under a high state of cultivation. Politically 
he is a Democrat, and under the old State constitution he was 
honored with an appointment to the position of Township Trustee. 

NOAH MILLER, one of the progressive farmers of Perry 
Township, and native of that township, was born April 16, 1848, 
the son of Hugh and Judith (Grogg) Miller (.see sketch). The 
subject of this sketch remained at home and assisted his parents on 
the farm until he was twent\-five years of age, receiving a good 
education in the schools at Gilead: under W. W. Lock wood, as 
instructor, he became sufficiently proficient to enable him to secure 
a license to teach, which he, however, only followed for one term of 
four months. He then adopted the vocation of farming, in which 
he has met with good success. He is the proprietor of 117 acres 



734 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUXTV. 

of well-improved land. October 23, 1873, Harriet, daughter of 
Daniel Shoemaker, became his wife. She was born April 14, 1850. 
To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Miller two children have been born — 
Nettie, born September i, 1875, and Nellie, born February 2, 1877. 
He belongs to the Masonic fraternit\', but is now on demit. Politi- 
cally he is a staunch Democrat, always manifesting a good live 
interest in the political affairs of the count\' and communit}- in which 
he lives, where he has been honored with an election to the position 
of Countv Commissioner. 

JOSHUA MURPHY, deceased, was a native of Wayne 
Count}-, Indiana, where he was born January 22, 1820. He 
was a son of Joshua and Margaret (Chamness) Murphv. He 
was reared to manhood in his native county, and married there 
October 19, 1836. Miss Tac\' Shoemaker, daughter of Ezekiel 
and Margaret ( Weber 1 Shoemaker. She was burn January 29, 
181 7. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Murphv eleven children 
were born, of whicli these eight are now living: Susan, wife 
of Edward Busick : Emily, now Mrs. David Fetrow : Milton, 
who married Lizzie E. Antrim : Amos, whose wife was Lvdia 
Hoover: Lewis, whose consort was Elizabeth Tombaugh: Oli- 
\er, who married Emma R. Doud; Ellen, wife of Heiu'v 
Whisler, and Nelson, married to Lucinda Blackburn. He was 
a man with a limited education, the facilities of the days 
when he attended school being poor. He was a member 
of the Friends" Church, and alwavs lived a true and devout 
Christian life. He died September 12. 1882. and in his death 
the communitv lost an honored and respected citizen, one whose 
memor\- will alwa\'s be revered bv all who knew him. In 1841 
he made his settlement in Miami Count\\ purchasing a tract 
of eightv acres, which was llien a wilderness of woods, he hav- 
ing to chop his road out in order to reach the land. He was 
a successful farmer, owninjr at tiie time of his death 360 acres 
of improved land. Oliver now occupies the home farm, which 
has never been divided. To him and wife three children have 
been born, as follows: Mertie, Nina M. and Manetta. He is a 
young and enterprising farmer, and bids fair to become one of 
Perrv Township's most substantial citizens. In addition to his 
share of his father's estate, he owns iorlx acres of land. 

JOSEPHUS NORMAN is a native" of Randolph County.. 
Indiana, where he was born December 30, 1829, being the .se\- 
enth in a famih' of ten children born to Larken and Nancv A. 
(Shoemaker) Norman, who were nati\es of Virginia and Ten- 
nessee respecliveh'. The\' settled in Randolph Count\- in an 
early day, from whence they removed to Grant, and then in 
1838 to Miami Countv, locating in Perrv Township, near Stock- 
dale, living in that vicinitv until the death of Mr. Norman, which 



BIOGKAIMIKAI, SK irrCHIvS. 735 

occurred in 1861. There the mother of our subject lived on the 
farm of Josephus until her death, which look place in 1876. 
Our subject was reared on the farm, remaining with his parents 
until he attained the age of twenty-six years. He received a 
common education, such as the facilities of his day afforded. 
Januar\- 27, 1856, his marriage with Sarah Ranck was solemn- 
ized, and to their union eleven children were born, of which 
these eight are now living: John F., who married Mary E. 
Smith: INIiles O., whose wife was Martha Enyart; Cynthia C, 
now Mrs. John W. Cleland: Milo J., Alonzo A., Sarah C, Eliz- 
abeth E. and Rosetta. October 30th, 1878, Mr. Norman 
suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. He has 
alwa\s made farming his occupation, and he has been ver\- suc- 
cessful. He now owns 120 acres of well improved land. He 
also owns and operates a threshing machine. In politics iie is a 
Republican, and he always manifests a good, live interest in the 
political affairs of the count\ and community in which he lives, 
where he enjovs the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. 

HENRY SAUSAMAN, an enterprising farmer of Perry Town- 
ship, is a native of Starke Count), Ohio, born March 31, 1833; 
the next to voungest in a famil}- of ten children born to John and 
Catharine ( Charet ) Sausaman. who were both natixes of Pennsyl- 
vania, from whence the\' emigrated to Ohio in 1830. The former 
died in 1845, when Henry was but twelve years old, leaving him to 
carve a fortune for himself. He had, up to that time, received \er}- 
little schooling and subsequently got still less. Thus he obtained a 
\ erv limited education. He engaged as a farm hand, and, by dint of 
his own industrv and economy, accunmlated sufHcient to pur- 
chase a farm of his own. August 25, 1855, his marriage with 
Catharine Feller was solemnized, and their union has been blessed 
with ten children, viz: Thomas J., who married Flora Huffman; 
Marv A., Edward F.. Urias B., Esther E.. wife of Enos Swihart: 
Lydia A., Daniel M., Albert H., Sarah J., and Melissa C. hi 1S64 
he emigrated to Miami County and settled on the farm where he 
now lives, hi his \ocation of farming he has been uniformly suc- 
cessful, now owning 160 acres of well improved land. In politics 
Mr. Sausaman is a Democrat. 

PROF. JACOB TATE, teacher in the jniblic schools at 
Gilead, a native of Rush Count}", Indiana, born January 16, 1848, is 
the eldest in a famih' of nine children born to William and Leanna 
(Mincks) Tate, who were natives of Bedford and Green Counties, 
Pennsylvania, respectively. Their parents emigrated to Indiana in 
a very early day. Subject's father settled in Miami County about 
1853, of which he continued a resident until his death, which occurred 
March 7, 187 1. He was a blacksmith by trade, served his country 
gallantly during the entire war, enlisting in 1861 in Company A, 



736 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

39th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which subsequently became the 8th 
Cavalry. He was with Sherman on his March to the Sea. and par- 
ticipated in all the engagements incident to that campaign. Our 
immediate subject always made his home with his parents, and, upon 
the death of his father,, became the support of his widowed mother. 
He received a common school education. He has always made 
teaching his occupation, in which profession he has been eminently 
successful, ranking as one of the best instructors of Miami County. 
Is a member of the M. E. Church. In politics an ardent Repul)]ican. 

HEZEKIAH TOMBAUGH, native of Perry Town.s]iip, was 
born June 16, 1853, being the elder of two children born to George 
and Elizabeth (Thomas) ( Swihart | Tombaugh. George Tom- 
baugh, father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, October 28, 
1796. He grew to manhood in his native State, and was reared on a 
farm. He married there Susanna Myers, by whom he was the 
father of ten children, as follows: Lucinda, born November 22, 
1820: Elizabeth, born April 9, 1822: Isaiah, born May 11, 1824: 
Levi, born July 7, 1826; Aaron, born November 14, 1828: Mary 
Ann, born April 3, 1831; Sussana M, born February 9, 1834; 
George W., born December 24, 1837: Jacob M.. born May 7, 1840. 
He, with his family, moved to Ohio in 1831: one year later he 
removed to Indiana and Miami County, first -settling near Mexico, 
living there one year, when he moved to Perry Township, of which 
he continued a resident until his death, which occurred in 1880. 
His first wife died October 14, 1850. He was subsequently (March 
6, 1851 ) married to Elizabeth (Thomas) Swihart. widow of Jona- 
than Swihart. To this marriage two children were born, Hezekiah, 
our subject, and Rebecca. February 18, 1856. Mr. Tombaugh always 
followed farming, in which he was successful. He was a member of 
the Dunkard Church, and always lived a true Christian. He united 
with that church in 1831. Our immediate subject has always lived 
at the old homestead. He received a good common school education. 
September 12, 1875, '^'^ marriage with Catherine M. Heddleson was 
solemnized, and to their union two children were born, both deceased. 
April 1 8. 1879, he suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved 
wife. February 21, 1S83, his nuptials with Hannah Speck were 
celebrated, to whom have been born two children, George E. 
and Jessie. He has always made farming his occupation. . and 
he has been very successful. He now owns 124 acres of well- 
improved land. He and wife are members of the Brethren Church. 
In politics lie is a Republican, and he alwa\s manifests a good, live 
interest in the political affairs of his community, where he was hon- 
ored, in 1886. by an election to the office of Township Trustee. 

JOSEPH H. WAIT, a prominent citizen of Perry Township, 
was born in what is now Allen Township. March 6, 1839. He is 
the eldest of six children born to Sullivan and Margaret A. (Woods) 



s> 



BIOGRAPHKAI, SKETCHES. 737 

Wait, who were natives of New York and Kentucky, respectively. 
Thev emigrated to Indiana and Miami Countv in 1838, settling on 
ilie farm where our subject was born, and on which he was reared 
to manhood, receiving a common school education sufficient to enable 
him to teach. At the age of twenty-two, July 2, 1861, he enlisted 
in C'onipan\' A, 26th Indiana Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, 
where he served with distinction until Jaiuiarv 15, 1866, durin 
which time he participated in a number of hard-fought engage 
ments. May 2, 1864, he was united in marriage to Marietta H. 
Wright, bv whom he became the father of the following named 
children: William S., Margaret, Joetta, Anna A., Frank H., Henr}- 
E., Earle, Emma. Laura E., Carrie M., and Marietta. Mr. Wait 
made farming his occupation until 1870. He then, for several 
years, divided his attention between that pursuit and selling sewing 
machines. From 1876 undl 1885, he was engaged in saw-milling; 
at the latter date he embarked in the mercantile business, and is now 
the proprietor of a hne store in the village of Gilead enjo}ing a 
thriving and remunerative business. No\ember 28, 1881, he met 
with the misfortune of losing his beloved wife. He is a member of 
the Masonic fraternit\-. Although not belonging to any church, he 
is a believer in the hopes of a Christian religion, and may always 
be found a faithful worker in the Sunda}--school. In politics he is 
an ardent Republican, and was twice the successful candidate of his 
part^• for the position of Township Trustee, filling that office in a 
verv creditable manner, and to the entire satisfaction of his con- 
stituency. 

JAMES WILDMAN, an old and respected citizen of Perry 
Township, was born in Jefferson County, Indiana, April 15, 
181 7, the eldest in a family of eight children born to Joseph 
and Mary (Underwood) Wildman, who were natives of Virginia 
and Kentucky, respectively. They emigrated to Miami County 
in 1838. Two vears later they pre-empted a tract of land in 
Perry Township, where they lived until their deaths. The im- 
mediate subject of our sketch has always lived at the old home- 
stead. The opportunities for acquiring an education ^vere in 
those days very limited, and his help, which was needed in 
clearing away the forest and putting the land in a state to cul- 
tivate, kept "him from taking advantage of the facilities that 
were afforded, hence he obtained no education. October 25, 
1866. his marriage with Anna E. Carlisle was solemnized. To 
their union these three chilldren have been born: Carey, born 
.\ugust 6, 1868; Leroy, born October 20, 1870, and Alta. born 
November 23, 1872. Mr. Wildman is a successful farmer, and 
the owner of 120 acres of land in good condition. He and 
wife are members of the Baptist Church. Politically he is a 
Republican. 



73^ HISTOKV OK MIAMI COUNTY. 

WILLIAM E. WOOLLEY (farmer), of Perry Township, 
was born in Alleghany County, Pennsylvania, October 20, 1816, 
the son and third of twelve children boi-n to Amos and Anna 
(Ellis) Woollev, both natives of New Jersev, of German descent. 
They emigrated to and settled in Indiana about 1846. The subject 
of our sketch learned the wagonmaking trade with his father, 
and followed that business until he came to Indiana. In early 
life he received a common education, one in keeping with the 
facilities afforded in those davs. June 29, 1839, he was united 
in marriage with Jane Cassel. To their union three children 
were born, Mary A., wife of Levi Carn, being the onlv sur- 
viving one. John N., a son bv this marriage, lost his life in the 
service of his country at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, June 
27, 1864. Mrs. Woolley died January 29, 1845. January 28, 
1847, Sarah T. Lewis became his wife. By her he is the father 
of ten children, these eight now living: Jennie C, wife of Bra- 
zil Fagan: Alexander H., who married Allie Paxton: Gilbert L., 
Alice, consort of Burch Doud; Cora B.. now Mrs. Charles Cool: 
Clara M., wife of Milo VanLeer: William E. and Elizabeth. 
Januarv 21, 1879, Mr. Woollev again suffered the bereavement 
of losing his wife. His vocation, since coming to Indiana, has 
been farming, in which he has been uniformh' successful. He 
is tile proprietor of 122 acres of improved land in Miami County 
and 64 acres located in Henry Count\-, Ohio. In politics he is 
a Republican, and has been honored with an election to the 
offices of Township Assessor and Trustee. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



Pipii Creek Township — Physic.\l Descrh'tion — Era of Set- 
tlement — Churches — Leonda — Bunker Hill — Bio- 
graphical Sketches. 

PIPE CREEK TOWNSHIP joins Cass County on the west, 
is bounded on the north by the Wabash River, on the east 
by Washington Township, and on the south by Deer Creek Town- 
ship. It is about seven miles from the extreme northern to the 
southern limits, four miles from east to west, and includes an area of 
about twentv-seven square miles, all of which lie in Congressional 
Township 26, North, Ranges 3 and 4, East. The country enjoys 
excellent water privileges. Tlie largest stream — Pipe Creek, after 



IMTE CREEK 'I-OWNSHU'. 739 

whicli the township was named — enters from the east about one and 
a quarter miles north of tiie southern boundary, and flows a norlli- 
westerlv course, leaving from Section ii, two miles south of the 
Wabash River. This water course, with its atlluents, affords ample 
drainage for the greater part of the township. Little Pipe Creek, 
a stream of considerable importance, flows through the northeast 
corner of the township, while se\eral small creeks, rising near the 
central part, flow a northerly direction into the Wabash. The sur- 
face of the township is equally diversilied with hills and valleys, bot- 
tom lands in certain localities along the streams, and considerable 
stretches of level and rolling country. The lands of Pipe Creek 
Township are proverbial for fine crops, the soil a deep, black loam, 
or some parts loam mixed with cla}', and, in others, sand mixed — all 
King favorable for natural drainage, and consequently dr}- and easily 
tilled. Few sections of the county are so well adapted to fruit cul- 
ture, apples, peaches, pears, grapes, etc., being generallv culti\ated 
in profusion, and when not cut off by the late frost, are a source of 
considerable profit to the grower. The countrv at one time was 
covered with an abundance of flne timber, but the demands of trade 
ha\e thinned out the more valuable varieties. Large areas of wood- 
land still remain, however, which, if judiciously used, will be suffi- 
cient for all practical purposes for many years to come. For trans- 
portation of countrv products the 1. P. & C. Railroad passes 
through the township from north to south, while the Bradford divi- 
sion of the Pan Handle crosses the southern part from east to west. 
//istorical. — The earliest settlements in Pipe Creek Township 
w ere made about the year 1838 or '39, but it is a matter of consid- 
erable doubt as to who was the actual pioneer. According to the 
testimony of Mr. Brandt, who has been a resident of the township 
almost continuously since i84J,the honoris justly due one John 
Wilson, who made a settlement on Pipe Creek w iiere Joseph Shep- 
lar now lives, some time in one of the above years. But little is 
known of Mr. Wilson, save that he was a hunter rather than a tiller 
of the soil, and that he sold his claim in a abort time to a Mr. Finney, 
and emigrated to one of the W^e.stern States. John Betzner was per- 
liaps the next actual settler. He located in tlie northeastern part of 
the township, on the Wallick place, but subsequently sold out and 
moved to Washington Township, where he is still living. Joel Julian 
came in 1839 '^'' 4° '^"*^ located near Pipe Creek, in the western 
part of the township, chosing for his lioine the land now owned and 
occupied bv Mortimer Smith. Mr. Julian died in a very early day, 
and liis widow afterwards married Alexander Abrahams, who was 
also a pioneer of the township. Michael Stroop, Sr., settled in tiie 
nortliwest part of the township, early in the forties, and made his first 
improvement on the farm now in possession of his son. He died in 
a short time after coming to the country. His son, Michael Stroop, 



740 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUXTV. 

Jr., was an early settler also. In the year 1841 Isaac Vandorn set- 
tled near Pipe Creek, in the central part of the township, and was 
an honored resident until his death, which occurred in the winter of 
1885. The place is now owned and occupied by his son, Andrew 
Vandorn. Willian Clark moved to the central part of the township 
about the 5'ear 184.1 and located a home on the farm owned at the 
time by Jacob Shively. His death in an early dav was one of the 
first events of the kind in the township. Another earl}- settler 
whose arrival is said to have been in 1840 or '41, was Moses Lari- 
mer, who purchased and settled on land adjacent to the town of 
Bunker Hill. Maston Thomas and his father were early settlers in 
the northern part of the township, where the former still resides, 
moving to that locality in 1840 or '41. 

Prominent among the arrivals of the latter }'ear, was Jacob 
Brandt, who settled on land which his father, Martin Brandt, had 
previously entered in Section 14. Mr. Brandt moved to his pur- 
chase a little later, and for a period of over forty years has been one 
of Pipe Creek's most intelligent and trustworthy citizens. He has 
taken an active interest in the growth and welfare of the township; 
and for several years was prominently identified with its educational 
interests. Joab Mendenhall settled near the Deer Creek Township 
line in 1841, locating the farm now owned by Daniel Duckwall. 
Upon this place a man b}- the name of Shively, a brother-in-law of 
Mr. Vandorn, had previously "squatted," and between him and Mr. 
Mendenhall a bitter dispute arose as to who had the best right to 
the claim. From words the quarrel merged into more hostile dem- 
onstrations, and Mr. Mendenhall being the stronger man of the two, 
tinally succeeded in ousting his rival, who took his departure for 
other and safer quarters. James Pettj- settled in the northern part 
of the township, early in the forties, but soon afterwards sold his 
improvement to a Mr. Cripe, and purchased what is now the Gar- 
nand farm on Pipe Creek. David Carr moved to the northern part 
of the tow^nship, as early as 1843, and the same year Mr. Winters, 
and a man by the name of Watts, settled on the Duckwall farm, 
near Bunker Ilill. The last two being unable to enter the land, soon 
moved from the country. The iirst improvements on the Jacob 
Brandt farm were made about the }ear 1841 by James A. Lewis, a 
transient settler, who sold his claim soon after to Martin Brandt and 
located a home on Little Deer Creek. Jeny Shaffer settled in the 
east part of the township, on Little Pipe Creek, as early as 1842, 
and was joined the same year by Isaac Marquis, who improved an 
adjoining farm. 

Among the settlers of 1843 were the following: John and 
Peter Redd, near the central part of the township, on the Clark 
farm; Jacob Pottarff, on the Maury farm, eastern part of the 
township, where he operated a blacksmith shop in an early day: 



PIPE CREEK TOWNSHIP. 74I 

Mr. Burr, on the Oldfather farm; James McGinnis, near Bunker 
Hill; Herman Spermbarger, near the eastern boundary; Henr}- 
Crabb, central part of the township, where S. Need now lives; 
Godfrey Helderlv, on the Da\ id Snidcnian farm: Daniel Rife, 
in the western part of the township, on land belonging to his 
son, Jacob Rife; John and EH Oliver, on the Duckwall farm, 
near the town of Bunker Hill. As early as 1844 there were 
li\ing within the present limits of the township, additional to 
those enumerated, the following settlers, to-wit: Robert Jennis, 
on the Arnold place, near Pipe creek; Noah Townsend, in the 
western part; Frederick Keller, eastern part of the township, 
and Rev. Samuel Devvese, about one mile west of Bunker Hill. 
S;mniel Durand made a tour of Pipe Creek Township in the 
vear 1837, and the year following laid claim to what is now the 
Wisinger farm, near the Wabash river, in Section i. He sub- 
sequently purchased this place, and moved his family to their 
new home in the wilderness earl}- in the forties. In addition to 
farming, Mr. Durand early engaged in the manufacture of 
potash, which, business he carried on with gratifying success for 
several years. 

In 1844 and '45 the township was rapidly settled by a class 
of substantial men, among whom are remembered the following: 
John Miller and Frederick Keller, near the Washington Town- 
ship line; David Graj-, in the vicinity of Bunker Hill: L. \'. 
Shirley, central- part of the township; William Parker and Cor- 
nelius Cain, western part; Charles Luy, in Section i; David A. 
Carr, C\rus G. Carr, Daniel B. Tyler, Henry Brcoks and 
Tiiomas Skillman, all in Section 2, Township 26 North, Range 3 
East; Lorenzo Shirley, in central part; Thomas Ken worthy and 
John Beeslev, on Pipe Creek. The following were early set- 
tlers, to-wit: George Warner, John W. Vance, Bernard Van- 
dom, Stephen Abrahams, Thomas Dillard, Benjamin Hann, David 
and John Cain, Allen Jones, Mr. Hoover, E. Jones, N. D. 
Nicoles, Philip Raredon, Samuel Jones, George Vore, John Reed, 
Alexander Clark, David Chronister, Harvey Hoover, Stephen Cle- 
mens, David Striker, Cornelius Sullivan, B. F. Chaspie, Leonard 
Boniface, Jos. Sullivan, Samuel Sullivan, John Barker, David L. 
Bryson, Isaac H. Ha}nes, George Wright, John Hann, Rueben 
Shenebarger, Stephen Metsger, Samuel Bryson, William G. Van- 
dorn, John Duckwall, David Duckwall and Samuel Murray-. 

Mills, Etc. — "At an early date, probably about 1836, a saw 
mill was built near the present site of Wallick's mill, on Little Pipe 
Creek, by an Indian named Frank Godfroy." It was a primitive 
affair, and for several years manufactured lumber for the Indians. 
Jacob Betzner subsequently became proprietor and operated it with 
fair success, early in the forties. It fell into decay many years ago, 



742 HISTORY OF MIAMI COLNTV. 

and at this time no vestige remains to mark the spot upon wiiich 
the building stood. In the year 1854, Martin Brandt erected a saw 
mill on Pipe Creek, Section 14, which he operated for a period of 
four \ears. It was then purchased h\ John and Daniel Rife, who 
run it for a number of years, doing a verv successful business the 
greater part of the time. John and Jacob Rife operated it as part- 
ners for some time, and later Jacob became sole owner. The mill 
ceased operations about the year 1876. John Duckwall, in the 
spring of 1850, erected a saw mill on Pipe Creek, where his present 
mill now stands, one mile northwest of Bunker Hill, with which he 
(lid an extensive and lucrative lumber business. Five years later 
he erected a flouring-mill, on adjacent ground, which he operated 
in connection \\ ith ins lumber interests until Jaiuiar\', 1857, when 
both mills were completeh' destroved b\' tire, entailing a loss of over 
$5,000. Mr., Duckwall rebuilt the saw-mill in 1858, and in 1876 
erected the present large frame grist mill, which, after having been 
remodeled several times and supplied with machiner\' of the latest 
improved grades of dour, is now one of the best mills in Miami 
County. It is operated by both water and steam power, has a 
capacity of seventv-rive barrels per da^ , and manufactures flour for 
both local and general trade. The saw-mill is operated on quite an 
extensive scale, and in addition to saviing lumber is supplied u ith a 
planing mill and machinery for the manufacture of wagon felloes, 
lath, fence pickets and various other articles. 

About the vear 1855 or '56, Henrv Knell built a mill on Pipe 
Creek, on land owned at this time bv Christopher Shivelev. It was 
a saw-mill, with a corn cracker attached, and stood until about the 
vear 1871. Thomas Kenworthy, about the vear 1856, erected a saw- 
mill on Pipe Creek, about one-half mile below the Duckwall mill, 
and operated it for a period of six or eight years, when he sold out 
to D. B. Shivelv. The latter built a flouring mill on the same spot 
in 1872. which was subsequenth' purchased and torn awav bv John 
Duckwall. The Wallick flouring mill on Little Pipe Creek, in the 
northeast corner of the township, was erected earlv in the flfties. 
The original building, a small structure furnished with insufficient 
machinerv. was subsequenth' enlarged, and became, in course of 
time, one of the most successful mills in the countv south of the 
Wabash. It is still in operation, though not upon quite so extensive 
a scale as formerlv. 

In an earl\- da\' Charles Luv built a distiller\- in the northern 
part of the townshi]-), on what is now the Shepler farm. He ope- 
rated it with encouraging success for several vears, but subse- 
tjuently sold to other parties, who allowed it to fall into disuse. 

C/iurc/ies. — The religious historv of Pipe Creek Township 
dates from about the \ear 1843. at which time divine worship was 
held at the residence of Isaac Vandorn bv Rev. Matthew Cin-r\-, of 



PIPK CREKK TOWNSHIP. 



743 



the Methodist Church. "A little later the same year meetin<,fs were 
held in the same locality b}- the United Brethren, of which denomina- 
tion the Rev. Mr. Pugsley was an early preacher. Following these 
came ministers of the Baptist Church, among whom was Rev. 
Samuel Dewese, who organized the hrst religious society in the 
township, at his residence about one mile west of Bunker Hill. This 
was the Bunker Hill Baptist Church, of whicii a sketch will be found 
in the history of the town. The Methodists organized the next 
society, the history of which will be found on another page. The 
United Brethren Church in the northern part of the township, is an 
old organization, but its early history is involved in a great deal of 
obscurity. The societj' has a neat frame house of worship near the 
Wabash River, which is used at this time by an organization of the 
Evangelical Association, recently established. The United Breth- 
ren class is not so strong in numbers as formerly, but still sustains 
preaching at regular intervals. The German Baptists or Dunkards, 
began holding meetings in the township about the year 1850, and 
in 1852, the Pipe Creek Church, near the Cass County line, was form- 
ally organized. Among the early members were the following men 
and their respective families, viz: David Shepler, Abram Shepler, 
John E. Shively, D. B. Shively, Joshua Coblentz and others. The 
early preachers were Samuel Murray and Gottlieb Keller. Later came 
John E. Shively, Daniel B. Shivety, Joseph Shepler, Abraham Rine- 
hart and Daniel Long. The hrst house of worship was erected in 
in the spring of 1856, on land donated by Daniel Shively. It stood 
until 1872, at which time the present large brick building was 
erected on ground donated for the purpose by Hannah Metzgar. 
This house is 40x70 feet, with a cook house attached, and is per- 
haps the largest church edifice in Miami County. The membership 
at this time numbers about 190. The present church officers are 
David Shively, John Klepinger, Isaac Shepler, Emerj' Puterbaugh 
and George Wolfe, elders; Joshua Coblentz, Eli Miller and Samuel 
Puterbaugh, trustees. A society of the old order of Dunkards was 
organized in the northwestern part of the township, several years 
ago, which meets for worship in a frame building erected in the 
the year 1883. At this time there is a membership of only about 
lifteen, ministered to at regular intervals by Rev. Aaron Metzgar. 
Pleasant Hill Chriitian Church was organized in the }ear 
1865 by Elder Wayman. The following are the names of 
the original members: J. W. Brandt, M. A. Brandt, A. A. 
Brandt, John P. Britton, Daniel Marken, Nancy Marken, Eva 
Winters, Harriet Hopper, N. D. Nichols, M. E. Nichols, Mary 
E. Mendenhall, John W. Byrket, Gran\ille E. Mendenhall and 
Jane Reed. Jacob Brandt and N. P. Nichols were the first 
elders, and Peter Rife and Granville Mendenhall were elected 
first deacons. Meetings were held in a school house until 1875, 



744 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

at which time the frame temple of worship now in use was 
erected on a beautiful plat of ground donated by Jacob Brandt. 
The following pastors ministered to the church from time to 
time, to-wit: Elders Aaron Walker, M. Smith, David Hodson, 
Jefferson Hodson, Mordecai McKinney, W. R. Lowe, W. A. 
Hennegar, W. W. Henkins and W. A. Hough, the last named 
being pastor in charge at the present time. The society has 
made commendable progress, and at this time has the names of 
forty active members upon the records. The officers are: Jacob 
Brandt and D. A. McDowell, elders; J. S. Mays, Andrew VV'ag- 
gaman and Andrew Richardson, deacons. 

Miscellaneous Items. — Pipe Creek Township was organized 
as a seperate jurisdiction on the 6th day of September, 1843. 
An election for the purpose of choosing the necessary officials 
was held a little later the same year, at the cabin of William 
Clark. "Thomas Kenworthy was elected first Justice of the 
Peace." "Isaac Vandorn was chosen Trustee, but, refusing to 
servd, Rollin Huffman was appointed." The following gentle- 
men held the office of Trustee in an early day, viz: George 
Wright, Daniel Duckwall, George Shawman and I. E. Vandorn. 
The present incumbent is J. W. Liston. '■ The following were 
some of the earliest marriages in the township: James McCrary 
to Sarah Larimer, in 1843; John Tillett to a daughter of Cor- 
nelius Cain, in 1844; Alexander Abrahams to Mrs. Saraii Crane, 
the same year." "Among the earliest births was that of Nancy 
J. Larimer, born to Moses and Nancy Larimer in 1844. One 
of the first deaths was that of an infant child of Noah 
Townsend." 

Village of Leonda. — The town of Leonda on the I. P. & C. 
Railroad, Section 29, Township 26 North, Range 4 East, was laid 
out August, 185 1, by Jacob Pottarff and H. Hoover. It was an 
outgrowth of the railroad and early became a good trading point, 
and until the competition of the Pan Handle road it was the rival of 
Bunker Hill. Among the earliest residents of the place was Wal- 
ter P. Shaw, who opened a general store and sold goods for a cou- 
ple of years. Jacob Arnold was the next merchant, and after him 
came Samuel Jones, who, in addition to dealing in merchandise, 
opened his house for the accommodation of such travelers as saw fit 
to accept dnd pay for his hopitalities. Henry Rosenthal sold gro- 
ceries for a period of five or six years, and did a reasonably fair busi- 
ness. Dr. Rollen Hufford moved to the village and practiced the 
medical profession for some time. He was succeeded by Drs. Mur- 
phy and Albaugh, who left the town about the time the Pan Han- 
dle Railroad was finished. Among the mechanics of the place were 
Peyton Jenkins and Mr. Cook, wagon-makers; Frederick Betzner, 
James Bevans, Henry Poor and John Nieman, shoemakers ; Thomas 



PIPE CRKEK TOWNSHIP. 



745 



Ewing and William Holipeter, cabinet makers. The first postmas- 
ter was Joseph Arnold. The removal of the office to Bunker Hill 
in 1859, ^^'^^ accomplished b}' a piece of cunning strategy, in which 
Dr. James A. Meek took an active part. Leonda for a number of 
\ears entertained sanguine hopes of securing the Pan Handle Rail- 
road, but the completion of said road through JJunker Hill pr()\ed a 
deathblow to its further aspirations, and from that time the fortunes 
of the town began to wane. The business men and mechanics 
moved to other and more favorable localities, the most of them 
going to Bunker Hill, to which the construction of the Pan Handle 
gave new life, and in due time Leonda became a thing of the past. 
The plat was subsequentlv vacated, and at this time but few vintages 
of the once flourishing village remain to mark the spot where it 
formerly stood. 

Bunker Hill. — The town of Bunker Hill is pleasantK- situated 
at the intersection of the I., P. & C and Pan Handle railroads, in 
tiie southeast corner of the township, distant about eight mile^ from 
the citv of Peru, and sixteen miles from Xenia. It was laid out and 
plattecl in 185 1, and the plan recorded August of that year for 
James M\ers, Ji)hn Duck wall and Alexander Galbraith, proprietors. 
The original town includes forty-six lots and eight streets, in Sections 
29 and 30, Township 26 North, Range 4 East, to which an addition 
of twentv-four lots was made b\- John Duckwallin June, 1852. Ac- 
cording to the testimony of those best informed, the first house on 
the present sight of the town, was a small dwelling erected by James 
Mvers, on lot No. 13, sometime in the vear 1851. Mr. Myers was 
a carpenter by trade and assisted in building man}- of the early resi- 
dences and business houses of the village. Andrew Bache pur- 
chased lot No. 2, the same year, and built a house where the dwelling 
of Jacob Lease now stands. Lot No. 4 was purchased and improved 
by Anthony Nieman, a short time after the surve}', and contempo- 
rary with him was James Sawyer, an old bachelor, who erected a 
small dwelling on lot No. 5 in the same part of town. Dr. Hufford 
was one of the earlv residents of the place. He erected a residence 
on Elm street, lot No. 14, and also built the first business house in 
the village on Third street, which is still standing. 

Merchants. — The first stock of goods in Bunker Hill was 
offered for sale by Dr. Hufford, in the building mentioned above, 
but of the success of his business enterprise we are not informed. 
The next store was opened by Messrs. Heward & Lowe, who kept 
in a building on Third street for about two years. Heward subse- 
quently disposed of his interest to Daniel Duckwall, and he in turn 
to Mr. Lowe. J. G. Ewing and Mr. Heward sold goods as part- 
ners as earlv as 1861 or '62, and, in 1865, Jacob Arnold had a gen- 
eral store in the north end of the town, on the corner of Fourtii and 
Main streets, where he carried on business until some time in 1866. 



746 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

His building is still standing on lot No. 62, used at this time for a 
dwelling. D. H. and John Cain opened a general store in 1868, 
which he subsequently sold to Alfred Bell, and he in turn disposed 
of the stock to James Cain. Eli Hochstetler started a small grocery 
business about the same time, or perhaps a little earlier, but remained 
for only a limited period. Frank Hartman and Simon Kalter 
effected a co-partnership in general merchandising about the year 
1867 or '68, and the firm, thus constituted, continued until the for- 
mer's death, at which time Mr. Kalter took entire control and con- 
tinued the business until 1873, erecting the building now occu- 
pied bv M. Finney in the meantime. The hrst business house 
in Hendrick's addition w'as erected about the year 1868 by 
Albert D. and Joseph Jones, who occupied it about one year, 
selling out at the end of that time to Timothy Scott. The last 
named merchant brought a stock of goods from Miami in 187 1, 
and was identified with the mercantile interests of the town at 
intervals for six or seven years. Jacob Betzner began merchan- 
dizing in 1 87 1 or '72, and about the same time John F. Rey- 
nolds moved a store from North Grove, and for two years 
thereafter carried on business in a building on the corner of 
Railroad and Broadway streets. The lirst hardware store was 
started in 187 1 by C. T. Miner, who, after a short time, sold 
his stock to Messrs. Patterson & Meek. The latter effected a 
partnership with D. T. Gilmore, which lasted for some time. 
In August, 187 1, Messrs. Kalter & Keegan started a boot and 
shoe store, the first of the kind in the town, and continued the 
same until 1873. The following business men and firms were 
identified with the commercial interests of Bunker Hill from 
time to time, viz: S. J. Hockman, W. T. Wilson, D. T. Gil- 
more, Wm. B. Patterson, Dr. Da\is, J. B. McKinnev. Noah 
W. Trissell, John F. Busey, Samuel Sommers and Trissell & Blue. 

Mcchiinics. — The early mechanics of Bunker Hill were Chas. 
B. Mason, R. T. Jones and Joseph C. Lamborn, blacksmiths: 
Artemus Morris and Henry Coffman, carpenters. Samuel \?\- 
entine opened a tin shop early in the sixties, and about the year 
1865 a man by the name of Lane engaged in the cabinetmak- 
er's trade. Three years later Abraham Billheimer opened a cabi- 
net shop, which he operated quite successfully in connection 
with the undertaker's and general furniture business. The tirst 
shoemaker ^vas John Nieman. Peter Keegan was perhaps the 
next to open a boot and shoe shop, at which trade he is still 
working. 

Jlotch. — The tirst hotel was built by George Larimer about 
the time of the construction of the Pan Handle railroad. It was 
first kept b\' Ralph Jones and William Busey, who run it a short 
time. William R. Breckenridge purchased the property in 1879 



PIPE CREKK TOWNSHIP. 747 

and enlarged the building, adding many necessary improvements. 
It is situated at the crossing of the I., P. & C. and Pan Handle 
railroads, and is kept at this time by W. W. Robbins. 

JManuJactnres. — The first saw-mill in Bunker Hill was built 
by William Hendricks prior to 1868. It was operated for some 
time by Walter Shaw, who did a good local business. It was 
subsequenth' replaced b}' the present steam saw-mill, brought to 
the town by A. C. Bennett, who, after doing business some 
years, sold out to W. H. Croucher & Co. Samuel Clark ope- 
rates the mill at this time. In 1879 Messrs. Billheimer & Blue 
erected a planing mill, which the}' operated with encouraging 
success for several years, manufacturing all kinds of furniture in 
the meantime. It passed through the hands of various parties, 
and was operated last by W. N. Wilson. 

Physicians. — The first medical man to locate in Bunker Hill 
was Dr. Hufford, to whom reference has already been made. 
The next was Dr. James A. Meek, who, with the exception of 
a few months, has been actively engaged in the practice of his 
profession since 1866. Drs. O. C. Irwin, H. C. McClurg, John 
Cain, H. P. McDowell, S. H. Davis, I. C. Cooper and Dr. 
Ha\'es have practiced in the village at different times. The 
present physicians are Drs. Meek, Wilson, Davis, McDowell and 
Cooper. 

The Press. — The first newspaper enterprise of Bunker Hill 
was the V^illagr A^czus, established about the year 1870, b^■ Jasper 
Keves, who run it for a period of one vear, at the end of which time 
George F. Metzger became editor and proprietor. He changed the 
name to that of Phc Indcfcndcnt Press, and in partnership with 
John F. Busby, continued the publication about one year, during 
which time the paper reached a verv fair circulation. The next 
editor was E. M. Howard, who enlarged the paper and changed it 
from a neutral to a political sheet. He ran it for a limited period and 
then sold the ofiice to Messrs. Walters & Larimer, under whose 
management the name was again changed, this time to that of The 
Bunker Hill Press. O. A. Larimer subsequently became pro- 
prietor, but in a few months sold out to the present editor, John W. 
O'Hara, one of the most successful newspaper men in Miami 
County. The Press is now a five-column quarto, independent in 
politics, but fearless in the discussion of all the leading to]iics of the 
day. Its mechanical execution will compare favorabl\' with that of 
any other local paper in the county, and its circulation and advertis- 
ing patronage, already quite remunerative, is constantly increasing. 
Mr. O'Hara is an able writer, and we bespeak for the Press a pros- 
perous future. 

Growth and Additions. — Until the completion of the Pan Handle 
railroad in 1868, Bunker Hill was but an insignificant country vil- 



748 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

lage; but the opening of said road marked an important era in its 
history. From that vear until 1873, the growth and development 
of the town was quite rapid, and it became one of the best shipping 
points for lumber, grain, live stock, etc., in the county. Real estate 
during that period commanded good prices, business of all kinds was 
quite prosperous, and the population was increased by the addition 
of a large number of substantial and enterprising citizens. This 
growth, while quite rapid, was not spasmodic, and the town has since 
been able to maintain the reputation of one of the best commercial 
points in the county outside the city of Peru. The following addi- 
tions have been platled from time to time, viz: William Hendricks' 
addition, eight lots, April, i860; John Kripe's addition, six lots, 
April, 1868; Larimer's addition, si.xleen lots, March, 1869; 
D. H. Cain's addition, forty-one lots, April, 1870; James A. 
Meek made an addition of several lots in April, 1871: Trissell's 
addition of eighteen lots was surveyed and recorded May, 1873; 
David Duckwall's addition of several lots was made June, 
1873: Frick's addition of four lots, March, 1874, ^"^ Kroutter's 
addition of four lots was platted December of the latter year. 

lucorporat'nni. — In 1873, the citizens of Bunker Hill decided 
b\- a majoritv vote of the population, to take upon ihemsllves the 
responsibility of erecting and maintaining a town corporation. 
Accordingly a board of three trustees, a clerk and treasurer were 
elected to put the municipal machinery in motion. The board was 
composed of the following gentlemen : H. P. McDowell, Robert C. 
Foor and Cvrus Baker, trustees, and Dr. James A. Meek, clerk and 
treasurer. The officers for 1886 are as follows: Cyrus Baker, 
Stephen Finnev, George Armstrong, W. W. Robbins and Eli Bow- 
man. Trustees: R. C. Foor, Clerk and Treasurer, and John N. 
Davis, Marshall. 

Bunker Hill Lodi^c, ^'So.jjdg. I. O. O. F., was innitiUed June 
16, 1871, by Special Deputy E. H. Barry, Grand Secretary, assisted 
by John Stewart acting as G. M., Frank Blair as Grand Marshall, 
I." M. Runvan as G. Secretary: John Reynolds, G. Tre;isurer; F. S. 
Hadlev. G. Conductor; John W. Edward.s, G. vSentinel. and James 
W. Highland as G. Guardian. The following names appear upon 
the charter: James A. Meek, Cyrus Baker, Peter Keegan, Jesse 
L. Hobson, Daniel Baker, James Bennett. Noah W. Tris:<ell. George 
W. Mort, Benson Sullivan and William B. Patterson. At the 
organization the following persons were duly elected to till the 
various offices, to-wit: James A. Meek, N. G.: Noah W. Trissell, 
V. G. : Peter Keegan, Per. and Rec. Sec. ; William B. Patterson, 
Treasurer; Cvrus Baker, Warden; George W. Blue. Conductor; 
James Bennett, O. G. ; G. W. Mort. I. G.\ Benson Sullivan, R. S. 
S.; Timothy Scott, L. S. S.; J. L. Hobson, R. S. to N. G.; David 
Baker, L. S. to N. G.; John Hann, R. S. to V. G., and D. H. Cain, 



PIPE CREEK TOWNSHIP. 749 

L. S. to V. G. The hall in which the lodge meets was built in 
iSjTi, and with other property, represents a value of $1,500. The 
membership is not so large as formerly, there being at this time 
only about twenty names upon the records. The present electi\e 
officers are: J. E. Rinehart, N. G.; Robert C. Foor, V. G.; Peter 
Keegan, Secretary, and Cyrus Baker, Treasurer. 

'Jo/ii/ M. Wilson Post, Ao. 112, G. A. /?., was established 
October, 1882, with a membership of about thirty. Among the 
tirst officers were the following, to-wit: Timothy Scott, Com- 
mander; R. C. Foor, S. V. C: J. F. Busey, J. V. C; M. M. 
Howard, Chaplain; and W. W. Robbins, Officer of the Day. 
The organization has made commendable progress, and at the 
present time has a membership of fifty. Present officers: W. W. 
Robbins, Commander; M. M. Howard, S. V. C; Jacob Metz- 
gar, J. V. C; David Apger, Chaplain; Jacob Clemens, Officer 
of the Day: David Hochstetler, Officer of the Guard; J. G. 
Hedrick, Quartermaster, and R. C. Foor, Adjutant. 

Bunker Hill Light Guards. — This well disciplined military 
company was organized November 7. 1885, by W. W. Robbins, 
with forty-seven members. Mr. Robbins was elected captain, 
and the company was mustered by Col. A. J. Parks. At this 
time there is a uniformed membership of forty-tvs'o, and a mili- 
tary band of eleven instruments, mustered in as part of the com- 
pany. The Light Guards are mad6 up of a class of fine look- 
ing young men, and with their beautiful uniforms present, when 
on parade, a decidedly military appearance. The officers are 
W. W. Robbins, Captain; J. W. Reeder, First Lieutenant, and 
J. W. O'Hara, Second Lieutenant. David Long is leader of the band. 

Churches. — The oldest religious society in Bunker Hill is the 
Baptist Church, organized early in the forties. Among the first 
ministers of this denomination in Pipe Creek Township were Revs. 
Samuel Dewese and Asel Waters, and among the earliest members of 
this church were Mr. Lawrence, Daniel Striker, William McCrary, 
James McCray, B. H. Hann, Mrs. Hann, Joseph Frazee. William 
Piatt and wife, Mr. Ensco and wife, Jolin Murphey and wife, and 
James Mays and wife. Meetings were held principall}' at the resi- 
dence of Rev. Samuel Dewese until the spring of 1848, at whicfi 
time a hewed log house of worship was erected about one mile west 
of the \illage. It was a comfortable structure, 30x40 feet in size, 
and answered the purpose for which it was intended until about the 
year 1S60. The present large frame building in the town was 
erected that 3ear, on a lot donated by John Duckwall and James 
Myers. It is one of the most commodious houses of worshi]i in the 
southern part of the county, having a seating capacity of 500. The 
church has made substantial progress during all the years of its his- 
tory, and at this time has an active membership of over one hun- 



750 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

dred. Among the pastors were the following: Revs. William 
Cool, Leonard Cool, Mr. Coon, John Blodget, B. R. Ward, L. 
D. Robinson and E. J. Delp. The present officers are: John 
Duck wall, John Hagerty, Joseph Quinn and B. Hann, Deacons; 
Lafayette Flagg, Clerk : John Duckwall, Cyrus Baker and George 
W. Blue, Trustees. A large and flourishing Sunday school is kept 
up throughout the )-ear. Jos. Quinn is the present superintendent. 

M. E. Church of Bunker Hill was organized in the spring 
of 1846 with the following constituent members, to- wit: David 
Hockman, Malinda Hockman, John Townsend, Eliza Townsend, 
John Barnes and Eliza Barnes. The organization was brought 
about bj' Rev. Mr. Davis, who held the first meeting in a little log 
cabin which stood on the farm owned at this time by John N. Huffman. 
For the first eight or ten months the . societ}' made no visible 
progress, but the two succeeding years the membership was 
increased bv the following persons, viz: Lewis N. Snodderly 
and wife, A. C. Lamborn and wife, Mrs. Moses Larimer, 
Jacob Coucher and wife, James Dabney and wife, Andrew Cun- 
ningham and wife, Benjamin Fish and others. The first house 
of worship, erected in the year 1S55, and known as the Railroad 
Chapel, stood near the Deer Creek Township line, and ser\cd as 
a meeting place until 1869, at which time it was abandoned and 
the society moved to the village. The present beautiful brick 
edifice on the corner of Elm and Broadway streets was built 
slome time in the above 3'ear at a cost of about $2,000. It will 
be impossible to give a list of those who have sustained the pas- 
toral relation to this society, as much of the early history is 
involved in considerable obscurity. Rev. Davis, however, was 
the first pastor, and, according to the best information accessi- 
ble, the second preacher in charge was Rev. Mr. Ricketts. Rev. 
Mr. Badly was an earl}- pastor, and had charge of the circuit 
when the first building was erected and dedicated. The follow- 
ing are among the ministers who served the society in later 
times, viz: Revs. Steven.s, John McElwee, W. K. Hoback, George 
Havens, E. S. Preston, John W. Lowery, L. J. Naftzgar and the 
present pastor, J. H. Jackson. The society has a membership 
of about 100, and is reported in a prosperous condition. Daniel 
Duckwall is class leader; Newton Reeder and Caroline Wil- 
liams, stewards, and James E. Rinehart, superintendent of the 
flourishing Sunday school, which has an average attendance of 
about ninet\- scholars. 

Evangelical Lutheran Church. — "In the year 1855 Rev. B. 
Uphouse and his colleague. Rev. F. Geisel, from Fulton circuit, 
Indiana Conference Evangelical Association, came to the vicinity 
of Bunker Hill to preach the Gospel." "The following families 
opened their houses for services, viz: Messrs. Kurtz, Walters 



PIPE CREEK TOWNSHIP. 75 1 

and Mohr." " In the year 1859 Rev. F. Geisel had a revival, 
during which the above named families were converted. A 
class was organized, of which Peter Walters was elected leader." 
"From the fall of 1861 to the fall of 1863 R. J. Trometor had 
charge of the work." " He moved to Bunker Hill and had 
preaching at regular intervals in his house." From 1863 to 1864 
Rev. D. Bartholomew was pastor in charge, and after him came 
Rev. H. Fisher. " The school house west of the town was 
rented, and afterwards purchased, for meeting purposes." Rev. 
J. Kaufman was pastor from 1865 to 1867; Rev. B. Uphouse, 
from 1867 to 1868; P. Roth, from 1868 to 1870; J. Miller, 
from 1870 to 1872: William Koenig, from 1872 to 1874. About 
this time several members moved to the town, and steps were 
at once taken toward the erection of a house of worship. The 
work progressed satisfactorilj', and in due time the neat brick 
temple of worship on Elm street, in the south part of the vil- 
lage, was completed and formally dedicated. The pastors since 
1874 have been the following: Rev. A. J. Troyer, from the 
latter year until 1876; George Schmall, from the fall of 1876 to 
the spring of 1879; A. Irvan, from 1879 '^^ 18S1: J. Beck, 1881 
to 1882: J. Brackert, 1882 to 1883: John Huffman, from 1883 
to the present time. The membership at this time numbers 
about twent\-eight or thirty. The Sunday- school, under the 
superintendency of Jacob Wagler, has been the means of accom- 
plishing much good among the youth of the town. 

Sf. Michael Roman Catholic Church. — Efforts to establish a 
Catholic Church in Bunker Hill were made several vears before 
an organization was effected, priests from different places visit- 
ing the town at intervals, and conducted services at the resi- 
dence of Mr. Garman. In 1874 a lot in the north end of town was 
purchased, and a building wliich had formerly been used for a shoe 
shop, was refitted for church purposes. In 1882, Father Kcll}-, of 
Marion, brought about the present organization, of which some fif- 
teen families constitute'd the original membership. The house of 
worship, a beautiful frame edifice in the north end of town, was 
erected the same vear, at a cost of $1,300. Among the first priests 
who visited the town were Rev. Fathers Kroeger and Weichman, 
and since 1882 the following priests have had charge of the society, 
viz: Fathers Kelly, Twigg, Joy and Grogan. The church is in a 
fairly prosperous condition, and has a membership of about fifteen 
or sixteen families. Services are held once a month by Father 
Grojfan. 

Church of the Seventh Day Adz-enlists was organized in the 
year 1879, ^y Rev. S. G. Lane. The following were among the 
first members of the society, to-wit: Allen James and wife, H. G. 
Curtis and wife, Marv Crovvder, Alexander Baxter and wife. Gran- 



752 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

ville Hedrick and wife, John Turner and wife, and Mrs. Mary 
Clouse. Religious services were held at the residence of different 
members until 1883, at which time a frame house of worship was 
erected in Buckwall's addition to the town. The societv has made 
but little progress, the membership at this time being about the 
same as the original number. Services are held occasionally by 
visiting brethren, but a Sabbath school, with good attendance, meets 
regularU- ever\- week. 

Schools. — Piior to 1868 the children of Bunker Hill attended 
school in a frame building a short distance west of the town, where 
the tile mill now stands. In the above year work was commenced 
on the present building, a part of which was completed and ready 
for use in due time. The constant increase in the school population 
soon foreshadowed the necessity of enlarged accommodations, and 
accordingly in 1872 an addition of two rooms was erected, making 
the building as it is now, one of the best school edifices in the 
county. The schools were properly graded in 1868 with Prof. 
Oscar King as principal, and Miss Alice Williams, assistant. The 
principals since that time have been the following, viz: Profs. A. 
McW. BoUman, George Custer, George Snvder, S. D. Miller, W. 
H. Williams, Noah Tnssall, J. H. Neff and John W. O'llara. The 
schools at this time are under the etTicient management of Prof. 
J. H. Neff, assisted by J. E. Rinehart, Jennie Haggarty and Eva 
Wilson. 

Present Business of Bidikcr Hill. — Benson Sullivan, large gen- 
eral store; George W. Blue, dealer in general merchandise: Finney 
& Clem, hardware and agricultural implements; William Pansier, 
groceries; Joseph Austin, groceries and restaurant; W. W. Ham- 
maker, druggist; Dr. James A. Meek, drug store; EH Bowman and 
John Neiman. carpenters and builders: John Flitcher, A. T. Cook 
and Henr\- G. Fisk, blacksmiths; Jacob Seisler and Mr. Jordan, 
wagon-makers; Claude M. Rvan, tinner; Peter Keegan, shoe-maker; 
O. D. Hughes, tailor; C. Meisse, harness-maker; Samuel Clark, 
manufacturer of Clark's patent bed springs; Herman Eagle, manu- 
facturer of drain tile; Samuel Lindermuth and Jacob Metzgar. plas- 
terers; William Davis, Cyrus Baker and Samuel Armstrong, brick- 
masons; Eugene Fletcher, warehouse; the Misses Lueas, dressmak- 
ing and millinery; B. N. Blue, John N. Davis and Benjamin Scott, 
painters: Frank Mote, barber; Murden & Deisch, livery stable; 
J. E. Smith, railroad agent: Peter Keegan, notary public; W. W. Rob- 
bins, hotel, and John W. O'Hara, postmaster and editor. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 753 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 



DANIEL BOWSER, one of the well-to-do farmers of Pipe 
Creek Township, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, 
Novembjr i, 1833, son of John and Susanna (Wyland) Bowser, 
natives of Ohio and of German extraction. Our subject's youth 
was passed amid the stirring scenes of farm life, with the rugged 
duties of which he early became familiar. He enjoyed such 
rude advantajies for an education as were offered in those days. 
From the time of his father's death, which occurred in 1851, he 
was his mother's only support, caring for her until her second 
marriage, which took place in 1853. The family then moved to 
Cioslun. Indiana. Mr. Bowser came to Pipe Creek Township 
in the winter of 1854, and purchased eighty acres of land. He 
has been twice married, the first time, in 1855, to Miss Mary 
Shivelv, daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Bowman) Shively. 
He chose for his second wife Hannah Shively, a sister of his 
former wife. They were married January 4, 1857, and are 
the parents of the following children: John E., born February 15, 
1858; Susanna, born June i, 1861; Levi, born April 20, 1865, 
and Marv E., born June 16, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Bowser jre 
members of the German Baptist Church, with which they have been 
united for tiiirtv j'ears. Mr. Bowser officiated as minister in the 
second degree of his church for fifteen years. In politics he acts 
with the Democratic party. 

JACOB W. BRANDT, one of the early pioneers of Miami 
Count\-, is a native of Penns3-lvania, born October 2, 1820. His 
pareiits were M:irtin and Elizabeth (Weaver) Brandt, both natives 
of Pennsvlvania, the former of German and the latter of English 
descent. Our subject remained with his parents, clerking in a store 
and securing in the meantime, a fair education, until twenl\-one 
vears old. He taught school some eight years, two of which he 
taught in Lewisburg, Cass Count}-. In the spring of 1842, he and 
his father purchased a tract of land in Tipton Township. In 1845, 
he moved to Pipe Creek Township, where he traded for 148 acres 
of heavily timbered land, then considered the poorest part of the 
county, but now one of the best farms in the locality. October 16, 
1845, he was united in marriage with Rachel A. Hiller, and by her 
is the father of live children, only three, Anamelia A. James E. and 
Catharine C, yet living. The mother died June 15, 1859. Mrs. 
Martha A. Britton. his second wife, to whom he was wedded Octo- 
ber 6, 1859, was born August 17, 1827, in Guilford County, North 
Carolina. In 1846, she married Charles Britton, who was called 
away in 1857. By him she was the mother of four children, these 



754 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

two yet living: John P. and Eliza A. To her union with Mr. 
Brandt, two children have been born, Flora A. and Elmar W. Mr. 
and Mrs. Brandt are members of the Christian Church. The pleas- 
ant Hill Church is located on their farm. 

DANIEL DUCKWALL, farmer and prominent citizen of 
this township, is a native of Montgomerv County, Ohio. He is 
a son of Henrv and Rosanah ( Linginfelter) Duck wall, natives of 
Virginia and Maryland, respectively, and of German extraction. 
His parents were married in Berkley Count}-, Virginia, in 1800, 
and soon emigrated to Ohio. Daniel Duckwall was born July 
ID, 1822. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, and obtained 
a fair English education. At the age of twent}' he began teach- 
ing school, which profession he followed for a number of years. 
Mr. Duckwall emigrated to Cass County in 1848, and in 185 1 
moved his family to his new home in Miami Countv. Here he 
experienced all the obstacles and privations incident to the settle- 
ment of a new country. He takes an active interest in all enter- 
prises for the public good. Was elected Township Trustee at 
the first election held in Pipe Creek Township, which office he 
held for three years. He then became president of the board. 
At the expiration of his term of office he was appointed school 
examiner of the countv, and filled the office with credit to him- 
self and to the satisfaction of the people. He now owns 600 
acres of good land, and valuable property in Bunker Hill; never 
contracts a debt without the mone}' to pay for it, and never asks 
anyone to go his security. In 1847 he married Miss Elizabeth 
Myers, a union that resulted in the birth of two children — Laura 
J. and William C. ; both are married. Mrs. Duckwall departed 
this life in the year 1856. Three years later Mr. Duckwall married 
Nancy Z. Rider. The children born to them were Eugene L. 
(deceased), born June 5, i860; Ada Bell, born February i, 1862; 
Perry N., born November 26, 1864; Ernest D., born October 2, 
1870, and Stella May, born December 19, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. 
Duckwall are members of the M. E. Church. For the past twenty 
years Mr. Duckwall has been a class leader, and has officiated as 
local minister for ten years. He is a staunch supporter of the 
Republican party. 

JOHN DUCKWALL, founder and builder of a large saw 
and flouring mill, known as the Champion Mills, was born in Mont- 
gomery County, Ohio, and is a son of Henry and Rosana (Linger- 
felter) Duckwall, both of German descent. Our subject assisted 
his father on the farm until reaching his majority, when they farmed 
on the shares. In 1845 he emigrated to Clinton Township, Cass 
County, where he remained four years, and then moved to Miami 
Countv, where he still resides. His milling property was destroyed 
by fire in 1857, creating a loss of $5,000. He had rebuilt this saw- 



BIOGRAPHICAI. SKETCHES. 755 

mill by the following spring and afterwards rebuilt the grist-mill. 
After remodeling four times he has to-day one of the best equipped 
mills in the county. March 21, 1845, Lydia Myers became his 
wife, and by hmi tlie mother of six children, viz: an infant unnamed; 
Amanda J., married in 1873 to Geo. Blue, and in 1878 she received 
a stroke of lightning which killed her instantly; Emma M. 
(deceased), Ida B., Dora C. and Carrie O. Mr. Duck wall is a 
staunch Republican, and he and wife have been members of the 
Regular Baptist Church for thirty years. 

J. W. ELLIS, M. D.— Dr. Ellis was born in Clinton 
Count}-, Ohio, July 3, 1827, and the fifth of a family of nine 
children born to Robert and Anna ( Hockett) Ellis. His father 
is of Welsh descent, and his mother a native of V'irginia. He 
received a good education in youth, studied medicine with Dr. 
Smizer, of Waynesville, and was a graduate in 1854 from the 
Eclectic Medical Institute, of Cincinnati, Ohio. His tirst location 
was Jonesboro. From there he went to Marion, where he suc- 
cessfulh followed his profession until 1866. For the last twenty 
years he has had an extensive practice in Peru, at one time 
having the largest practice in the county. His marriage with 
Miss Jemima Jones was celebrated June 26, 1851. Her parents, 
Obediah and Ann Jones, laid out the town of Jonesboro in 1S41. 
The Doctor lost his wife January 26, 1854. He again married 
in i860. Miss Louisa McClure, who died May 18, 1863, leaving 
one child, named Minnie L., who has unusual talent in art. 
She is now diligently pursuing her studies, and is expected to 
rank among the leaders of her profession. Caroline Leonard, 
his third wife, to whom he was wedded October 25, 1866, died 
April 10, 1884. He is a Republican, a member of the F. 
& A. M. and I. O. O. F. fraternities, and belongs to the Pres- 
b\terian Church. 

WILLIAM J. FANSLER, son of Adam and Mary ( Foss) 
Fansler, was born in Butler Township, Miami Count}', October 
21, 1844. His father was a native of Virginia of German descent; 
his mother a native of Ohio and of English descent. His boy- 
hood was spent upon his father's farm, where he received a 
good common school education. At twenty-four years of age, 
January 23, 1864, he wedded Miss Ophelia C. Pence, of Peru. 
They are the parents of two children, namely: Orla R., born 
September 24, 1865, and Maudie G., born January 4, 1872. In 
the spring of 1863 he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred 
and Fifty-tirst Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and was placed in 
the .^rmy of the Cumberland under Buell. He participated in 
the noted battle of Gettysburg, and was mustered out in the fall 
of 1865. He began life a poor man, but now owns a fine gro- 
cery store in Bunker Hill, where he established himself in 



756 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

1880. Mr. Fansler is an enterprising and wide-awake young 
man, a Republican in politics, firmly believing in the principles 
of his part}', and a member of the I. O. O. F. in good standing. 

STEPHEN FINNEY is a native of Miami County ,Ohio, 
born August 14, 1838, a son of John and Rebecca Finney, natives 
of Ohio, and of Irish descent. The same year of his birth 
his parents moved to Randolph County, Indiana, and in 1856, to 
Deer Creek Township. He married, November .1, 1859, Mary 
Larton, daughter of Israel and Sarah Larton, residents of Ran- 
dolph County. By their union there are four children living: 
Rosa L., Ulysses, Orlando and Minnie. Februar}- 24, 1865, he 
enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Fiftv-First Regiment, 
Indiana Volunteers, and was placed in the Army of the Cumber- 
land. He served until September 11, 1865. After his discharge 
he engaged in farming, in Deer Creek Township, until 1S82, 
and then followed bujdng and shipping stock in Bunker Hill for 
one year. He is now a member of the only hardware firm in 
Bunker Hill, that of Finney & Clem. The)' do a thriving busi- 
ness. Mr. Finney is a member of John M. Wilson Post, No. 112, 
G. A. R., and in every respect a most exemplary citizen. 

RUFUS T. JONES, farmer, Pipe Creek Township, is a native 
of Oneida County, New York, his birth occurring December 2. 
181 7. He is of Irish and Welsh descent. His parents, John and 
Hannah (Thurston) Jones, moved to Oswego County, where he 
received sufficient education to enable him to teach school for a 
livelihood. He was married to Lucy S. Dibble June 15, 1841, and 
to their union one child was born, Ralph H., born May 23, 1842. 
Mrs. Jones departed this life November 9, 1845. Mr. Jones was 
again married April 29, 1847, to Mary, daughter of Moses and 
Betsy Burr. He came to this county in 1S46 and followed the 
blacksmith's trade. During the war he was, for a time, man- 
ager of the blacksmith department under General Rosecrans. 
In 1852 he went to California and remained there about two 
years. He now owns a fine improved farm, located in one of 
the best farming districts in the county. Mrs. Jones was born 
November 26, 1825, in Fairfield County, Connecticut. She is 
the mother of four children, as follows: Maurice L., born 
August I, 1845, who now resides in Fort Wayne, and is en- 
gaged in the photography business; Eulalie, born May 25, 1858; 
Viola E., born May 15, 1863, and Frank B., born August 27, 
1863. Mr. Jones began life with comparatively nothing, but, 
by close attention to business, has succeeded in accumulating a 
competency for his declining years. 

PETER KEEGAN wasborn in Ireland February i, 1833. 
He emigrated to America in 185 1 and engaged in the shoe business 
in Natick, Massachusetts. His marriage with Miss Bridget Killen, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 757 

also of Ireland, was solemnized in 1853. Four children have been 
born to them, named: Elsie E., William F., Schuyler C. and Cor- 
delia M. From Natick he went to Toledo, Ohio, and remained one 
year. In 1857 he came to Peru. August 11, 1862, he enlisted in 
Compan}- C, 87th Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and was placed in 
the Army of the Cumberland. He took part in the following noted 
battles: Perryville, Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, 
Resaca and Kenesaw Mountain. At the last battle of Nashville he 
went with his command to Washington and took part in the Grand 
Review. He was mustered out in June, 1865. After his return 
from the war he settled in Bunker Hill. His earW recollections of 
this vicinity are good. Mr. Keegan is a Republican, and has held 
the olllce of Justice of the Peace for twelve years. He is now 
notra\' public and also engaged in the shoe business. He is a mem- 
ber of the I. O. O. F., and identitied himself with the M. E. Church 
in 1852. 

DR. JAMES T. LISTON, one of the oldest pioneers of 
Pipe Creek Township and builder of the first house in Peru, is 
a native of New Castle Count}^ Delaware, where he was born 
September 16, 1804. He is one of four children born to Will- 
iam and Margaret (Thomas) Liston, natives of Delaware and 
of English and Welsh extraction respectively. Dr. Liston received 
a {rood education in the schools of Delaware and Pennsvlvaia, 
graduating from the Peru Medical Uni\ersity in 1826. In 1823 his 
parents moved to Richmond, Indiana. After finishing school our 
subject began the practice of medicine in Muncie, but soon went 
from there to Winchester, where he remained five j-ears. Dur- 
ing the time, November 19, 1829, he married Rachel Wav, a 
native of North Carolina. Mrs. Way blessed her husband with 
ten children, namely: William M. (deceased), Mary J. (deceased), 
Phebe A. (deceased), the first white child born in Peru, and also the 
first death in the town. She was born Aug. 21, 1834, '^"<^ ^^^^ ^^S- 
31 of the same year. Jonathan A., Margaret L. (deceased), James 
F., William M., Rebecca E., John Way and Charles L. Mrs. Lis- 
ton died May 30, 1879. '^^^ Doctor is eighty-two years old and 
in good health. He is a member of the F. & A. M. and I. O. O. F. 
fraternities, belongs to the Christian Church, and has been a 
life-long Democrat, having voted for General Jackson early in life. 
He now resides with his son, John W. Liston, a citizen of this town- 
ship, whose birth occurred in Wabash Count\', March 19, 1846. 
John began teaching at the early age of sixteen years, and taught 
four years. He is a staunch Democrat, and takes an active part 
in the interests of his township. He was elected Township 
Trustee by a handsome majority in 1886, and under his manage- 
ment the schools are prospering. He was also superintendent of 
the gravel roads in this township for a number of years. Jan- 



758 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

nary 17, 1867, he was married to Elizabeth Shively, daughter of 
David R. Shively, of Ohio, a union blessed with the birth of three 
children — William F. (deceased), Anna D. and David T. 

DR. HENRY P. McDOWELL was born in Pipe Creek 
Township, December 20, 1S52. His parents, David and Nancy 
(Childrees) McDowell, were natives of Pennsj-lvania, the former 
of Irish and the latter of German descent. The daj-s of Henr3-'s 
boyhood and youth were passed on his father's farm, and in 
acquiring a common school education. At the age of seventeen 
years he began life for himself, devoting his attention to school 
teaching, which vocation he followed very successfully for ten 
years. He began the study of medicine under the guidance of 
Dr. Henry Alford, of Walton. After reading three years with 
him he entered the Indiana Medical College, graduating in March, 
1882. Since his return to Bunker Hill, he has been engaged in 
practicing his profession, having built up a lucrative business. 
June I, 1876, he was married to Miss Ellen Brvant, and to them 
have been born four children, as follows: Marion, Gladvs, Ben- 
son and Charles. Dr. McDowell is politically a Democrat, and 
enjoys the confidence and good will of the public. His portrait 
appears elsewhere in this volume. 

DR. JAMES A. MEEK was born in Scott County. Indiana, 
August 18, 1828. His parents were Robert and L\dia B. (Ilass) 
Meek, natives respectively of Ohio and Virginia. From ten years 
of age our subject relied upon his own resources for a living. At 
the age of twenty he went to LaPorte and entered the office of his 
uncle. Dr. T. D. Lemon. He studied medicine with his uncle for 
two years and attended lectures at the Indiana Medical College, 
which was then located at LaPorte. In 1850 he began practicing his 
profession in New Marion, Ripley Count}-, Indiana. The gold 
e\-citement was then at its height, and the Doctor, with others, left 
on the first da\' of March, 1S52, overland for California. The entire 
distance was traveled with ox teams, excepting one hundred miles 
over the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which he traveled in four daj's 
on foot. After several unsuccessful efforts in taking claims, he 
began the practice of medicine in Marvsville. In the fall of 1854 he 
returned to the States, and December 25, was married to Matilda 
E. Lewis, daughter of Daniel and Ann M. Lewis. Two children 
were born to this union: Mary L. and Thomas O. From the 
time of his marriage until 1858, Dr. Meek was located in Peru, but 
has since been a resident of Bunker Hill. In 1866 Mrs. Meek died. 
She was a member of the Methodist Church and esteemed by all 
who knew her. In 1868 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary B. 
Gilmore, widow of Dr. A. W. Gilmore, surgeon of the 9th 
Regiment, Indiana Volunteers. Dr. and Mrs. Meek are the parents 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 759 

of two children : Daniel T. and Mary F. Dr. Meek is a member 
of the F. & A. M. and I. O. O. F. fraternities. 

JOSEPH S. MILLS.— Mr. Mills was born in Preble County, 
Ohio, March 19, 1837, and is the son of Geor<re and Elizabeth 
(Swerer) Mills. His father came from Ireland and his mother 
from New Jersey. He passed his \outh and early manhood ofi 
his father's farm, in Preble County, Ohio, was educated in the 
county school, and at the age of eighteen began life upon his 
own responsibility, as a farmer. He came to this county in 1868, 
and is one of the most industrious and enterprising farmers of 
Pike Creek Township. He is the owner of 320 acres of well 
improved land in Section 13, and is now comfortably situated, a 
result obtained through his own exertions. He is a strong advo- 
cate of the principles of the Republican party. Mr. Mills was 
married May 25, i860, to Miss F. M. Dodge, of Preble 
County, Ohio, who was born January 29, 1845. The result of 
this marriage has been six children : George F., born October 
28, 1861, died April 6, 1864; William C, born November 4, 
1863, died August 29, 1865; Charles L., born July 9, 1865; 
Ella F., born June 29, 1867; Marion E., born September 22, 
1882; and Lizzie, born November 20, 1883. Mrs. Mills is a 
member of the German Baptist Church. 

JOHN W. O'HARA is a native of Connersville, Fayette 
County, Indiana, born September 22, 1853. He is the son of James 
and Catharine (Galvin) O'Hara, both natives of Ireland. At an 
early age the subject of this sketch moved with his parents to Rush 
County, where the father died in the fall of 1861, thus leaving a 
large and helpless family dependent on the care of a widowed 
mother. Soon after the death of the father the family moved to 
Cass County and settled on an undeveloped farm near Galveston. 
By unremitting energy the woodland was soon converted into the 
growing field, and the poverty, which the family had long endured, 
gave wa}' to prosperity. He received his elementar}- education in 
the common schools of his adopted count}- and in the graded 
schools of Galveston, which he attended during the winter of each 
year. Believing himself competent to assume the responsibility of 
a pedagogue, he entered that profession in October, 1875, teaching 
three successive terms in the same district, which fact alone speaks 
for his success. He afterward tilled the responsible position of 
principal of the Bunker Hill Graded School. He was elected Jus- 
tice of the Peace of Pipe Creek Township, which position he held 
for three years. In 1883 he bought the office and equipments of 
the Bunker Hill P/css, and became its editor and proprietor. Under 
the management of Mr. O'Hara the Press has been a financial suc- 
cess, and in matter and make-up commends itself to its patrons. 
For the party service rendered and his acknowledged qualifications. 



lr> 



30 



760 HISTORY OK MIAMI COUNTY. 

Mr. O'Hara was appointed postmaster at Bunker Hill, September, 
1885. Mr. O'Hara was married January, 1878, to Miss Ella C. 
Thornton, of Galveston, Cass County, and this union has been 
blessed with four children, viz.: May (deceased), Bessie, James 
and Genevieve. Mrs. O'Hara is a lady of superior intelligence, 
and, besides being a ready writer in prose, has written much in 
verse, which is said, b^■ those best acquainted with her writings, to 
possess much merit. 

WILLIAM W. ROBBINS, proprietor of the Robbins 
Hotel in Bunker Hill, is the second in a famih' of six children 
born to Joseph M. and Elizabeth (Knox) Robbins, the former a 
native of New York, and of English descent; the latter a native 
of Ohio and of Irish descent. The parents were united in mar- 
riage in Jefferson County in the year 1841, and mo\ed to 
DeKalb County, Indiana, in 185 1, where they resided until their 
respective deaths, the mother dving in 1863 and the father in 
1876. William grew to manhood in DeKalb Count}-, and was 
raised to agricultural pursuits. He obtained a good English 
education, and at the age of- sixteen years tried to enter the 
army, but was rejected on account of his youth, but was accepted 
later. He enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Eeighteenth 
Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, under Buchanan, and served eight 
months, when he received an honorable discharge. He enlisted 
in September, 1864, in Companv G, Twentv-tirst Regiment, 
First Indiana Heavy Artillery, and served until the close of the 
war. Returning from the war he embarked in the photography 
business, which he conducted until 1875. In 1880, he took 
charge of the Robbins Hotel in Bunker Hill. April 22, 1869, 
Alice E. Dinius became his wife. They were married b}- Rev. 
Bishop A. Weaver, of the U. B. Church. She is a native of 
Huntington County, born July 18, 1851, and one of a family of 
seven children born to John G. and Marv (Bash) Dinius, natives 
of Stark Countv, Ohio, and of German descent. Three children 
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Robbins, namely: Edith, Clara 
E. and Paul. Mr. Robbins is now captain of the Bunker Hill 
Light Guards, which company he organized in 1885. While a 
resident of Huntington County he held a commission as second 
lieutenant in the Lime City Batter)', a State organization. Mr. 
Robbins is one of the leaders and able counselors of the Demo- 
cratic party in Miami County, a member of the I. O. O. F. and 
John M. Wilson Post, No. 12, G. A. R. 

BENSON SULAVAN, son of Joshua and Nancy Sulavan, 
the former a native of Mar^^land, and the latter a native of Vir- 
ginia, is the proprietor of the leading general store of merchan- 
dise in Bunker Hill. He was born near Athens, Ohio, Feb- 
ruary I, 1838. His parents emigrated to and settled in Harrison 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 761 

Township, this county, in 1847. Mere the}- purchased a wild 
tract of land, built a cabin and opened up roads, there beint;; 
but two laid out roads south of the Wabash. Benson was 
reared at home until thirteen years of a<fe, wiien he began bat- 
tling with life alone. He engaged in farm labor for some time, 
and then followed the carpenter's trade until twenty-four years 
old. July 22 he enlisted in Compan\- C, Eighty-seventh Regi- 
ment Indiana Volunteers, and was placed in the Department of 
the Ohio, under Buell. He remained during the war, partici- 
pating in the following battles: Perryville, Hoover's Gap, Tul- 
lahoma, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, Ringgold, 
Dalton, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek and 
Marietta, and, strange to say, passed through all those hard 
foutrht battles without receiving a wound. Prior to entering the 
war he was married to Rebecca E. Rees, September 3, 1857. 
To this union was born one child, Charles A., who is now aid- 
ing his father in the mercantile business. Mrs. Sulavan was 
called away in 1867, and December 4, 1S68, he was united in 
marriage with Lucinda Keyes. a native of Ohio. Mr. Sulavan 
is a member of the F. & A. M., and a Republican in politics. 
He is a thorough-going business man, and enjoys the confidence 
and esteem of all who know him. 

ALVIN L. WECKLER, only son of William and Hannah 
(Walters) Weckler, both natives of Germany, was born Januarjr 
30, 1858, in this county. He received an ordinary education. 
Owing to the father's delicate health, it devolved upon Alvin to take 
charge of the farm when but sixteen years of age. September 21, 
1882, he married Miss Ida Bell Duckwall, daughter of John and 
Lydia Duckwall, old and respected residents of this county. Mrs. 
Weckler was born July 24, 1859. After completing the common 
school course, she attended Franklin College for two years, and 
then taught school for a number of years. She is the mother of two 
children, Jennie Olive and John William. Mr. Weckler owns a half 
interest in the Champion Mills, near Bunker Hill, and a half interest 
in one of the best farms in this locality. He is a Republican in pol- 
litics, and a young man of energy and ability. 

DR. WILLIAM T. WILSON, a prominent physician of 
Bunker Hill, is a son of Reuben and Miriam (Overman) Wilson, 
both natives of North 'Carolina and of English descent. He was 
born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, August 4, 1827. When quite 
young his parents came to Wayne County, Indiana, and settled on 
a farm. The Doctor, having prepared himself for college, attended 
Earlham for one year and a half. He then went South with a 
drove of horses, and visited his relations in South and North Caro- 
lina and Virginia. After his return he taught school for several 
years. In 185 1 he began reading medicine with Dr. Purviance, of 



762 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

what was then known as " New Port," but now called Fountain 
City, with whom he remained three and a half years; after which he 
practiced his profession in West Newton, Marion County. During- 
this time he was married to Marv E. Cooper, daughter of Robert 
Cooper, a prominent attorney of Henry County. Two children 
blessed this union : Ida B. and Eva M. The Doctor lost his wife 
April I, 1866, and was again married, May 8, 1873, to Mar}- A. 
Barker, relative of the noted Dr. Fordyce Barker, of Bellevue Col- 
lege, New York. In 1866, Dr. Wilson located in Bunker Hill, 
where he has since been actively engaged in his profession. Pre- 
vious to his coming he took a two years' course of lectures in the 
Cleveland Medical College, and also took a course of lectures in the 
Rush Medical College of Chicago, where he graduated in medicine 
and surgery, January, 1863. He is a Republican and a strictly tem- 
perate man. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



Richland Tow'nship — The Pioneer.s — Mills .\nd Industries — 
Organization — Early Events — Churches — Chili — Paw 
Paw — Wooleytown — Anson — ^Biographical Sketches. 

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP is situated in the tier of townships 
on the eastern border of the county, and includes a superficial 
area of about thirty-eight square miles, or 24,320 acres. It Hes a 
little north of the central part of the county and is bounded as fol- 
lows: Perrv Township on the north, Wabash Countv on the east, 
Erie and Peru Townships on the south, and the townships of Jeffer- 
son and Union on the west. Eel River flows through the township 
from northeast to southwest, and receives in its course a number of 
tributaries; chief among which is Flower Creek. The latter flows 
in a southerlv course through the central part of the township and 
empties into the river near the village of Chili. The country adja- 
cent to the river is somewhat broken, while the other parts of the 
township are pleasantly diversified; level lands and gentle undula- 
tions alternating. The soil varies in structure; the land lying along 
the streams being the most productive. It contains a large per cent 
of vegetable matter, with a mixture of light sand and porous clay, 
containing in every respect the highest elements of fertility. The 
other portions of the township are also highly productive, and no 
more appropriate name than " Richland" could possibly be thought 



RILIILANU TOWNSHIP. 763 

of as a designation for the township. The citizens are an intelligent, 
thrifty class of people, who have carried the science of agriculture 
to a degree of comparative perfection. 

Pioneers. — A little more than half a centurv ago, tlic territorj- 
embraced within the present limits of Richland, was a wilderness 
undisturbed by the presence of white men. Predatory savage 
tribes were the onl}' inhabitants, and w-ild animals, both fierce and 
numerous, lurked amid the den.se forests, the dark retreats of which 
afforded them secure hiding places. Occasionally a few hunters 
and trappers, lured by a love of adventure, and the abundance of 
of game, visited the countrj', but made no attempts-at improvements 
bej^ond erecting a few temporary habitations, spending all their time 
in the enjoyment of their favorite pursuits. They were sojourners, 
rather than settlers, the s]iume that crested the wave of advancing 
civilization; and having a large region wherein to choose, soon 
drifted to other localities. The year 1836 witnessed the arrival of 
the first actual settlers, conspicuous among whom was David Will- 
iams, who built his cabin upon what is now known as the Davis 
farm. The Long family came about the same time, and located in 
the northwestern part of the township, in Section 14, where John 
Long, the oldest living settler at this time, still resides. James 
Long, a brother of John, settled where Charles Long now lives, and 
before the close of 1836. William Jones was living in the same part 
of the township, on the farm owned and occujiied at this time b}- 
Joseph Norris. So far as known the above were the onlv residents 
of Richland ]irior to 1837. 

In the latter year, however, a number of substantial settlers 
sought homes in the new countrv, among whom were Robert 
Miller, who located where his sons live, in the eastern part of the 
township; James Conner, on the Wilson farm; John Ellison, in the 
northeast corner, where the widow Smith now lives; Allen Lock- 
ridge, in the same locality; Edmund I. Kidd, a short distance south 
of the Miller place: John Conner, on the Holinshade farm: Moses 
Martindale, where his descendants still reside; Daniel Ward, on the 
James Holinshade farm; Martin Scruggs, on the Baltimore place: 
Jesse Martindale, on the present site of Chili village: Richard 
Miller, brother of Robert Miller, near the village of Paw-Paw. of 
which he was proprietor: Alvin Riddle, east of Paw-l'aw: William 
Bish, a short distance north of Chili, and Thomas Smith, on the 
Bish farm. The following two years settlements were made by 
Henry Norris. east of I'aw-Paw village: Amos Murphey, in the 
eastern part of the township; Mr. House, on the N. (j. Miller farm, 
near Paw-Paw: Samuel Rank, in the northeast corner, on Eel 
River; John Miller, where his widow lives, not far from Paw-Paw; 
R. C. Harrison and Robert Watson, on the eastern boundary of the 
township: Mr. Finlev, on Eel River, in the northern part of the 



764 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

township; Jostph Clark, in the same locality; J. D. Cox, one mile 
south of Paw-Paw; a Mr. Venamong, on the James Holinshade 
farm; Mr. Griff}', on the Speck place; Michael Taylor, where he 
still resides: Jacob Peer, on the Hagev farm; Samuel Hart, on the 
Brower farm; Reuben Overman, on what is known as the Latta 
farm; Samuel Fisher, east of Chili; Caleb Petty, south central part, 
where he is still living; David Marquis, Willis Hill and Alanson 
Dowd, in Section i of Township 28 north, Range 4 east; Solomon 
Hobaugh, in Section 10; David Graham and lienjamin Baltimore, 
Section 13; Peter Woolpert and Benjamin Griffith, Section 14; 
Enos Baldwin and John Sellers, Section 23, and others, whose 
places of settlement were not learned. Additional to the above, the 
following settlers made improvements in \'arious parts of the town- 
ship in an early day: Samuel Jameson, Lewis King, Watson Mon- 
teith, James Jones, Samuel Heilman, Ezekiel Reed, Joseph Hall, 
Joseph Clark, Thomas Black, Josiah and William Petty, Air. Rid- 
dle, Thomas Smith, David Marquis, James Tracv, Samuel Davis, 
Andrew Wolfe, Jonathan Fisher, Benjamin Guire, Andrew Ilann, 
Jacob Lander, James Holinshade, Reuben K. Charles, Amos and 
James Wooley, Jesse Murphey and Willis Hill. The above, doubt- 
less, comprise the majority of the early settlers of Richland, although 
there mav ha\'e been others entitled to mention whose names our 
informants failed to give us. 

Mills and Other Industries. — It is difficult at this day to 
imagine a state of society where even the commercial means of 
social progress must be invented and set in motion, but the pio- 
neer found this fact a very prominent and practical one in his 
early experience. The supplies brought into the country by the 
immigrant were occasionally \ys the closest economy, made to> 
last until the growing crop or garden could supply the necessi- 
ties of the family. For several years, in some of the settle- 
ments, the people were obliged to rely almost altogether upon 
their own resources. The nearest point where flour could be 
got or wheat ground was the Burrell Daniels mill, on Eel River, 
west of Mexico, a trip to which through the forests in the absence 
of roads was an undertaking of no little difficulty. A temporary 
supply of grain was occasionally secured from some older set- 
tler who had harvested a crop, which sufficed until the growing' 
corn became of sufficient size to eat. When the kernel was suf- 
ficiently firm, the grater was brought into requisition, and a sort 
of head or p(jrridge made. The grater often got the name of 
" blood mill '" from the mishaps which frequently befell the 
fingers of the operator. This simple machine was made by per- 
forating the bottom or sides of a worn-oiU tin pan with numer- 
ous small holes, which were punched with a nail or similar instru- 
ment, and upon the ragged edges of these perforations, the 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 765 

immature corn was rubljed until little but the (.ob remained. 
When the grain became hard and the grater no longer effective, 
the mortar was brought into requisition. This consisted of a 
large block or stump, in which a kettle-shaped excavation was 
made by burning or scraping. A pestle was made of a heavy 
pole, to the end of which was often tixed an iron wedge. This 
was suspended to a sweep, such as was formerly used at wells, 
the lower end of which was fixed to the ground bv stakes, con- 
verting it into a spring pole. Many of the cabins had the burn- 
ing block, and among the earlier sounds about the domicile was 
the monotonus proceeding of the frontier mill. The machine 
furnished several grades of meal from fairlv line to simplv cracked 
grains, and this was separated by sei\'es, some of which were 
constructed with a deer skin tightly stretched on a frame and 
punctured with small holes. The finer part of the meal was 
transformed into the " dodger,'" which was baked upon the hearth, 
while the coarser product was served up as hominy. . 

Although the stream afforded good sites for the construction 
of water mills, the necessary machinery and mechanical skill 
were for a long time wanting. The first grist mill within the 
borders of Richland was built on what is now the J. C. Davis farm 
as earlv as 1841 bv one George Goud\', who operated it with 
good success for sever;il 3'ears. The mill building was a frame 
structure, supplied with fair machiner\', and received its motive 
power from the waters of Eel River. It passed through the 
hands of various parties, and ceased operations about the vear 
1883. The last proprietor was a Mr. Zevner. Another flouring 
mill was built a few vears later on Eel river, above the town 
of Chili, b\ William McCallv, which is still standing, operated 
at this time bv Jacob Myers. It has been repaired and is now 
doing a fairly successful business. About the year 1846, John 
Lcng built a saw mill on Flower Creek, near Chili, which was 
subsequentK converted into a mill for grinding grain bv Wil- 
liam McCollev, who operated it several years. The machinery 
was afterwards moved from the countr}-, and the old building 
llnally fell into decay. Messrs. Daniels & Burns built a large 
frame flouring mill on Eel Rivei", near the northeast corner 
of the township, about the year 1858. It was operated by Dan- 
iels & Burns several years, and afterwards b}- L. Patterson, 
who did the last grinding in 1879 or '80. One of the first 
early saw mills in the township was built by Samuel Rank about 
185CJ, and stood on the site of the Daniels flouring mill. It was 
in operation for several years and did a fairly successful local 
business. A still earlier mill for the manufacture of lumber was 
built on Paw- Paw Creek, one-half mile west of Paw-Paw village, 
some time in the forties, by Robert Miller, who operated it 



766 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

quite extensively for a number of years. It subsequently passed 
into the hands of other parties and ceased operations about the 
year 1874. Jonas Hoover was the last proprietor. A saw mill 
was built on Eel River, opposite the village of Chili, some time 
in the fifties, by William Miller. It manufactured a great deal 
of lumber, but was allowed to fall into disuse about the vear 
1870. Another early industry of the township was a carding 
machine erected by Mr. Martindale on Flower creek, near Chili, 
prior to 1846. It ran several years as a woolen factorv, but, 
not proving remunerative, was subsequentlv remodeled and sup- 
plied with machinery for the manufacture of flour and meal. It 
fell into decay many )-ears ago, and but few vestiges now remain 
to mark the spot upon which the building stood. There 
have been several steam saw mills in the township at different 
times, and the lumber business has for vears been an impiortant 
industry. 

Township Organization. — Richland Township was organized 
and set apart as a separate jurisdiction on the 6th dav of Novem- 
ber, 1837. "The following August, 1838, an election for the pur- 
pose of chosing the officers necessarv to put the township machinery 
in motion was held at the residence of David Williams. Edmund 
I. Kidd and Martin Scruggs were chosen the first Justices of the 
Peace: Moses Martindale. Thomas Smith and Da\id Williams, 
Trustees. 

Early Events. — "Among the first marriages celebrated in the 
tow nsliip was that of Willis Buck to a daughter of Robert Watson, 
in 1839. '^^'^ same vear w'as solemnized the marriage of Edmund 
Blackman and a Miss Williams, daughter of David Williams. The 
first death, so far as known, was that of a daughter of Richard Mil- 
ler, which occurred some time in 1839. Among the first births of 
the township was that of Richard Miller, son of Robert and Rebecca 
Miller, born in the vear 1838. The oldest burving ground in Rich- 
land is the Chili cemeterv. where rest manv of the pioneer settlers 
of the countrv. The Paw-Paw graveyard was consecrated to the 
burial of the dead in 1840, and the first person interred therein was 
Margaret, daughter of Richard and Amy Miller." 

Ciiiirches. — Among the early pioneers of Richland were many 
pious men and women, consequentlv its religious historv dates from 
the period of its first settlement. The first meeting was held at the 
cabin of Robert Miller in 1837, bv ministers of ' the Methodist 
Church. Among the earliest whom are remembered were Revs. 
Beswick. Truslow, Ravmond. McFarland and W^estlake. The 
same vear public services were held at John Long's residence, where 
in 1 838 was organized a small class, out of which, subsequently, 
grew the organization at Chili. The Paw-Paw Church in the east- 
ern part of the township was organized about the year 1839, and 



RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 767 

among its early members were Robert Miller, Rebecca Miller, 
E. I. Kidd and wife, Ellen Kidd, J. D. Cox, John Ellison and wife, 
Richard Miller and wife, John Miller and wife, Robert Miller, Allen 
Lockridge and wife, and others, whose names were not learned. 
Revs. Webster, Anderson, Holliday and Bradshaw were earh' pa.s- 
tors. School houses and private residences were used as meet- 
ing places until 1842, at which time a neat frame temple of worship 
was built on the land of Richard Miller, a short distance from Paw- 
Paw village. This house has been thoroughly remodeled, and at 
this time is one of the best country church edifices in the count}'. 
The church was formerly the head of the Paw-Paw circuit, but is 
now a point on the circuit of Roann. The society has been a potent 
factor for good in the community, and although not so strong as in 
former vears, is still in a prosperous condition, with an active mem- 
bership of 50. The otlicers at this time are: J. M. Jones, Class 
Leader; J. C. Miller and J. M. Jones. Stewards; A. E. King. T. C 
Miller, J. D. Cox, J. M.Jones and J. C. Miller, Trustees. 

Chili M. E. Church was organized at the residence of John 
Long in 1838 or '39, from which date, until some lime in the 
forties, meetings for public worship were held at the houses of 
different members. The earl\' history of the societv is somewhat 
obscure, owing to the absence of anything like an authentic record. 
But from the oldest member now living we learn that Frederick 
Long, Moses Martindale and Samuel Woolpert, with members of 
their respective families, were among the first to identify them- 
selves with the organization. For several years the growth of 
the society was somewhat slow, but as the settlers increased it 
began to take on new life, and, early in the forties, the propriety 
of erecting a house of worship began to be discussed. The under- 
taking, once inaugurated, was in due time prosecuted to comple- 
tion, and, about the vear 1845, a frame building was erected in 
Chili, a short distance from the spot occupied by the present edi- 
fice. Beginning with the year 1S43, the following were among 
the pastors of tlie church until within a comparati\ely recent date, 
viz: Allen Skillman, Paul Jones, O. P. Boyden. Jacob Colclazer, 
D. F. Strite, George Guild, P. J. Beswick, Mr. Hazen, Arthur 
Badley, P. F. Milner, John Davis, William Reeder, J. C. Medsker, 
Mr. KicCaster, S. Woolpert. R. H. Calvert, S. P. Stephens, 
J. C. White, A. V. Garrell, H. J. Lacy, R. Buchanan, A. S. Lakin, 
Lewis Roberts, W. J. Vigus, Enoch Waymire. W. J. Martindale, 
Samuel Lamb, William Comstock, V. M. lieamer, John Birt, David 
Thompson, P. Carland. James Leonard, C. E. Disbro, R. J. Parrott, 
W. R. Jordan. F. A. Robinson. James Johnson, J. II. Ford and 
George Mill. The present substantial brick temple of worship, 
the largest and most commodious church edifice in the township, 
was finished and formalh- dedicated in the year 1866. The mem- 



768 HISTORY OK MIAMI COUNTY. 

bership of the society at this time numbers about fifty-eight. David 
Woolpert is class leader, and David Woolpert, steward. 

Chili Baptist Church. — The history of this or<janization dates 
from about the year 1856; altliouijh meetings bv ministers of the 
Baptist denomination were held at different places throughout the 
township several years prior to that time. The original member- 
ship was quite small, and for a number of years a neighboring 
school house and the school building of Chili were used as places of 
public worship. The society continued to increase to such an 
extent that a house of worship became necessary, and measures for 
providing the same were inaugurated in 1S77. The following year 
the present building, a handsome frame structure 36x60 feet in size, 
was completed at a cost of $2,000. It stands in the western part of 
the village and is a credit to the conijreijation. Among the first 
pastors of the church was Rev. J. Barrett, a man of scholarly attain- 
ments and great personal popularit\-. His labors were greatly 
blessed, and the evidence of his devotion to the cause he represented 
will long be remembered by his people. The ne.xt pastor was 
Rev. P. Rowden, D. D., one of the most brilliant Baptist ministers 
of Northern Indiana. During his pastoral the .societ\' increased in 
numbers and unusual interest was manifested through the agency of 
his extraordinary pulpit efforts. Rev. E. J. Delp ministered to the 
church with great acceptance for some lime, as did also Rc\'. J. B. 
Bair. The pastor in charge at this time is Re\'. Mr. Graham. The 
membership numbers about 130, and the society is in every wa^' in 
a healthy condition and prosperous, indicating that the pastor and 
people are mutually satisfied with existing relations. The officers 
are: E. S. Landis, clerk; Evan Bell, James Holinshade. Samuel 
Griffith and N. C. Hall, deacons. 

Village of Chili. — It is not e.xpected that the simple narrative 
of these pages will be anything more than a mere record of the 
events pertaining to the founding and development of this quiet little 
tow'n. The village of Chili is beautifully situated on the nortli bank 
of Eel River, three miles east of Denver, and is surrounded bj- a 
region of country which, in point of fertility and improvement, is 
second to no other part of Miami Count\'. The events wliich led to 
the birth of the town originated in the general desire on the part of 
the early settlers in the vicinity for a trading point, anil we may 
also say a desire on the part of the founders to realize a little for- 
tune from the sale of lots, as the admirable location promised much 
for the future welfare of the proposed city. The area embraced 
within the original plat lies in the northeast quarter of Section 24, 
Township 28 north, range 4 east, and comprised a part of the land 
purchased from the government by Jesse Mendenhall, who had the 
village surveyed in October, 1839, and recorded under the name of 
New Market. The plat shows 22 lots and six streets, viz: Broad- 



RIC11I>AM) TOWNSIIII'. 76^ 

way, North, Third, Soutli, Bluff and Lime; tlie first four running 
East and West, and the other two North and South. Among the 
tirst residents within the present limits of the village, was Daniel 
Lander, who built a small store building, which is still standing, 
occupied at the present time by George Hammond. Mr. Lander 
was a ruling spirit in an early day, holding the otlice of Justice of 
Peace, and was also the first Postmaster of the town. Lemuel 
Osborne was an earh* settler also. He built a residence near the 
present site of the Baptist Church, and was one of the first mechan- 
ics of the place. The house in which he resided is still stand- 
ing, occupied at this time by J. C. Belew. John Belew came to 
the village when it was but a mere opening in the surrounding 
forest, and engaged in the manufacture and repair of saddles 
and harness. The first business man was the present veteran 
merchant, N. C. Hall, who bought a geperal stock of goods in 
1845, and offered the same for sale in a little log cabin that 
stood on the spot now occupied by the residence of Parvin 
Fike. Mr. Hall earlv acquired the reputation of an honest, fair- 
dealing business man. and with the exception of eight years, has 
been identified with the commercial interests of the town from 
the date of his arrival until the present time. Mr. Belew sold 
goods in an early daj', engaging in the trade a little later than 
than Hall, and continuing for a limited period. The ne.xt busi- 
ness men were probably Messrs. Guy & Norris, who ran a 
general store, as partners, for a short time. Among other busi- 
ness men, from time to time, were the following: Mr. Moffatt, 
Hurst, Lash, William Connor, Mr. Sargent, Samuel Kessling, Adam 
Await, D. Sturgis and George Await. 

The first physician to locate in the town was Dr. W.J. Chamb- 
lin, whose arrival antedates the year 1847. After him came from 
time to time the following medical men, viz: Drs. Beckner, Rob- 
bins, J. Q. A. Robbins. IVIiranda and others. At this time there- 
are two resident phvsicians, viz: Drs. D. Ridenour and J. C. Wait. 
The earlv mechanics were Lemuel Osborn, cabinet-maker; Mr. 
Await, wood-workman; John DeBolt, shoe-maker; Frederick Gil- 
bert, Henry Fike and John Shilling, blacksmiths. The first hotel 
was kept bv Thomas Otter. For many vears Chili sustained the 
reputation of one of the best trading points in Miami County, but 
with the advent of the railroad and the consequent building up of 
Denver, three miles distant, its prosperity began to decline. It is 
still, however, a place of considerable local importance, and in conse- 
i|uence of its location in the midst of a fine agricultural district, is 
destined always to enjoy a fair proportion of the current trade. Its 
population does not probably exceed 300. There are two pros- 
perous church organizations, Methodist and Baptist, sketches of 
which have already been given, and a tine two-story graded school 



770 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

building, one of the best in the count)-. There are at this time two 
good general stores kept by N. C. Hall and and T. P. Svvigart, and 
one drug store kept by Harrison Gilbert. 

The mechanics are Frederick Gilbert and John Shilling, shoe- 
makers; Amos Wilkinson and George Hammond, carpenters; Henry 
Oden, shoe-maker; Parvin Fike, carpenter and wagon-maker. The 
only hotel in the place is kept by George Williams. Mr. McDon- 
ald operates a large steam saw-mill near the railroad, and is in the 
enjoyment of a very prosperous lumber business. John Fetrow is 
the gentlemanly railroad agent and Mrs. Lottie Await attends to 
the duties of the postoffice. 

Chili Lodge, JVo. J02, J. O. O. 7^, was instituted about the 
ytta.v 1867 or '68 with five charter members. Among the early 
officers were William Tubbs, N. G.: William Beecher, V. G. ; 
A. B. Andrews, Secretarv; M. Hurst, Permanent Secretary. A 
large liall was erected in 1872, and at one time the lodge had a 
membership of over fifty. It is not nearly so prosperous as for- 
merlv. there being at this time not to exceed twenty names upon the 
records. The oflicers for 18S6 are as follows: C. Latta, N. 
G.; J. C. Wait, V. G.; S. O. Bigley, Secretary: D. G. Wool- 
pert, Permanent Secretary, and R. N. Norris, Treasurer. 

C/iili Lodge, A^o. 568, P. & A. M., was organized September, 
1882, with the following charter members: N. C. Hall, J. W. 
Fetrow, H. W. Baltimore, John C. Belew, David Ridenour, 
James Davis, J. Q. A. Robbins, W. Huddleston, John Thomp- 
son and Joseph Asphalt. The first officers were: J. Q. A. Rob- 
bins, W. M.: J. C. Belew, S. W.: David Ridenour, J. W.; 
James C. Davis, Secretary: H. F. DeHaven, S. D.: John W. 
Fetrow, J. D., and John Thompson, Tyler. The lodge is in the 
enjoyment of a reasonable degree of prosperity, and at this time 
has an active membership of nineteen. Present officers — J. C. 
Belew, W. M.; John W. Fetrow, S. W.: Joseph Asphalt, J. W.; 
David Ridenour, Secretary: William Watson, Treasurer: H. F. 
DeHaven, S. D.; John Thompson, J. D., and James Davis, Tyler. 

Paw-Paw. — The village of Paw-Paw, situated in the eastern 
part of the township, was founded by Richard .Vliller, who estab- 
lished a trading post upon the present site, so long ago, perhaps, as 
1840. His place of business in time became the nucleus of quite a 
thriving settlement, and to further the interest of the locality, he with 
Joseph Hall, emplo3'ed a surveyor and laid out a plat of twenty-four 
lots, the record of which bears date of April, 1847. The town thus 
started soon attracted the usual number of mechanics and artisans, 
and within a short time several shops of different kinds were in active 
operation. Among the first workers to plv their trades in the place 
were James Wright, blacksmith: B. Vandergriff, Alvin Kite and 
George King, wagon-makers; George Brown and Lawson Hum- 



RTCHLAND TOWNSHIP. 771 

phreys were the cabinet-makers of the town, the latter of whom did 
quite a successful business for several years. An' early industry 
was a tannery, operated by Richard Miller. It was subsequently 
run bv J. I). Bolton, who did a good business. J. Jones was the 
first physician of the place, and the last one to practice his profession 
here was Dr. Wm. tlill. Richard Miller carried on a general mer- 
cantile business for a number of jears, and was succeeded by Daniel 
McCahan. William Miller was, perhaps, the next merchant, after 
whom came in G. B. Miller, John Armantrout and Daniel Rep. 
The town continued to be a good local trading point until the com- 
pletion of the Eel River Railroad through the country, a couple of 
miles distant, which proved its death blow. The mechanics who 
had ventured to the place in prosperous days now quietly departed 
for more promising fields. The last merchant disposed of his mer- 
chandise, and within a short time the epitaph of ancient Carthage 
was written for Paw-Paw. Through the instrumentality of N. G. 
Miller, who purchased the lots from time to time and removed the 
buildings, the plat was finally vacated, and the greater part of the 
town that once gave much promise has been conxerled into a culti- 
vated tleld. A few dismantled dwellings and other buildings, time 
stained and bearing every evidence of decay, are all that now 
remain to mark the spot where once stood the beautiful and pros- 
perous little town of Paw-Paw. 

Woolcytown. — In the year 1846 Amos Wooley and his sons, 
William, J. N. and Amos, Jr., came to Richland and located 
near the northwest corner of the township, a couple of miles 
from the present site of Denver. The Wooley brothers were 
mechanics, and a short time after their arrival they started a 
a blacksmith and wagon shop on their place, which, at that time, 
was the center of a very thriving settlement. They did well at 
their respective vocations, and, the locality being remote from 
any trading point, it was finally determined to bring a store to 
the place. Accordingly, in 1850, William Harp, a son-in-law of 
the elder Woolev, opened out with a miscellaneous assortment 
of merchandise in the upper room of J. N. Wooley's wagon 
shop. Encouraged by the success of his venture, he subse- 
quently erected a good frame store building, in which he carried 
on a thriving business until about the year 1865. He left the 
place that J'ear, moving his stock of merchandise to the village 
of Five Corners, in what is now Allen Township. The ne.xt 
vender of goods was one Abraham Leedy, who. though not so 
successful as his predecessor, did a reasonabl\- prosperous busi- 
ness, until the growth of neighboring villages interfered with 
the success of his trade. His was the last mercantile establish- 
ment in Wooleytown. W. W. Fetrow and Levi Hill worked at 
the blacksmith's trade for some time in the village, and J. M. Hoof- 



772 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

man earlyacquired considerable reputation as a manufacturer of looms 
for the weaivng of- all kinds of common woolen fabrics. Another 
industry of this place was the shop of Peter Hand & Son, man- 
ufacturers of grain cradles, which at one time had quite an ex- 
tensive sale throughout Miami and adjoining counties. Wooley- 
town, like the villages of Chili and Paw-Paw, saw its best days 
before the advent of the railroads, upon the completion of which 
its star sank behind the horizon, never again to become visible. 
No plat of the place was ever made, and at this time its site is 
difficult to distinguish from the surrounding country. 

Anson, a paper town in Sections 14 and l5, 22 and 23, 
of Townships 27 and 28, North Range 4 East, was laid out 
in May, 1853, by Benjamin Griffith, Michael Taylor, EH Free- 
stone and Thomas Jameson. The site is a short distance east 
of Denver, and the town was projected for the purpose of 
securing the I., P. & C. Railroad. The road being surveyed 
through the countr}- a short distance west, no efforts were made 
to improve the town, and the plat was subsequentlv vacated. 
The physicians of the village were Drs. Baker and GritTith. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 



THOMAS BLACK, an old and highly esteemed citizen of 
Miami County, is a native of Preble County', Ohio, and dates 
his birth from November 21, 1812. His parents, Daniel and 
Elizabeth (Deem) Black, were natives of Penns3lvania and Ken- 
tucky, respectiveh', born as follows: The father born Septem- 
ber 2, 1776, and the mother was born November 6, 1783. They 
were married in Keptuckj', April 25, 1802, and subsequentlv 
settled in Butler County, Ohio, and later moved to Preble 
County, Ohio, where they afterwards resided until their respec- 
tive deaths, which occurred as follows: The father died March 
16, 1863, and the mother June 4, 1867. They were the parents 
of four children, viz: John, David, Uri and Thomas, our sub- 
ject, the Youngest member of the family. He was married in 
Preble County, Ohio, August 21, 1838, to Barbara, daughter of 
John and Catherine (Siler) Craft. She was born in Preble 
County, Ohio, March 25, 1814. In the fall of 1843, Mr. Black 
moved to Miami County, Indiana, and settled upon the farm 
where he now resides, in Richland Township. He owns 158 
acres of line and well-improved land. He has had born to him 
eight children, viz: William H., born November 14, 1841, John, 
born March 10, 1844: Malissa C, born May 8, 1846 (deceased); 
Clementine, born August 20, 1848 (deceased); Deem, born 



BIOGR.VI'IIK AI, SKirrcUKS. 773 

June 20, 1852 (deceased); Thomas F., born March 22, 1855, 
and two whicli died in infancy and not named. Mr. Black is a 
hi<rhlj' esteemed and enterprising citizen. 

Joseph L. BROWER is a native of Miami C6unty, Indiana, 
son of the old and highh' esteemed pioneers, Noah and Sarah (L\- 
brook) Brower, who were natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively. 
Noah Brower was a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Teal) Brower, 
who settled in Miami County, Indiana, in a very early day. They 
were the parents often children, viz: Aaron, Joseph, Noah, Mary, 
Rebecca, Elizabeth, x\braham, Sarah, Susannah and Jacob. Noah, 
the father of our subject, was born in Preble Count\-, Ohio, Januarv 
28, 1817. He came to Miany Count}-, Indiana, about the year 1836, 
and was married in Jefferson Township, this county, May 3,1840, to the 
above Sarah, daughter of Balser and Mary (Eikenberr\-) Lybrook. 
She was born in Union Countv, Indiana, March 28, 1823. After 
Noah Brower's marriage he settled near Mexico, Indiana, and for a 
number of vears carried on tanning. He afterwards purchased land 
near Mexico, upon which he settled and resided for eighteen years. 
He then purchased a farm near Denver, Indiana, upon which he 
resided until death, July 22, 1877- His wife survived him until Jan- 
uarv 3, 1885. The}- were the parents of four children, viz: 
Mariah, born August 2, 1841; Joseph L., born May 22, 1845; 
Balser J., born September 14, 1856; and Albert C, born Mav 21, 
1S61. Joseph L. Brower was married in Richland Township, this 
countj% November 17, 1867, to Samantha O., daughter of Benjamin 
F. and Catherine C. (Woole\') Kirby. She was born in Richland 
Township, October 24, 1848. In about the year 1874, ^^^- Brower 
settled upon his present farm in Richland Township, where he has 
since resided. He owns 170 acres of fine land, which is well 
improved and under a high state of cultivation. He has had born 
to him eight children, viz: Almedia M., born October 10, 1868; 
Deo O., born August 13, 1870; Noah B., born February 22, 1873; 
Nettie M., born January 4, 1875; Grace M., born December 27, 
1876, and died June 6, 1878; Clarence A., born July 27, 1879, and 
died August 3, 1881; Sylvia I., born July 10, 1881, and Sarah E., 
born September 20, 1884. Mr. Brower and wife are members of 
the German Baptist Church, in which he has been a minister since 
the year 1880. 

JOHN C. DAVIS (farmer, stock raiser and grain dealer), 
of Richland Township, was born in Madison County, Ohio, Sep- 
tember 8, 1838. His parents — Samuel and Zuba (Patterson) 
Davis — were both natives of Ohio, and were imited in marriage 
in Guernse}- County in September, 1837. They subsequently 
settled in Madison County, Ohio, where the mother died, Novem- 
ber 9, 1839. The father subsequently married Martha Smith, 
and in 1852 moved to Miami County, Indiana, settling upon the 



774 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

same farm on which our subject now resides, in Richland Town- 
ship, Section i6. He died August 19, 1866. He was the father 
of seven children, viz: John C, by Miss Patterson, and Isaac 
M., James J., Joseph T., Eliza J., Mary C. and Alice E., by 
Miss Smith. John C., our subject, the eldest member of the 
family, came with his parents to this county in 1852, and has 
resided here ever since. He was united in marriage in Rich- 
land Township, September 20, 1868, to Julia A., daughter of 
Reuben C. and Judith A. (Keever) Harrison. She was born in 
Randolph County, hidiana, June 21, 1834. Soon after Mr. Davis' 
marriage he settled upon his present farm. He owns at present 
300 acres of fine and well improved ^nd. Mr. Davis was elected 
to the office of Commissioner of Miami County in 1876, and 
re-elected again in 1882. He was a member of the Board of 
Commissioners when the County Asylum was built; also when 
the Wabash bridge, of Peru; the Dennison mill bridge, the Pet- 
tysville bridge and a number of other small bridges were con- 
structed. Mr. Davis is an intelligent and enterprising man, and 
one of Richland's representative citizens. 

DAVID FOUTS, son of Michael and Sarah (Brower) Fouts, 
was born in Preble County, Ohio, April 22, 1831. He came with his 
parents to this countv in 1837, and has resided here ever since. He 
was married in Richland Township, this county, February 18, 1858, 
to Mary J., daughter of Benavil and Sarah (Keim) Derek. She 
was born in Perry County, Penns3lvania, May 26, 1839. After his 
marriage Mr. Fouts settled in Richland Township, Section 8, where 
he resided until the spring of 1882, when he settled upon his present 
farm, in Section 18, Richland Township, where he has resided since. 
He owns at present 240 acres of land. Has had born to him five 
children, viz: Andrew, born November 30, 1859: George L., born 
November 2, 1863; Sarah E., born November 4, 1866; Lewis E., 
born October 15. 1870, and Or'en, born November 18, 1884. 

SAMUEL T. GRIFFITH was born in Wayne County, Indi- 
ana, June 26, 1833. His parents, Benjamin and Martha (Mar- 
tindale) Griffith, were natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively. 
They settled in Wayne County, Indiana, in an early day, and 
from thence moved to Cass Countv, Indiana, in 1835, and in 183610 
Miami Count}^ Indiana, settling in Richland Township. They were 
the parents of seven children, viz: Azel, William, Moses, Samuel 
T., Harrison, Sarah A., and Martha J. Samuel T. Griffith came 
with his parents to this county in 1836. He was married in 
Richland Township. July 27, 1856, to Mary A., daughter of Jesse 
Wilkinson. She was born in Miami Count}-, Indiana, March 4, 
1837. After Mr. Griffith married he settled upon the same farm 
on which he now resides. His wife died August 9, 1872, hav- 
ing borne him three children, viz: Jesse W., born April 12, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 775 

1857; Martha J., born Februar}^ 19, 1859, ■'^"'^ d'^<^ J""*^ ^9> ^^73'-> 
Samuel A., born October 3, 1869, and died November 5, 1878. 
On November 25, 1874, ^I'"- GritKlh married Mrs. Eliza J. Long, 
and daughter of James M. and Anna E. (Mitton) Jones. She 
is a native of Indiana, and was born March 4, 1845. Si.x chil- 
dren have been born to this union, viz: Oscar E., born Decem- 
ber 8, 1875; James O., born January 25, 1877; Minnie L., 
born February 17, 1879; Harrison G., born February 23, 1881; 
James L., born August 21, 1882; and Annie, born March 3, 1884. 
Mr. Griffith and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He 
owns, at present, 166 acres of fine land. His wife has one child 
born to her by Mr. Long, Amos E., born June 26, 1864. 

JAMES HOLLENSHADE, one of the pioneers of Miami 
County, is a native of Montgomery Count}-, Ohio, and born July 
I, 1812. His parents, James and Catharine (Weist) Hollen- 
shade, were natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania, respectively. 
The father was born in County Down, Ireland, in June, 1770. 
He was one of five children born to Tites and Jane Hollenshade. 
He immigrated to the United States in about the year 1792, 
landing at Norfolk, Virginia, and from thence went to Baltimore, 
Maryland, and subsequently to York County, Pennsylvania, 
where he was married to Catherine Weist. In 1809 he moved 
to the State of Ohio, where he resided until death, which 
occurred in Preble County, March 25, 1840. His widow subse- 
quently moved to Jersey County, Illinois, where she died July 
12, 1855, '^^ ^^^ '^g*^ of seventy-four years, seven months and 
twenty-two da\'s. They were the parents of six children, viz: 
John, Jane, Jacob, James, Nancy and Margaret. James Hollen- 
shade was married in Preble County, Ohio, January 29, 1835, 
to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Barbara (Sherer) Spacht. 
She was born in Preble County, Ohio, October 30, 1812. 
Aftei- their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hollenshade settled near 
Eaton, Ohio, where they resided until 1850, when they moved 
to Miami County, Indiana, settling upon the same farm on which 
he now resides, in Ricliland Township, Section 23. Mr. Hol- 
lenshade owns at present 230 acres of fine and well-improved 
land. His wife died June 8, 1872; and on April 16, 1874, he mar- 
ried Anna E., daughter of Absalom and Rebecca (Homes) Boi- 
court. She was born in Decatur County, Indiana, June 27, 1848. 
Mr. Hollenshade has had born to him five children, viz: Catharine, 
born October i, 1837, and died August 6, 1857: Mary B., born 
May 27, 1840: Jacob M., born March 28, 1842; Elizabeth M., born 
January 22, 1846, and died September 17, 1871, by his first wife; 
and Jesse L., born October 21, 1876, by his last wife: also one 
adopted child, Bertha W., born September 2, 187 1. 

TIMOTHY L. KING, one of the pioneers of Miami County, 

31 



776 HISTORY OF MIAMI COLNTV. 

is a nati\e of Berkshire County, Massachusetts, was born March 

9, 1814. His parents — Justis B. and Sally ( Wainwright ) King 
— were natives of Massachusetts, and from thence, in 1817, 
moved to the State of Ohio. They were the parents of seven 
children, viz: Mary, David W., Jane L., William H., Clarissa 
A., Timothy L. and Artelissa E. Timothy L., our subject, 
accompanied his parents to Ohio, and was married in Portage 
County, that State, September 9, 1835, to Mary M., daughter of 
Levi and Lydia (Chapman) Wright. She was born in Tioga 
Count}-, New York, January 15, 1818. After Mr. King's mar- 
riage, he first settled in Portage County, Ohio, where he resided 
until the fall of 1S39, '^'^ which time he moved to Miami Count}', 
Indiana, settling upon land in Erie Township. In March, 1846, 
he settled upon the farm where he now resides, in Section 32, 
Richland Township. He owns at present seventy-six acres of 
fine and well improved land. Has had born to him eleven chil- 
dren, viz: Riley G., born December 24, 1836; Austa I., born 
September 19, 1838; Lydia J., born March 31, 1841, and died 
May 27, 1869; Wilham W., born July 6, 1843. and died July 6, 
1865: Albert E., born January 13, 1846: Florence E., born March 

10, 184S,: Oscar A., born February 22, 1851: Mary A., born 
September 6, 1853, and died April 17, 1875: Charles L., born 
Feburary 20, 1856, and died November 11, 1876; Emma L., 
born June 29, 1862, and Frederick E., born February 27. 1865. 
Mr. King and wife are members of the M. E. Church. 

DANIEL KING is a native of Baden, Germany, born Decem- 
ber 10, 1830. His parents were Daniel and Mary (Shrinear) King, 
both nati\es of Germany, and were born as follows: The father in 
the year 1802, and the mother in the year 1808. They were the 
parents of five children, viz: Mary, Frederick, George, Margaret 
and Daniel, our subject, the eldest member of the faniil}-. He emi- 
grated to the United States in 1853, landing at New York City, and 
from thence, moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1854, to Miami 
Counts-, Indiana, where he was married, December i, 1861, to Mary 
King. She was born in Baden, Germany, November 15, 1838, and 
was a daughter of Martin and Solomo (Zear) King. After our 
subject's marriage, he settled near Stockdale, in Perry Township, 
where he resided until the spring of 1865, at which time he moved 
to a farm in the same township, where he resided until the spring 
of 1884. He then settled upon his present farm in Richland Town- 
ship, Section 24, which he had purchased in 1880. He owns at 
present 281 acres of fine and well impro\edland, 121 acres in Rich- 
land Township, upon which he resides, and 160 acres in Perry 
Township. He has had born to him nine children, viz: Freeda, 
born September 15, 1862; Minna, born January 6, 1865: Adelena, 
born February 20, 1867; Lizzie, born March 28, 1869: Mary I., 



BICX5RAPHICAL SKETCHES. 777 

born September 7, 187 1 ; George W., born March 29, 1874; Charles, 
born Deeember 4, 1S76; Emma, born April 17, 1879, and Mar- 
garet N., born September 16, 1881. 

CHARLES M. LONG was born in Union County, Indiana, 
September 27, 1S32. His parents, John and Margaret (Martin- 
dale) Long, were natives of North Carolina and Kentucky, respec- 
tively. The father was a son of Frederick and Rachel (Starr) 
Long, also natives of North Carolina. The_v emigrated to Union 
Count\', Indiana, in 181 2. They were the parents of seven chil- 
dren, viz: Sarah, Elizabeth, John, Henry, Ann, Joseph and James. 
John Long was born in Surrey County, North Carolina, April 25, 
1807. He was married in Wayne County, Indiana, October 22, 
1829, to the above Margaret Martindale, who was born in Kentucky, 
May 29, 1808. In 1836 Mr. John Long moved to Miami County, 
Indiana, and settled in Richland Township, where he has since 
resided. He is the father of seven children, viz : Anna, Charles M., 
N'ancy J., Amos, John W., Wilhelm H. and Margaret E. Charles 
M., our subject, came with his parents to this count}- in 1836. He 
was married at Chili, Indiana, August 26, 1855, to Lentha A., 
daughter of Daniel and Amelia (Chandler) Griswold. She was 
born in Windsor County, Vermont, July 28, 1836. After his mar- 
riage, Mr. Long settled upon the same farm on which he now 
resides in Section 14, Richland Township. He owns at present 
320 acres of tine and well improved land. He has had born to him 
nine children, viz: Clara A., born August 7, 1856, (deceased); 
Flora M., born February 5, 1859: Archibald J., born May 10, 1861; 
EHle A., born October i. 1863, (deceased); Charles W., born May 
26, 1866; Emma I., born October 6, 186S; John F., born April 29. 
1872; Uly C, born October 27, 1874, and Wiltie C. born March 

10, 1877." 

NEWEL G. MILLER, one of Miami County's substantial 
and enterprising citizens, was born in Fayette County, Indiana, 
February 28, 1834. ^^^^ parents, Richard and Amy (Cox) Mil- 
ler, were natives of North Carolina and Kentucky, respectively, 
and were born as follows: The father in the year 1802, and 
the mother in 1813. They were married in Fayette County, Indi- 
ana, and from thence, in 1839, moved to Miami County, March 

11, 1861. His widow still survives, and resides at Paw-Paw, 
Indiana. Seven children were born to Richard and Amy Mil- 
ler's union, viz: Amanda M., Robert S., George B., James B., 
John C. Millard F., and Newel G. The subject came with his 
parents to this county in 1839, and has resided here ever since. He 
was married in ErieTownship, this county, May 22, 1854, to Mar- 
garet, daughter of William and Catharine (Lockridge) Ptomey. 
She was born in Henry County, Indiana, December 25, 1832. After 
marriage Mr. Miller settled ujion a part of the same farm on which 



778 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

he now resides. He owns, at present, 280 acres of fine and well- 
improved land. He has had born to him five children, viz: Theo- 
dore (deceased), Amanda M., Marion F., Otto B. (deceased), and 
Florence E. (deceased). 

JOHN C. MILLER was born in Miami County, Indiana, May 
8, 1840. His parents, Robert and Rebecca (Cox) Aliller, were both 
natives of Kentucky, and were born as follows: The father in Scott 
Countv, September 16, 1806, and the mother in Lewis Countv, 
March 11, 1804. Robert Miller was a son of John Miller, who was a 
native of South Carolina, where he married Margaret Miller, who was 
a native of Ireland. After their marriage they settled in North 
Carolina, and from thence in 1800 moved to Scott Count}-, Ken- 
tuckv, where thev resided until 1818, wTien they moved to Favette 
County, Indiana. They were the parents of thirteen children, viz: 
Nancy, Susan, Jane, Richard, John, Robert, Mary, Rebecca, 
Mahala, James, Alfred, Nathaniel and Eliza. Robert Miller and 
Rebecca Co.x were united in marriage at Connersville, Favette 
County, Indiana, July 22, 1828, and, in 1837, moved to Miami 
Countv, Indiana, settling in Richland Township, where he entered 
land, and where he resided until his death, which occurred August 
29, 1884. His widow still survives and makes her home with her 
children. Ten children were born to this union, \iz: Henry C, 
Samuel C, liliza A., Sarah E., Mar}- F. (deceased), Richard K., 
John C, Mary F., James C. and Thomas C. John C, our subject, 
was married in Richland Township, this county, February 13, 1861, 
to Philena, daughter of Joseph and Delilah (Keeverj Burk; she was 
born June 6, 1839. After his marriage, Mr. Miller settled upon 
land in Richland Township, Section 21, a part of his father's old 
homestead, where he engaged in farming, and where he resided 
until the spring of 1864, at which time he removed to Peru, Ind., 
and engaged in the mercantile business. In the fall of 1866, he 
returned to Richland Township, and again engaged in farm- 
ing until 1871, when he removed to Peru for the purpose of educat- 
ing his family, carrying on farming in the meantime. In February. 
1874, he again removed to Richland Township, and settled upon 
his present farm in Section 21. He owns at present 192 acres of 
fine and well improved land. Has had born to him three children, 
viz: Clarence G., born November 21, 1861, and died April 11, 
1862; Nellie, born September 3, 1863, and Mary L., born July 2, 
1865; also a boy whom he has raised from infancy — Charles Baker 
— born Ma\' 20, 1876. Mr. Miller and famih' are members of the 
M. E. Church. They are an intelligent famil}-, and are highly 
esteemed b\' all who know them. Mr. Miller is an enterprising 
man, and makes a specialty of raising and breeding short-horned 
cattle and fine stock. 

CALEB PETTY, an old and highly esteemed pioneer ol 



bio(;rahiiicai. sketches. 779 

Miami County, is a native of Surrey County, Nortli Carolina. His 
parents, William and Mary ( Cogshell ) Petty, were both natives of 
the same State. William Petty was a son of Zachariah and Nancy 
Petty, who were amon<r the early pioneers of Surrey County, North 
Carolina. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom 6 
were sons, viz: Daniel, Josiah, Williams. Dotson, Elisha, Elijah and 
William, the father of our subject. William Petty was born in 
Surry County, North Carolina, May 11, 1787. Me was married 
October 8, 181 2, to the above Mary Cogshell, who was born in 
North Carolina, March 21, 1792, and was a daughter of Peter and 
Mary Cogshell. In 1825, William and Mary Petty moved to 
Wayne Count}-, Indiana, and from thence, to Miami County, Indiana, 
in 1837, where the\' resided until their deaths, which occurred as 
follows: The mother, September 25, 1869, and the father, Feb- 
ruary 3, 1872. They were the parents of thirteen children, viz: 
Daniel, born August 3, 1813; Caleb, born August 25, 1814: Zaca- 
riah, born Jannar\- 5, 1816: William A., born August 4 1817: Marv 
A., born June 22, 1819; Nancy C, born October 9, 1821: Millv M., 
born May 20, 1823; Thomas S., born March 25, 1825 ; Jonathan E., 
born April 28, 1827; Aaron N.. born March 3, 1829; Rachel, born 
March 16, 1831 : Zeno, born July 13. 1833, and Eliza J., born March 
23, 1837. Caleb Pett\' came with his parants to Wavne County, 
Indiana, in the fall of 1836, and later, to Miami County, where he 
has since resided. He was married in Richland Township, March 
18, 1847, to Matilda, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Basset) 
Swisher. She was born in Riple\- County, Indiana, August to, 
1823. Immediately after Mr. Pett\'"s marriage, he settled upon his 
present farm, in Richland Townsliip, Section 29. He owns 160 
acres of fine and well-improved land. He has had born to him ten 
children, viz: Samantha J., born June 30, 1849; George W., born Oc- 
tober 7, 1850: Francis M., born April 17. 1853, and died February 24, 
1861; Mary E., born Februar\- 7, 1855, and died February 21, 1861: 
Eliza A., born September 23, 1857, and died February 21, 1861: 
Malinda A., born February 25, i860; Phebe L., born November 
23, 1863: Margaret, F., born December 22, 1865, and died February 
1, 1867; Dora B., born December 12, 1867, and died October 4, 
1883, and an infant daughter, the eldest member of the family, 
which died young and not named. Mr. Petty and wife are members 
of the Baptist Church. 

RUDOLPH STONER is a native of Switzerland, burn Jan- 
uar\- 12, 1820. His parent.s — Rudolph and Catherine ( Greenizer) 
Stoner — were also natives of Switzerland, where the mother died 
in 1826. The father subsequently married Susan Marmot, and 
emigrated to the United States in 1832, landing at New York 
City, and from thence in the same year moved to Tuscarawas 
Count\-, Ohio, where he resided until his death in the year 184 1. 



780 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

He was the father of twelve children, viz: Rudolph, Catherine, 
Susan and Mary (by his first wife), and Jacob, Lizetta, Rosie, 
Louisa, Frederick, Mary and a pair of twins which died in infancv 
(by his last marriage). Rudolph Stoner came with his parents to 
Tuscarawas Count}-, Ohio, in 1832, where he resided until 1843, 
when he moved to Miami County, Indiana, and the same year 
entered eighty acres of land in Wabash County. He then returned 
to Ohio, and the followin<r year returned to Miami County. Indi- 
ana, and in 1846 purchased a claim on a part of the same farm 
on which he now resides. June 18, 1846, he married Margaret,, 
daughter of Obediah and Eve (Kent) Patterson. She was born 
in Holmes County, Ohio, May 13, 1826. In April, 1847, Mr. 
Stoner settled upon his land on which he had taken a claim in 
1846, where he has since resided. He owns 160 acres of fine 
land, which is well improved and under a high state of cultiva- 
tion. His wife died October 11, 1882, having borne him ten 
children, viz: John, born February 26, 1848 (deceased) : James 
A., born April 21, 1849: Benjamin F., born December 10, 1852; 
Martin V. B., born April 25, 1855 (deceased); Watson, born 
May 16, 1857; William, born November 29, 1859 (deceased); 
Ida M., born January 7, 1862 (deceased): Mary C., born Janu- 
ary 26, 1864 (deceased), and two which died in infancy. 

BENJAMIN E. WILSON, farmer and stock "and grain 
dealer, of Miami County, is a native of Highland County, Virginia, 
born Januar\^ i, 1839. His parents, Abraham M. and Esther 
(Fleisher) Wilson, were natives of Highland County, Virginia; 
also, where the mother died. The father subsequenth' married 
Mrs. Ingals Shirley, and, in 1850, moved to Miami County, Indiana, 
where he resided until 1872, when he moved to Osage County, 
Kansas, where he still resides. He is the father of twelve children, 
viz: Sarah A., Benjamin E. and Eliza, by first wife, and George, 
Samuel B., Harrison F., Hannah, Elizabeth, Jarred M., John E. 
James and Mary, by last wife. Benjamin E., our subject, came 
with his parents to this county in 1850, and has resided here ever 
since. He was married in Richland Township, this county, January 
14, 1864, to Mary B., daughter of James and Elizabeth (Spacht) 
Hollenshade. She was born in Preble Count\'. Ohio. May 27, 
1840. After Mr. Wilson's marriage, he settled upon the farm on 
which he now resides. He owns at present 609 acres of fine land, 
which is well improved and under a high state of cultivation. He 
has had born to him four children, viz: Charles E., born December 
10, 1864: Rosie E., born March 12, 1867: James J., born January 
9, 1869, and Leon T., born June 8, 1883. Mr. Wilson is a mem- 
ber of the Odd Fellows' Order. 



UNION TowNsnii'. 781 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Union Townsmii' — Location and Surfacf, Features — Early 
Settlers — Land Entries — Early Industries — First 
Events — Organization — Church History — Perrysburg 
— Union — Deedsville — BiofiRAi'iiicAL Sketches. 

UNION TOWNSHIP lies in-ar the northwest corner of 
Miami County, and includes a superficial area of about 
twenty-two square miles, bounded as follows: Allen Township 
on the north. Perry and Richland on the east, Jefferson on the 
south, and Cass County on the west. As originally founded, it 
embraced the township of Allen, and was reduced to its present 
limits bv the organization of the latter division in the \ear 18S9. 
Weasaw Creek, and its tributaries, waters and drains the northern 
and eastern parts of the township. The main stream rises near 
the northeast corner of the township, flows a westerly course 
for nearly three miles, and then takes a southeasterly direction, 
leaving the township from the Weasaw Reservation, or a short 
distance west of Den\er. It furnishes a copious supply of water, 
which, in former years, was utilized for mills and manufacturing 
purposes. The western part of the township is watered and 
drained by a creek, which flows a southeasterly course, a short 
distance east of the Cass County line. The countr\- adjacent to 
these water courses is considerabh, broken, especially in the 
southeastern part of the township. Back from the streams the 
land is comparatively level, and characterized by a black loam 
soil, sand mixed in certain localities, and of remarkable fertility. 
The soil of the broken portions is equally productive, and, taken 
as a whole, the township presents an area of farm land second 
to that of but few other parts of the county. With very slight 
exceptions, the township was originally covered with a dense 
growth of timber. The most numerous varieties of native trees 
were oak, ash. beech, soft maple, sugar tree, walnut, wild cherry 
and poplar, together with other \aluable kinds in the broken 
parts of the township, and elms along the water courses. The 
bulk of these woodlands required but little surface drainage, but 
were easily litted for cultivation as soon as the hea\y growth 
was remo\ed. Agriculture is the chief occupation of the citi- 
zens of Union, and on every hand are to be seen the e\idences 
of thrift and prosperity, which bespeaks the presence of a well- 
to-do and contented people. The township has made commend- 
able progress during the last two decades, and her farms and 



782 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

general improvements will not suffer when brought into compar- 
ison with those of any other division of Miami Count)-. 

Early Settlers. — To rescue from fast fading tradition the sim- 
ple annals of the pioneer people of our country, is a pleasing, but a 
laborious task, not so laborious as perplexing, the annoyances 
arising chiefly from there being no connected records of their acts 
and doings. Many of the earliest and most important transactions 
have long since been forgotten, while other facts, equally as inter- 
esting and valuable, were never put in form for preservation. To 
supply this loss of invaluable facts and statistics, is now largely 
impossible. But to meet and converse with the few now living of 
these early settlers, those who came here as children, or very young 
men and women, and are now fast approaching, or have passed the 
alloted three score and ten, stooped with age, venerable patriarchs, 
mostly, and their white haired companions and help-meets, has been 
the pleasing task of the writer, of these pages. To gather up the 
raveled threads of the strange but simple stories of their lives, now 
mostly broken threads, to catch these fleeting traditions and hand 
them on to posterity, might well be the ambitious labors of any 
man's life. The importance that attaches to the lives, characters 
and work of these humble laborers in the cause of civilization, will 
some da\' be better understood and appreciated than it is now. Thev 
will some time, b}' the pen of the wise historian, take their proper place 
in the list of those who have helped to make the world wholesome 
with their toil and humanit\- better by their examples. If great and 
beneticient results, results that endue and bless mankind, are the 
proper measures of the good men do, then who is there in the 
world's history that may take their places above these hardy, early 
pioneers. To point out the way, to make possible our present ad- 
\-ancing civilzation. its happv homes, its cheap food, its arts, sciences, 
inventions and discoveries, its education, literature, culture, refine- 
ment, and social life, is to be the truly, great benefactor of mankind 
for all time. This, indeed, was the great work accomplished by 
the adventurous pioneers of Indiana. Grant it, that they builded 
wiser than they knew: that few, if anv of them, realized in the 
dimmest way. tlie transcendent possibilities that rested upon their 
shoulders. Grant it, that as a rule, their lives were aimless and 
ambitionless with little more of hope or far reaching purpose, than 
the gaining of a scant livelihood for the families dependent upon 
them. Yet there stands the supreme fact that thev followed their 
restless impulses, took then- lives in their hands. ]-)enetrated the wil- 
derness solitudes, and with a patient energy, resolution and self-sac- 
rifice, they worked out their allotted tasks, and to-day we are in the 
enjoyment of the fruitage of their labors. Should we then allow 
their names and their fame to pass into oblivion and contempt, the 



UNION TOWNSIIII'. 783 

act would mark us as the defrenerate sons of luToic ancestors, 
unworthy the inlieritanco thev gave us. 

Previous to the year 1S35 the territory embraced within tiie 
]iresent limits of Union Township knew not the presence of 
white men. In that year, however, four ad\enturous men, lured 
by the prospects of cheap homes in the new country, made their 
appearance and selected their respective claims, preparatory to 
beginning life in the wilderness. These were William Cannon, 
who located on Wesaw Creek, near the central part of the 
township; Joseph Thornburg, on what is now the Fisher farm; 
John Plaster, near the central part of the ;Ownship, where his 
widow still lives, and Joseph Cox, a transient settler, who made 
a few improvements on the land now belonging to William 
Leedv. These men all came in the summer of 1835, and until 
October of that year were the sole white residents of what is 
now Union Township. Earlv in the fall of '35 Abraham Leedv 
moved to the new country and located the farm where John 
Keplinger now lives. He was a man of some prominence, and 
in an early da}' was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace. 
John Zook became a resident about the same time as Leedv, 
and settled where his widow now lives, near the present site of 
Deedsville. The above settlers, from the most reliable informa- 
tion, appear to have been the only residents of Union prior to 
1836. In the latter j^ear several settlers arrived, prominent among 
whom was Martin Hoover, who located in the northern part of 
the township, where he lived until within the first few vears, 
\\hen he mo\ed to the town of Denver, his present home. Con- 
temporary with Mr. Hoover were John R. Wright. Christian 
Krider, John F. Sanders and Hugh A. B. People, all of whom 
made permanent improvments and became prominent citizens. 

The first named settled on the Deed farm, in the northern part 
of the township, where he lived for a few years, and then mo\ed to 
the town of Gilead, in which place he figured as an early business 
man. Mr. Krider made a home near the western boundary of the 
to\\ nsliip. Sanders located the farm owned at the present time by 
Andrew Tharp, and People made a settlement on the Millei" farm, 
in the southern part of the township. The year 1837 was signal- 
ized by the arrival of a number of permanent residents, among whom 
were John A. Taylor, near the central part: Stephen Davidson, a 
short distance north of Perrvsburg: Matthew Fenimore, on the 
present site of Perr\sburg, of which village he was proprietor; 
Daniel Cox, a short distance south of the village: William Williams, 
north of town: John Shepherd, western part of the township: Wil- 
liam Bane, near the northern boundary; Samuel Robbins, in the 
-same locality, and John Scott, in the central part. As early as 1838 the 
follow ing persons were reputed to have been living in various parts of 



784 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

the township, to-wit: J. A. Howland, on Weasaw Creek: Jonathan 
Carlisle, near the Rowland settlement; William Connor, north of 
Perrysburg; George Hill, near the central part of the township, on 
Weasaw Creek; Daniel and Joseph Kessler, in the southern part. 
Conspicuous among the arrivals in 1S39 was Christopher Cool, with 
his sons, William, Leonard, Powell, John and Philip, all of whom 
took an active part in the settlement of the country. Christopher 
Cool was a native of New York, and a man wideh' and favorabl}' 
known for the interest he took in the religious welfare of the com- 
munit}' in which he was for so many vears a leading spirit. He 
made his first improvements on the land now owned bv Mr. Dow, 
near Weasaw Creek, and was largely instrumental in founding one 
of the earliest religious societies in the township, i. e., the Weasaw 
Baptist Church, of which a full account will be found on another 
page. William Cool entered the land upon which he is now living, 
and for over forty-seven years has been a leading citizen of Union 
Township. The other brothers, while prominent as earlv settlers, 
are either dead or removed to other parts. Among others of 1S39, 
the name of Orson Warner ma\- be mentioned. He came about 
the same time as the Cools, and purchased a tract of land now 
owned by Samuel Davalt. Daniel Crouch came a little later and 
located where Mr. Benedict now lives, not far from Perrvsburg. 

He was a man of more than ordinarv intelliirence. and ti<rured as 

. . .00 

one of the earliest pedagogues of the township. 

Chauncey Warner settled near the Weasaw Church in an early 
day, and about the year 1840, Solomon Lee was living on the place 
settled a short time previous by a Mr. Clendening. The tide of 
emigration set in. and the settlers began to be verv numerous about 
the year 1840. Among the number were Perrv Tharp, near the 
Lee place; Caleb Fitzgerald, in the southern part; Joseph Holman, 
whose arrival probablv antedates the above vear, on Weasaw Creek; 
Robert James, a son-in-law of Holman, in the same localit\-; Thomas 
Wyatt, on Weasaw Creek : Isaac Benedict, east of Perrysburg, where 
he is still living; a Mr. Alvison, south of the village, and John Dab- 
ney, a couple of miles west. The following, additional, to those 
mentioned, came to the township in an earlv day, to-wit : Lewis 
Conner, William Strowd, Zephaniah Wade, H. B. Jett, .\aron Rush, 
R. Leaville, Josiah B. McKee, James Personett, William Clidell, 
Robert Clendening, Charles Strowd, David Leedv, Joseph Clingen- 
peel, John Emsley, William Duck, Samuel R. Robbins. Wm. R. 
McFarland and Michael Bolingbaugh. 

Land J£ii/rics. — The land of Union Township was placed upon 
the market, subject to entry, in 1834, ^^^ ^^ ^^'''^ "o*^ until the follow- 
ing 3ear that home seekers and speculators began to take advan- 
tage of the opportunities thus afforded them. During the vear 1835, 
the following persons entered lands and obtained patents for the 



UNION TOWNsinr. 785 

same: William Conner, in Section 35, Township 29, North, Range 
3, East; Plenty Sexton, Section i. Township 28, North, Range 3, 
East; John R. Wilkinson and Zephaniah Wade, Section 2, same 
township and range: Christian Krider, Jacob Wilkinson, William 
Wilkinson, Jerry Wilkinson, William Slrowd and Jonathan Shep- 
herd, Section 11, Township 28, North, Range 3, East; David L. 
McCalm. Richard Hyatt, B. Jett, James Wilson, 'w. N. Hood and 
Martin Butterfield, Section 12; Christian Krider, Henry Elsworth 
and Jonathan Shepherd, Section 13; Aaron Rush, Elijah Parkins 
and R. Leaville, Section 14; William Cooper and John Piper, Sec- 
tion 4, Township 28, North, Range 4, East; William Clidell, John 
Zook, Abraham Leedy and Jacob Harshbarger, Section 5, same 
township and range; Joseph A. Leech, Abraham Neff and William 
Cannon, Section 6: Jesse L. Williams, Section 7: John Plaster, 
Michael Bolingbaugh and Samuel Burson, Section 8; Martin 
Hoover and Charles Strowd, Section 9; Abraham Neff, Anderson 
Wilkinson and Baldwin Wilkinson, Section 31, Township 29, North, 
Range 4, East; John R. Wright, Section 32; James Wilson and 
William Bane, Section 33. The entries of 1836 were as follows, 
in Township 29, North, Range 3, East: John Gore and James B. 
Fulwiler, Section 35: Josesh Holman and William R. McFar- 
land, Section 36; in Township 28, North, Range 3, East; Wil- 
liam Strowd and Matthew Fenimore, Section i. In 1837 patents 
for land were obtained bv the following persons: Richard Har- 
grove, Chas. Lowe and Lewis Conner, Section 35, Township 29, 
North, Range 3, East; John Barron, J. B. McKee, John Scott and 
James Personett, Section 4, Township 28, North, Range 4, East; 
William McClure and John A. Taylor, Section 6. The above is a 
complete list of those who purchased government lands within the 
present limits of Union Township prior to the year 1838. 

Early Industries. — The first mill in Union Township was 
built by John A. Taylor, on Weasaw Creek, about the year 1838. 
It stood on what is now the John Hann farm, and was originally 
constructed for the sole purpose of manufacturing lumber, much of 
which found ready purchasers among the early settlers in the 
vicinity. Mr. Tavlor subsequenth' built a three-story frame grist 
mill on the Hann farm, which was highly prized by the people of 
the township, mam' of whom had been previously compelled to go 
long distances to procure their flour and meal. The mill was sup- 
plied with good machinery for that day, had two run of buhrs, 
and was operated very successful!}- for a number of years. The 
last owner was Silas Goodwin, who did no work after the year 
1872. Mr. Zook built a small saw mill on the east branch of 
Weasaw Creek as early as 1839 or '40, and operated the same 
with fair success for several years. It was afterwards purchased 
and rebuilt by a Mr. Matthias, but eventually fell into disuse. 



786 HISTORY OK MIAMI COUNTY. 

and at this time but few vestiges remain to mark the spot it 
occupied. One of the earliest mills in the township was built 
by Joseph Holman, about the year 1839. It was a saw mill, 
with a corn-cracker attached, and, although an indifferent affair, 
was for several years the chief source of supplies for quite an 
extensive neighborhood. It was subsequently rebuilt and sup- 
plied with improved machinery, and operated bv different parties 
until destroyed by tire, about the year 1881. Mr. Allbright was 
the last owner. Abraham Ally built a saw mill on Weasaw 
Creek, near the central part of the township, some time in the 
si.xties, which is still in operation. The first steam mill in the 
township was built by William Conner south of Perr\sburg, a 
number of years ago, the frame of which is still standing. This 
mill was operated on quite an extensive scale, and did much 
more than a local business. An earl\- industry in the southeast 
corner of the township was a tannery operated by Joseph Hol- 
man, who manufactured much of the leather used by the first 
settlers of the country. It was in operation only a few years. 
In addition to the industries enumerated, there have been a num- 
ber of steam saw mills in the township at different times, besides 
several tile factories, all of which, so far as known, proved 
remunerative investments. 

Earl\ Marriages, Births and Deaths. — The first marriage in 
the Township was that of Jacob Bartlett to a daughter of Hugh A. 
B. People, solemnized in the spring of 1838 by A. H. Leedv, Justice 
of the Peace. A little later the same year, John Scott and Mary 
Gilliland were united in the holy bonds of wedlock by Rev. Wil- 
liam Nelson. It is impossible to determine when or in whose fam- 
il\- the first birth in the township occurred, as the early settlers seem 
to have been a prolific people, bent upon literally carrying out the 
scriptural injunction, "to multiply and replenish the earth." A good 
natured rivalry seemed to have been aroused in this respect, and 
within a short period after the first settlement of the country, sec- 
ond editions of the pioneers began to rapidh' increase, and ere long, 
the hills and valleys of Union, were peopled by a young native race. 
The majority of those born in the township in an early day, after 
arriving at the years of manhood and womanhood, left their homes 
and emigrated to other parts, while a few still live near the place 
where they first saw the light. "On the 6th da\- of January, 1838, 
there was born to Sarah, wife of Martin Hoover, a daughter, 
Mary, who was probably the first white child born in the township." 
Births occurred about the same time in the families of various other 
settlers, but unfortunately the records giving exact dates are not 
accessible. "The first death is said to have ^een that of Susan 
Baltimore, which occurred some time in the year 1837. "Her 
funeral was held at the residence of Martin Hoover and the sermon 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 787 

on the occasion is said to have been the first one preached in the 
township. Another early death was that of a child of John R. 
Wright in 1837. The Weasaw Cemetery was consecrated to the 
burial of the dead in 1845. and the first person bin-ied therein was 
Andrew House, who departed this life earlv in 1846. The Perr}s- 
burg Cemetery was laid out in an early da\- and within its silent 
precincts are sleeping a number of the early settleis of the town- 
ship. 

J/vs/crioiis Diiappcarauce. — "Among the casualties we notice 
the sudden and m\sterious disappearance of a Mr. Douglass. 
This gentleman had been laboring for some time on Eel River, 
in Jefferson Township, and was regarded by all as an honorable, 
upright young man. Bj- close attention to business and studious 
habits, he soon accumulated considerable mone\', with which he 
intended to enter land. On a certain Saturdav evening in 1836, 
he came in company with Mr. Smith, a brother-in-law to Mr. 
Cannon, to the residence of the latter in the township. Here it 
was arranged to borrow horses of Cannon, and for Smith to 
accompany Douglass a certain distance on his journev to Fort 
Wayne, the nearest land office, where the latter was to enter 
his land. The following morning the two men started upon their 
journey. Tuesday Smith returned, saying that Douglass had 
gone on to Fort Wayne alone. The latter was never heard of 
afterwards. The land records bein"' examined showed that he 
never appeared at Fort Wayne to enter land. The general sup- 
position of all who were acquainted with the circumstances was 
that Douglass had received foul treatment at the hands of Smith. 
Suspicion rested so heavily upon the families of Smith and Can- 
non that they soon after left the country for parts unknown, and 
their names have almost sunk, into oblivion. 

Toivushi-p Organization. — As originally formed. L nion in- 
cluded the present township of Allen, and was organized as a 
distinct jurisdiction on the 6th day of November, 1837. Under 
this organization an election for the purpose of choosing the nec- 
essary officers was held the same fall in the store-rooms of Mat- 
thew Fenimore, in the village of Perrysburg. Abraham H. Leedy 
acted as inspector at this election, and was also chosen Justice of 
the Peace. The names of the other township officers are at 
present unknown. 

Church Jliitory. — The religious history of this part of the 
county, dates from its earliest settlement, and on nearly every wave 
of immigration was borne some good seed destined to become the 
nucleus around which leathered those loftier and better feelings nee- 
essary to carry society onward to a state of comparati\e perfection 
and happiness. This good seed was usually sufficient to begin the 
work of raising the early society to a higher level of civilization, and 



788 HISTORY OK MIAMI COUNTV. 

its transforming power counteracted those demoralizing influences 
which tended to social degeneration and disruption, as the lawless and 
vicious frequently sought the newly settled country when there 
was less restraint from civil power. Among the pioneers of Union, 
were many God fearing men and women, who, amid the many dan- 
gers and trials incident to their isolated condition, never faltered in 
the discharge of their religious duties, and meetings for public 
worship were early held in the little cabins of tiie various settle- 
ments. At these meetings would gather the neighbors for many 
miles around, and the exercises in which all participated, irre- 
spective of creed or dogma, served as a means of social and 
mental, as well as spiritual improvement. Itinerant ministers of 
the Methodist Church, were the first to introduce the good work 
in this township, and as early as 1837, Revs. William Williams 
and John Dabney, had regular appointments at the residence of 
Daniel Cox. The Christians or Disciples, were the next in order, 
and the tenets of that faith were early introduced by Elder Will- 
iam Nelson, who preached from time to time at the house of 
Martin Hoover, in the northern part of the township. The Bap- 
tists followed close in the work of the above denominations, and 
organized the first church in the township prior to 1840. 

Wcasmv Creek Baftiil Church. — In December, 1839, a few 
persons met at Willram Cool's residence for pra\er and conference 
meetings, led by Christopher Cool; the first services of the kind 
ever held in this part of the country. By agreement these meet- 
ings were kept up at regular intervals until March, 1840, when a 
church organization was effected and articles of faith adapted. The 
original members were Christopher Cool, William Cool, Sallie Hall, 
Ezra Griffith and wife, Juda Cool, Charles Cole, Mary Boss, Leon- 
ard Cool and Powell Cool: all of whom, except William Cool, have 
passed from the church militant to the church 'triumphant. Meet- 
ings were held once a month until October, 1840, at which time 
Revs. William Corbin and William Pratt, formally oriranized them 
into a regular Baptist Church: the former delivering an address and 
making constituent prayer, and the latter addressing the church and 
giving the members the right hand of fellowship. This church 
was called the Weasaw Creek Baptist Church, a name by which 
it has since been known. In December, 1840. was held the first 
covenant meeting, when Mariah Cool united by baptism; the first 
addition. July, i84i,the society joined the sister churches, in form- 
ing the Huntington association, and subsequently, in 1853, it became 
the head of the Weasaw Creek Association, organized the latter 
year. Meetings were held regularly everv Sabbath in houses, barns 
and groves, and it was not until Januar\-, 1851, that the first house 
of worship, erected on land donated bv William Cool, was finally 
dedicated. In May, 1855. Leonard and William Cool were 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 789 

ordained to tlie ministry, and in May, 1856, the first Sabbath school 
was organized. The pastors of the church have been as follows: 
Rev. William Corbin took charge at the time of the organization 
and served until his death, September, 1841. He was succeeded bv 
Rev. David Lewis, who remained until 1843, since which time the 
following ministers have sustained the pastoral relation, viz: E. 
Desbrough, James Babcock, T. C. Townsend. John Dunham, 
Leonard Cool, J. B. Allen, S. B. Serrells, William Cool, J. B. Mor- 
ris, Calvin Babcock, E.J. Delp,J.T. Smith, H. W. Ball, J. M. Max- 
well, and the present incumbent, Joseph Merley. In January, 1876, 
the present imposing brick temple of worship, 36x50 feet in size, 
occupying the site of the original building, was dedicated to the 
service of God, Rev. J. Whiteside officiating. The church has been 
the means of accomplishing much good in the community, and is at 
this time in a healthy and prosperous condition, with an active mem- 
bership of about one hundred. The officers are David Coon, M. 
D. Lea veil and Henrv Kine, Deacons, and Fernando Moon, Clerk. 
The Sunda}- School, which is well attended, is under the Superin- 
tendency of O. F. Cool. 

Perrysbitnt- Presbyterian Church. — The histor\- of Presbv- 
terianism in Union Township dates from about the vear 1849, 
at which time Rev. Andrew C. McClelland, then stationed at 
Peru, visited the village and began holding meetings in the 
neighboring school house and the residence of Hamilton Simon- 
ton. These services finally culminated into an organization, of 
which the following persons were earh members, to-wit: Luc\ 
Leach (now Mrs. Cline), John Leach, Hamilton Simonton, Anna 
Ciamble, Elizabeth Black, Adaline Simonton, Mar\- Jane Simon- 
ton, Jeunie Rannells, Hattie Simonton (Mrs. Wright), Maggie 
Simonton, Calvin Simonton, John Simonton, Anna Kiplinger, 
John Kiplinger and wife, John McConahav and wife and Louisa 
^IcConahav. VV^ithin a short time after the date of orpfanization, 
steps were taken towards building a house of worship, and work 
on the same was commenced about the year 1850, or perhaps a 
little earlier. Owing to the limited number composing the 
church, the building was not completed until 1854. The first 
services in the same, however, were held prior to that date, the 
occasion being the funeral of Hamilton Simonton, the principal 
promoter of the societv and its first elder, conducted by Rev. 
McClelland, in August, in 1852. After the completion of 
the house of worship, the little church for some }ears enjoyed 
a reasonable degree of prosperity, but its growth from various 
causes subsequentlv became retarded, and at this time the mem- 
bership is not as numerous so formeriv, numbering onl\- about 
thirteen. The following ministers sustained the pastoral relation 
from time to time, viz: Rev. A. G. McClelland, Samuel McKee, 



79° HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Robert Irwin, MacKnight Williamson, S. F. Hershey, W. A. 
Hoover and Francis Linn. The present incumbent is Rev. Dr. 
Craig, of Noblesville, a man of great learning and piety. The 
officers of the church at this time are Calvin Simonton, elder; 
George Wright and Calvin Simonton, trustees. 

Alcthodist Church of Pcrrysbtirg. — From the settlement of 
Union Township up to 1854, services were held by ministers of 
the Methodist Church in various parts of the countr}-, but a 
permanent organization did not gain a footing until some time 
that year. The Perrysburg class was organized by Rev. Enoch 
Waymire and Stephen S. Long in 1854, with a membership of 
about twenty, quite a number of whom had belonged to the 
church before moving to this part of the countr}-. The organi- 
zation took place at the residence of William Bennett, which 
was used as a meeting place for some months. As the society 
increased in numbers, a more commodious place of worship 
became necessary. Accordingly, the Presbyterian Church was 
procured and used at regular intervals until 1865. In the mean- 
time, the wants of the constantly increasing society foreshadowed 
the necessity of erecting a building of its own, and, in 1865, 
the present beautiful temple of worship, one of the finest country 
church edifices in the county, was erected in the village, at a 
cost of $2,300. To the untiring efforts of Rev. Enoch Way- 
mire, whose means were liberally expended in its behalf, was 
the success of the building enterprise largely due. As no 
authentic records of the church were accessible, it will be im- 
possible to give a full list of pastors, but among those who 
have had charge of the society from time to time, were the 
following: Revs. L. Roberts, Mr. White, J. Lacy, N. Shackle- 
ford, A. H. Curry, R. J. Smith, J. H. McMahon", J. W. Miller, 
N. Peddycord, M. H. Miller, and the present imcumbent. Rev. 
J. J. Cooper. The church at one time was one of the mo.st 
prosperous societies in the count}-, but, owing to deaths and 
removals, has lost quite a number of its members, the com- 
municants at this time numbering only about thirty. The officers 
are as follows: John R. Waymire and Henry Lininger, stewards: 
John Waymire, Samuel McElwee.T. S. McElwee, Samuel Losher and 
Jacob Losher, trustees. The Sunday School, under the efiicient 
management of John Waymire, is well attended, and has been 
a valuable auxilliary to the work of the chmxh. 

Villaoxs. — Pcrr\ibitri^. — Some towns grow up where they are 
from the ver\- nature of things. A water course or a crossing 
will give rise to a shop or little store, and by gradual accretion, 
there comes to be an assemblage of houses and an increase of busi- 
ness, which at length necessitates the laying out and incorporation 
of a village. Other towns have their origin in the speculative minds 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 79 1 

of men. A combination of these two causes undoubtedly led to 
the founding of the little village of Perrysburg. Early in 1837, 
IMatthew Fenimore aid John R. Wilkinson, purchased a tract of 
land, embracing the present site of the town, the State road lead- 
ing from Peru to Rochester, dividing their respective places. 
The location being at that time near the center of a large area 
of sparsely settled country, and remote from any trading point, the 
advisability of lading out a town suggested itself to Messrs. Feni- 
more and Wilkinson, who, after carefully weighing the matter from 
a business stand point, concluded that such a venture would be both 
safe and profitable. Accordinglv a survever was employed, and in 
June of the above 3'ear, the town plat, consisting of thirtj'-six lots, 
was laid out and duly recorded. The State road forms the main 
street, running North and South, and crossing this at right angles, 
are Bridge, Second and High streets. In the summer of 1837, Mr. 
Fenimore brought a stock of goods to the new towm, and also 
opened a hotel for the accommodation of the traveling public, in 
both of which he w^as quite successful. He was in business about 
two j'ears, at the end of that time sold out to Richard Britton and 
moved to Peru. He subsequenth' settled in the southern part of But- 
ler Township, where in the year 1848, he laid out the town of 
Santa Fe. 

William Burnett was one of the early residents of Perrys- 
burg, and for a number of years kept a hotel; first in the Feni- 
more building and later in a house of his own, which became a 
favorite stopping place. John Harris afterward became proprie- 
tor of this hotel, and his reputation as an e.xperienced and accom- 
modating landlord was such that the house was never in want 
of paving guests, many of whom pronoimced it the best place 
of entertainment in the count}-. Dr. Henrj' Howe moved to the 
village about the year 1846, and in connection with the practice 
of the healing art, engaged in the goods business, which he sub- 
sequently disposed of to John Howe, who carried on a success- 
ful trade for several years. His successor was Wesle}- McFar- 
land, who, in turn, sold out to Jacob Rannells. The latter was 
identified with the business interests of the town until 1884, and 
during the period of his stay carried on a larger trade than any 
other merchant in the county, outside of Peru. He suffered a 
severe loss bv fire, in 1884, which, with other troubles growing 
out of the in\olved condition of his business, led to his unhappy 
death by suicide, in the spring of that year. Jesse Friend sold 
goods in the village for a short time, and in 1874, G. W. Wright 
opened a general store, which he has since successfully carried 
on, his business house being the only one in the town at this 
time. The early mechanics of the village were George Bosh, 
blacksmith; Thomas Garlinghouse, wagonmaker, and Hamilton 

32 



792 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Simonton, carpenter and cabinet-maker. The present mechanics 
are Erwin Bosh and Frank MoodY, both of whom work at the 
blacksmith trade. As ah-eady stated, Dr. Henry Howe was the 
first practicing physician in the place. Since his departure, the 
following medical men have practiced their profession here, from 
time to time, to-wit: Drs. Ladue, Shadwick, Detric and Con- 
ner. The resident physician at this time, is Dr. W. A. Ager, 
who has a large and lucrative business in Miami, Cass and Ful- 
ton Counties. Perrysburg, while never coming up to the expec- 
tations of its founders, has always sustained the reputation of a 
good local trading point, and situated, as it is, in the midst of a 
rich agricultural region, will, perhaps, continue to be the chief 
source of supplies for a large area of territory. It has a beauti- 
ful graded school building, two church organizattons, sketches of 
which have been given, and its inhabitants, in point of thrift 
and intelligence, will compare favorably with those of any other 
town of its size in the State. 

Deedsville, a small village on the I., P. & C. Railroad, in the 
eastern part of the township, was laid out July, 1870, by Samuel M. 
Leedy and Albert Deeds. The original plat consists of eighty-four 
lots, to which an addition of twelve lots was made by Samuel 
Leed\- in December, 1872. The village, while not a place of exten- 
sive business, has enjoyed a fair degree of prosperity, and, in conse- 
quence of its advantages as a shipping point, is likely to remain a 
place of more than ordinarv local importance. The first business of 
the village was a general store started sometime in 1870 by E. H. 
Hill and W. H. Leedy, and a short time thereafter a small stock of 
groceries was brought to the place by J. Kepler. The business at 
this time is as follows: E. H. Hill, grain buj-er and dealer in general 
merchandise; G. S. Steiner, dealer in groceries, hardware and 
notions; Steiner & Robbins, manufacturers of drain tile; Fenton & 
Moon operate a large steam saw mill and do a succe.ssful lumber 
business; G. S. Steiner is the village blacksmith, and E. H. Hill 
represents the Government in the capacity of Postmaster. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. SKETCHES. 



DR. UPTON A. AGER, of Perrysburg, is a native of 
Starke County, Ohio, and was born Januarj- 24, 1839. ^^^ ^^'^^ 
the onl\- son born to John G. and Mary (Lineroad) Ager, natives 
of Mar\land and Pennsvlvania respectivelv, the former of Ger- 
man and Irish and the latter of German descent. When our 
subject was eight years old he accompanied his parents to Hunt- 
ington County, this State, where his youth was spent working 



liIO(;KAPHICAL SKETCHES. 793 

ujion his fallior'.s farm. Duriiii;- this time lie attended the pub- 
lic school, ill which he received a yood common school educa- 
tion. This was supplemented by a course of instruction in select 
schools at Roanoke and Huntington, by which he received a 
knowledi^je of some of the higher branches of learning. After 
quitting school he accepted a position as clerk in a hardware 
store in Huntington. This position he held .about eighteen 
months, after which he had a like position in Indianapolis six 
months. He then returned to Huntington and began the study 
of medicine in the office of Dr. O. A. Lewis, a graduate of 
both Rush and Belle\ue Colleges. He remained under his instruc- 
tion two years. During the winter of 1865 and ^66 he attended 
a course of lectures in the Chicago- Medical College. The sum- 
mer of 1S66 was spent in the office of Drs. Laynion & Shafer, 
of Huntington. During the winter of 1866 and '67 he attended 
a course of lectures in the Rush Medical College, of Chicago, 
from which he graduated in February, 1867. He returned to 
Huntington County and entered upon his professional labors at 
Antioch. A few months^ later he removed to Rochester, Fulton 
County. In April, 1868, he came to this county and located at 
Perrysburg, where he has ever since been actively engaged in 
the practice of his profession. October 18, 1870, he was mai- 
ried to Cinderilla Wood, a native of Fulton County, and daugh- 
ter of Christopher and Rebecca (Rannells) Woods. She was 
born June 20, 1852. Dr. and Mrs. Ager have had live chil- 
dren. They are Mary E., born March 17, 1872; L. Edgerton, 
born January 20, 1874; Fleetwood C, born Juh' 22, 1877; Zulu 
B., born September 9, 1880, and Robbie, born February 2, 1882, 
and died February 3, 1882. Dr. Ager is a member of the 
I. O. O. F. Lodge and a Republican in politics. As a practi- 
tioner he is a complete success. His professional career has been 
a brilliant one. It was not long after his location at Perrj-sburg 
until he had built up an extensive practice. At times his practice 
has made such demands upon him as to imperil his own plivsi- 
cal condition, in consequence of which his health is somewhat 
impaired. lie began life without a dollar, and though he scarcely 
is past the meridian of life, he has accumulated considerable 
property. Besides a pleasant home in Perr\-sburg and a good 
farm in this count\-, he owns a farm of 158 acres in Cass 
County, all of which is the result of his industry, perseverance 
and economy. 

WILLIAM FRIEND, one of Miami County's old pioneers, and 
one among the earlv settlers of Union Township, was born in 
Miami County, Ohio, January 18, 181 2. He was the youngest 
child born to Jesse and Catharine (Moist) Friend, both natives of 
Randolph Count}-, North Carolina, the former of English and the 



794 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

latter of German descent. Our subject grew up to manhood in his 
native count}-. He was left without a mother when he was but ten 
months old, and before he was eight years old the hand of death 
had deprived him of his father also. Thus left an orphan bov at 
this early age, he went to live with his maternal grandfather, with 
whom he remained until he was a grown man. During this whole 
time he worked in a grist-mill, owned by his grandfather, which 
was situated fourteen miles north of Davton, on a small stream called 
Still Water. He was thus employed until about 1840. After 
working in a machine shop in West Milton, Ohio, for over one 
3-ear, he came in the fall of 1842 to this county, and first located in 
Union Township, ever since which time he has been engaged in 
agricultural pursuits. In 1845, he removed to Jefferson Township, 
but in 1865 he returned to Union Township, where he has ever 
since resided. July 28, 1831, he was married to Sophia Cress, a 
native of Montgomery County, Ohio, born March 22, 1811. She 
was the daughter of John and Catharine (riummer) Cress, the for- 
mer a native of Virginia, of German descent, and the latter a native 
of Randolph County, North Carolina, of English descent. Mr. and 
Mrs. Friend had, in all, nine children. They are: Catharine, 
born October i, 1832; John, born October 25, 1834; -^liU'V? ^orn 
August 5, 1836, died July 30, 1851 : Jane, born November 11, 1840: 
Andrew, born May 20, 1S43; Jesse, born March 8, 1846: Ira, born 
November 2, 1847; Simeon, born April 20, 1850, died Jul}- 9, 185 1: 
Mahala, born December 25, 1853, died January 24, 1854. ^^''• 
Friend lost his wife March 11, 1885; since which he has made his 
home with his son John. He has never identified himself with an\- 
church, but is a tirm believer in the principles of Christianitv. In 
politics he is a Republican. When he came to the count}- he located 
in the woods; and what are now beautiful and well-tilled fields, was 
a vast forest, abounding in deer, wolves, wild turkevs and Indians. 
Amid all the hard work which the clearing up of a farm 
devolved upon him, he found time to shoulder his gun and take part 
in the hunt and chase — a thing which he frequently did. He killed, 
in all, upwards of three hundred deer, besides an abundance of small 
game, with which the forest at that time teemed. Mr. Friend is 
now in the seventy-tifth year of his age, and is enjoying moderateh' 
good health. He has resided in our county over forty-four years, 
and is one of our most highly respected citizens. 

JOHN FRIEND, one of the prominent farmers of Union 
Township, was born in She]b\" Count\-, Ohio, October 25, 1834. 
He was the eldest son born to William and Sophia (Cress) Friend, 
natives of Miami and Montgomery Counties, Ohio, respectively. 
While John was yet a young child, his parents removed to Miami 
County, Ohio, but in October, 1842, they came to Miami County, 
this State, and located in the woods of Jefferson Township. Here 



BIOCRAPIIICAI. SKETCHES. 795 

John spent his boyhood and youth working on his fatlier's farm. 
When he became of age he began farming for himself, and lias ever 
since continued to make that a business. In the fall of 1S62, he 
removed to a farm in Kosciusko County, but in the spring of 1869, 
he returned to this county, and located where he now resides, in 
Section i, Union Township. November 29, 1857, he was married 
to Elizabeth Himelick, a native of Decatur Countv, this State, born 
January 22, 1841. She was the daughter of Andrew and Sarah A. 
(Arnett) Himelick, the former of whom, at present, resides in Jef- 
ferson Township, this county. By his first wife, Mr. Friend had 
nine children : Sarah A., born July 15, 1859: Rebecca J., born 
March 15, 1861; Willjam H., born November 14, 1862; James I., 
born October 21, 1864; Wilson C, born July 31, 1867; Luella S., 
bom December 7, 1868: Milo R., born April 2, 1872; Meldora, 
born October i, 1873. and Edwin A., born September 17, 1S75, ^^^ 
of whom are living. Mi'. Friend lost his first wife, January 14. 1878, 
and on the first da\' of November. 1878, he was married to ISIary J. 
Utter, a native of Johnson Countv, this State, bornjanuarv 16, 1847. 
She was the daughter of Edwin A. and Elizabeth (Byers) Utter, 
natives of Fayette and Johnson Countv, this State, respectivelv. To 
this latter union one child has been born — Phebe E., born August 
7, 1885. Mr. Friend is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, and a 
Republican in politics. He owns a farm of one hundred and twent\- 
acres of good land, nearly all of which is in a high state of cultiva- 
tion. His farm is fitted up with good fences, a good barn, and a 
handsome brick residence, and is a very desirable location. He is 
an honest, upright man, an industrious and successful farmer, and a 
No. I citizen. He is now gi\'ing some attention to pisci-culture. 
He has a handsome little pond well stocked with German carp, and 
already has his table supplied with this luxuiy. 

EPHRAIM H. HILL, merchant of Deedsville, is a native of 
Union Township, this county, and w^as born March 26, 1843. He 
was the son of George and Sarah (Cool) Hill, the former a native 
of New York City and the latter a native of the State of New York, 
of German, English and Irish descent. The parents of our subject 
came to this county and located in the woods of Union Township 
in the fall of 1839. Ephraim spent his boyhood and youth working 
upon his father's farm. During this time he attended the district 
school, in which he received a good common school education. At 
the early age of seventeen he took up the avocation of a teacher. 
After teaching successfully seven years, in December, 1869, he 
took what little capital he had and began the life of a business man 
in Deedsville. His attention was divided between the grain busi- 
ness and a small grocery store — it being the first of the kind ever 
in the town. He has thus continued ever since. November 5, 
1873, he was married to Lida A. Clingenpeel, a naUve of this 



796 HISTORY OF IMIAMI COUNTY. 

State, and dau<^hter of Jonathan and Hester (Buck) Clingen- 
peel. She died August 20, 1880, leaving to the care of our 
subject three children — Edith, Marvin and Ancil — all of whom 
are hving. On the J 5th day of September, 1881, Mr. Hill was 
married to Lucy Marbergar, a native of Huntington County, this 
State, born May 28, 1862. She was the daughter of Elias Mar- 
bergar, of Union Township. To this latter union two children 
have been born. They are Vernie, Florence and George Otho. 
In politics Mr. Hill is a Democrat. He is an enterprising and 
successful business man and a good citizen. He began life with- 
out a dollar, hut through industry, perseverance and economx' he 
is now in comfortable circumstances. He has a neat little store 
and is doing a good business. At present' Mr. Hill holds the 
position of railroad agent, express agent and postmaster at Deeds- 
ville. 

HENRY HOWES, one of the old pioneers of this county, 
and one among the first settlers of Jefferson Township, is a 
native of Vermont, and was born June 19, 1816. He was the 
oldest son born to Henry and Ruth (Blaisdell) Howes, both 
natives of New Hampshire, and of English descent. The entire 
life of our subject has been spent upon a farm. In 1818 his 
parents emigrated to Ohio and located in Warren Count}-. In 
October, 1836, he accompanied them to this county, and located 
with them in the woods of Jefferson Township. He assisted 
his father in clearing up a farm, and a good deal of hard work 
naturally devolved upon Henry. He chopped, grubbed, burned 
brush, rolled logs, plowed, and, in fact, did all kinds of hard 
work, which the development of a new country necessitates. 
He resided in Jefferson Township until 1S65, when he removed 
to Union Township. He was married in November, 1840, to 
Susan Shadinger, who died about 1854. I" October, 1859, ^^ 
was married to Mar}' Speck, a native of Ohio, and daughter of 
William and Catharine Speck, the former a native of Kentucky. 
Bv his tirst wife Mr. Howes had four children: Cornelia, How- 
ard, Ruth and William, all of whom are deceased. He and his 
present wife have had three children : Ida, Marv Louisa and 
Elbert, of whom, only Mary Louisa is li\ing. Mr. and 
Mrs. Howes belong to the Baptist Church. Politically, Mr. 
Howes is a Republican. He held the office of Assessor in Jef- 
ferson Township two terms. He is now past seventy years of 
age, and is enjoying good health. He is one of our country's 
oldest pioneers living, and one of our most highlv respected 
citizens. 

EZRA JONES, one of the prominent farmers of Union Town- 
ship, and one among the early settlers of that township, is a native of 
Montgomery County, Ohio, and was born September 3, 1830. He 



BIOGRAI'HICAI. SKKTCIIIiS. 797 

was the tenth child and Hfth son born to Samuel and Xancv (Skin- 
ner) Jones, both nali\es of Nortli Carolina, the former of Welsh 
and the latter, presumably, of English descent. Ezra spent his boy- 
hood upon his father's farm in his native county. When he was 
fourteen years old, or in October, 1845, he accompanied his parents 
to this county, and located in Union Township. The farm lay in 
Section 14 of that township, and is the one upon which our subject 
now resides. This has always been his home, exceptinj^ eleven 
months, which were spent in Harvey County, Kansas. That was 
from March 30, 1881, to February 27, 1882. His occupation dur- 
ing his entire life has been that of a farmer. December 29, 1852, 
he was married to Matilda Cox, a native of Ohio, and daughter of 
John and Marj- (^Hoover) Cox, the former a native of North Caro- 
lina. She was born February 16, 1833. That marriage resulted 
in the birth of seven children : Dora A., born October 16, 
1853; Jerome B., born January 23, 1857; Mary O.. born October 
17, 1858, died February 18, 1S64: Charles F., born August 22, 1864, 
died May 8, 1883: Fannie A., born October 22, 1866: Alfred E. 
and Ellen M. (twins), born November 4, 1872; Ellen M. died June 
28, 1878. Mr. Jones lost his tirst wife February- 25, 1882, and on 
the 20th of October, 1883. he was married to Mrs. Amanda Skin- 
ner, whose maiden name was Amanda Bell. She was the daughter 
of Robert Bell, and was born in Carroll County, this Slate, October 
19, 1846. To this latter union three children have been born. They 
are William G., born August 19, 1884; Ubj' and Phebe (twins), 
born May 8, 1886. Mr. Jones is a member of the F. & A. M. 
Lodge, and a Democrat in politics. He has held the oflice of Town- 
ship Trustee in Union Township two terms, hi the spring of 1886, 
he was elected to the oflice of Justice of the Peace, but declined to 
serve. He owns a hne farm of 240 acres, most of which is in a high 
state of cultivation. His farm is fitted up with good fences and 
buildings, and is a very desirable location. Mr. Jones is a pleasant, 
intelligent gentleman an industrious and successful farmer, and one 
of our most highh- respected citizens. 

ALONZO D. LEEDY, one of the enterprising young 
farmers of Union Township, is a native of the township in which 
he resides, and was born March 31, 1861. He was the second 
son born to Samuel M. and Rebecca Leedy. natives of Rich- 
land and Montgomery Counties, Ohio, respectively, both of Ger- 
man de.scent. The parents of our subject came to this county 
and located in Union Township in 1852. The entire life of 
Alonzo has been spent upon a farm. He attended the district 
school, in which he received a good common school education. 
May 24, 1884, he was married to Lydia Hatch, a native of this 
county, and daughter of Amos and Jennette (Baker) Hatch, of 
Allen Township. She was horn December 28, 1864. To them 



798 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

have been born one child, Dessie Mav, born August 7, 1886. 
Politically, Mr. Leedy is a Republican. He is a pushing and 
enterprising young farmer, and a good citizen. 

JACOB LOSHER, one of the honored citizens of Union 
Township, was born in Columbiana Count}-, Ohio, January 5, 1806. 
He was the son of Sebastian and Margaret (Hines) Losher, both 
nati\es of Pennsylvania. Our subject remained in his native 
county, engaged in agricultural pursuits, until October, 1856, when 
he came to this count\- and located in Union Township, where he 
has ever since resided. May 21, 1829, he was married to Hannah 
Justison, a native of New Castle Countv, Delaware, born Septem- 
ber II, 1802. She was the daughter of John and Rebecca (^ Pierce) 
Justison, natives of Delaware. Mr. and Mrs. Losher have had si.v 
children, viz: Sebastian, Samuel W., Margaret A., Mary A., John 
H. and George D., all of whom are living, except Sebastian, who 
died when he was two years and si.\ months old. Mr. and Mrs. 
Losher belong to the M. E. Church. The}' have now li\ed together 
over fifty-seven years and are enjoying very good health. In poli- 
tics, Mr. Losher is a Republican. He owns a farm of eight\' acres 
and has a comfortable home. 

SAMUEL McELWEE, one of the old pioneers of Miami 
County, and one among the early settlers of Union Township, 
was born in York County, Pennsylvania, August 17, 1818. He 
was the fifth son born to John and Elizabeth (Smith) McElwee, 
both natives of Penns\lvania, the former of Irish and English and 
the latter of Dutch and English descent. While Samuel was 
3'et a young child his parents removed to Adams County. Penn- 
sylvania, where his boyhood was spent upon a farm. When he 
was twehe years old his parents remo\'ed to a farm in Cumber- 
land County, Penn,s\lvania. In 1845 Samuel came westward to 
Preble County, Ohio, where he worked one summer upon a 
farm by the month. He then went to Salem, Miami County, 
Ohio, where he was emploved as a teamster about eighteen 
months. In 1849 ^^'^ came to this county, and located in Union 
Township. During the first year of his residence there he worked 
at shoemaking. He then located upon a farm in Section i of 
that township, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1868 he 
removed to the town of Perr\sburg, where he has ever since 
resided. Since locating in the \illage his attention has still been 
directed to farming, excepting five years in which he conducted 
a meat market in Perrysburg. In January. 1839, he was married 
to Peggy Rockey, a nati\-e of Cumberland County. Pennsylvania, 
and daughter of George Rockey. She died in July, 1843. Jan- 
uary 22, 1846, he was married to Leah Lininger, a native of 
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and daughter of Jacob and 
Catharine (Miller) Lininger. By his first wife Mr. McElwee 



BIOGRAI'IIICAI, SKETCHES. 799 

had tliree children — Hannah, Rebecca and Lydia, of whom Han- 
nah and Rebecca are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. McElwee are 
both members of the M. E. Church. Politically, Mr. McElwee 
is a Republican. He is now in the sixty-ninth \ear of his aire. He 
is stout and hearty, enjo}s j^ood health, and by a stranger 
would be taken to be a score of years younger than he is. He 
has resided in Miami County for thirtv-seven vears, and is ont' of 
the most highly respected citizens. 

GOTTLIEB STEINER, one of the prominent citizens of 
Union Township, was born in Switzerland, November 3, 1831. He 
was the youngest son born to John Steiner, with whom he came to 
America when he was six years old. He was left without a mother 
when he was but six months old. After arriving in this country 
they remained over one winter at Alleghany Citv. hi the spring of 
183S, the\' continued westward to Ohio, and located in Harden 
County, where our subject spent his boyhood and earh" vouth 
working upon a farm. At the age of eighteen he learned the 
trade of blacksmith and wagon-maker. His first work at his 
trade was in Kenton. Ohio. He worked there and in other 
towns, near Kenton, until 1859, when he went to Lima, Ohio, 
and engaged in the grocery business. Here he remained until 
1868, when he came to this State and engaged in the same 
business in Rochester, Fulton County. Six months later he came 
to this county and located in Union Township, upon the present 
site of Deedsville. He enjoys the credit of erecting the first 
building in that place, and of being her first citizen. During the 
first nine years of his residence there, he worked at his trade. 
In 1S79, he engaged in the tile business, which received his 
attention five years. In the spring of 1885, he opened up a grocery 
store in Deedsville, which is now under the management of his 
wife. Just at the present time Mr. Steiner gives his attention to 
his trade. He was married, March 2, 1854, ^o Mary M. Stei- 
ner, (no relation), a native of Havaria, Germany, born Septem- 
ber 27, 1836. She was the daughter of Jacob and Apalonia 
(Diel) Steiner. Mrs. Steiner accompanied her parents to Amer- 
ica when she was ten years old. They located in Harden County, 
Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Steiner have had thirteen children, ten of whom 
are living. They are : Richard S., born August 7, 1855 : Mary E., born 
August 30, 1858; Ida H., born September 5, i860; Frank S., born 
August 23, 1862: William T., born May 20, 1864, died 
March 2, 1865: Calvin O., born November 12, 1865: Theofiel, 
born April 12, 1867. died August 27, 1867: Edwin G., born 
November 3, 1868; Celesta, born September 18, 1870: Sevilla, 
born December 18, 1871; Clemens, born May 5, 1873, died 
August 22, 1873; Anna B.. born April 18, 1875; Magdalena, 
born June i, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Steiner are members of the 



800 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Steiner is a Democrat. While 
a resident of Allen County. Ohio, he held the office of Trustee 
two terms. He is an industrious man and a good citizen. 

JACOB W. WARNER, of Union Township, is a native of 
Preble County, Ohio, and was born January 19, 1844. He was the 
second son born to David and Margaret ( Hitchew ) Warner, both 
natives of Maryland. Jacob spent his boyhood, up to the age of 
ten, in his native county. His parents came to this county about the 
j-ear 1854, and locatedin Union Township. There Jacob grew up to 
manhood, working upon a farm. In December, 1863, he entered the 
service of the Union Army, in Company L, 12th Indiana Cavalrv, in 
which he served until the close of the war. He participated in the 
Five Days Fight at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and the battles of 
Nashville, Mobile, and Spanish Fort. He returned to this county 
at the close of the war, and engaijed in farming. He reiuoved to 
Fulton County in 1868, where he resided three years. In 1871 he 
returned to this county and located where he now resides, in Section 
26, Union Township. In March, 1866, he was married to Eva 
Shafer, bv whom he has had nine children, viz: Alice A., Sarah 
M.. Ordeila F., William L., Rosa M., Grace, Olive P., Emma and 
Walter S., all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Warner are mem- 
bers of the M. E. Church. Mr. Warner is a member of the G. A. 
R., and a Republican in politics. He owns one hundred and si.v- 
teen acres of land — sixty of which are in cultivation. He is an hon- 
est, upright man, an industrious farmer, and a good citizen. 

SAMUEL WITTER, one of the influential citizens of 
Union Township, was born in Union Countv, this State, Julv 17, 
1834. He was the fifth son born to George and Fannie 
( Kingerv) Witter, natives of Pennsvlvania and Virginia, respec- 
tivelv. The birth of his father occurred in 1796, and that of 
his mother in 1802. Samuel spent his early life working upon 
his father's farm in his native countv. He attended the district 
school, but the advantages were poor, consequentlv he had the 
benefit of no more than an ordinary common school education. At 
the age of twentv-four he began farming for himself. That 
was in Union County. In 1859, ^^ removed to a farm in Car- 
roll County. He resicled there until 1863, when he came to 
this county and took up his residence in Jefferson Township. 
In August, 1872, he emigrated to Shawnee Countv, Kansas, 
where he was engaged in farming until in Februarv, 1876. At 
that time he returned to this count}- and again located in Jeffer- 
son Township. In April, 1883, he removed to his present home 
in Section 36, Union Township. He was married on the 24th 
day of Februarv, 1858, to Ellen J. Smith, also a native of 
Union County, born April 27, 1840. She was the daughter of 
Alexander and Eunice (Ringsby) Smith, the first mentioned for- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 8oi 

merly of Preble County, Ohio, and the latter a native of North 
Carolina. That marriage resulted in the birth of two 
children, viz: William H., born September 3, i860; died 
September 19, 1862, and Emerson E., born December 3, 1862, 
died July 19, 1S67. On the 26th day of November, 1863, Mr. 
Witter suffered the bereavement of losing his first wife, and on the 
28th day of November, 1865, he was married to Laura D. Wilson, a 
native of this county, born September 10, 1848. She was the 
daughter of Joseph R. and Lucinda (Grimes) Wilson, nati\es of 
Preble and Alontgomery Counties, Ohio, respeclivelv. To this lat- 
ter union, three children have been born. Their names are Edw ard 
C, born September 23, 1866; Leonidas G., born January 10, 1868, 
and Charles W., born April 23, 1883, all of whom are living. Mr. 
and Mrs. Witter are members of the German liaptist Church. 
Politically Mr. Witter is a Republican. He owns a farm of eighty 
acres. Besides this he owns a business property in the town of 
Mexico. He is an honest, upright, square-dealing tuan and a good 
citizen. 

GEORGE W. WRIGHT, merchant at Perrysburg, was born 
in New York City, August 4, 1845. He was the third son born 
to Leonard and Melissa (Eaton) Wright, the former a native of the 
State of New York, and the latter a native of England. At the 
tender age of thirteen. George, in company with his older brother, 
Leonard, left home and made his way to Fulton County, this State. 
There he worked upon a farm by the month about four \ears. 
Jul)- 22, 1862, he enlisted into the service of the Union Army in 
Compan\- D, 87th Indiana Regiment. He received an honorable 
discharge from that company, June 10, 1865. He participated in 
the battles of Perrysville, Ky., Chickamauga and Nashville, in 
which he discharged his duties in a manner becoming a loyal sol- 
dier. At the close of the war he came to this county and located 
at Perr\sburg. In 187 1 he engaged in the mercantile business in 
that place, which has ever since received his attention. April 29, 
1869, he was married to Harriet Simonton, a nati\e of this county, 
and daughter of Hamilton and Keziah (Woodburn) Simonton. Mr. 
and Mrs. Wright have had three children; they are Fannie, Minnie 
and Walter H., of whom Fannie died in her third year. Mr. and 
Mrs. Wright are faithful members of the Presbyterian Church. 
Politically Mr. Wright is a Republican. He is a pleasant, intelli- 
gent gentleman, an enterprising and successful business man and a 
number one citizen. He has a large and commodious store room, 
well stocked, and is doing a good business. He began life without 
a dollar, but through industry, perseverance and economy, he is 
now in comfortable circumstances. 



802 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XX. 

Washington Township — General Features — E.\rly Set- 
tlers — Religious History — Manufacturing Interests 
AND Industries — Biogr.vphical Sketches. 

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP is situated south of Peru, and 
was named Washington as a tribute of respect to George 
Washington, the illustrious father of the Republic. It encloses an 
area of about thirty square miles, or 19,200 acres, the greater part 
of which lies in Township 26 North, Range 4 East, of the Congres- 
sional Surve}-. It is well watered by the Wabash, Little and Big 
Pipe Creeks, whose branches ramify to ever}' part, thus offering 
eligible sites for mills and affording an abundance of water 
for stock and other purposes. Big Pipe Creek flows a 
northwesterly course through the southern part of the town- 
ship and affords ample drainage for a large area of territory in 
Washington and adjoining divisions. Little Pipe Creek flows the 
same direction through the central part of the township, passing in 
its course through Sections 24, 13, 14, 15, 10 and 9, and crosses the 
western boundary, about one mile south of the Wabash. That part 
of the township bordering on the Wabash, is level for a short dis- 
tance south of the stream, and very fertile. It merges into large 
hills in some places, south of which the countrv stretches awav into 
a level surface, which continues as a general rule until the southern 
boundary is reached. The soil of the township is of excellent qual- 
ity, and produces abundantly, all the crops and fruits adapted to the 
latitude of Northern Indiana. Some of the land, oriijinallv low and 
wet, has been reclaimed by a successful system of tile drainage. 
Like other parts of the count}', the township, when first seen bv 
white man, was densely wooded with the leading varieties of timber 
growing in this part of the State. In those portions of the county 
in which the timber has been to any degree saved until late years, 
the owners are receiving large sums for the forest products, which 
are manufactured into lumber, staves, etc., and other articles of com- 
merce, and largely exported. 

" From the most reliable information at our command we give 
to Thomas Henton the credit of being the first white man to make 
a permanent settlement in what is now Washington Township." 
He moved to the country as early as 1838, and made some improve- 
ments upon what is now the Demuth farm. Mr. Henton was a 
pioneer in all the term implies, and for the first hve years after his 
settling, did little else than hunt, a sport of which he was passion- 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 803 

ately fond. His first habitation was the conventional round log 
cabin of that period, in w liich he li\ed a life of liapp\- bachelorhood. 
He subsequently resigned the life of a bachelor b\- uniting himself 
in marriage to a lady, who, after his death, became the wife of Mr. 
Demuth. The year 1839 ^'^^^ signalized b}' the arrival of a num- 
ber of home seekers; among whom were Patrick O'Brien, who set- 
tled where his son is still living; Thomas O'Mera, on the Haver 
farm; John Bargerhoof, on the Bearss place: Daniel Taggett, near 
the north end of the township; Mr. McManis, near where the 
Widow jNIvers lives; John Gindling, on the Smith farm; George 
Beck, on the Brown farm; Guinton Key, on the Puterbaugh place; 
Michael Duffv, on the place which still bears his name, and John 
Cleiker, where his son lives. 

Earl}' in the forties came the following pioneers: Malachi 
Kuhn, at present a resident of Peru, settled on the Miller farm 
about the year 1840; Alexander Wilson also became a resident 
about the same time and located on the farm where his son, 
George WilSon, is still living; Emanuel Charpie came in 1840 
or '41, and chose for his home the Whiteside farm. Others who 
came about the same time or perhaps a year or two later, were 
W^illiam W^eakler, on the farm which is still known as the Weak- 
ler place; James Dabnev, on the Moselv farm: William Lvce, 
on the Sherman farm; John Miller, on land in the possession of 
his heirs; Charles Brown, on the George Haver farm; Isaac 
Miller, on the Shipler place; John Allen, where he still resides; 
A. Henen, on the Blood farm; James Downev, on the Blood 
farm: John Hunt, on the Coleman place: Patrick Colgan, where 
he is still living; Jacob Keller and Amos Ranks, whose e.xact 
locations were not learned. The following settlers came a little 
later than the foregoing: James Sharp, where he still lives: 
William King, near the central part of the township; John David- 
son, on land belonging to Joseph Miller, near Big Pipe Creek; 
Joseph Scott, in the south end of the township; Frederick Har- 
ter, near Pipe Creek, on the Strawtown road; Thomas Goudy, 
in the southeastern part of the township: Arthur Bland, on the 
Strawtown road; Otis Fish, in Section 35; B. F. '^'ork, in the 
northeast corner of the township, on Little Pipe Creek; W. H. 
Misener, in the Richardville Reserve, not far from the Butler 
Township line; Samuel Jameson, on Little Pipe Creek, where 
his son-in-law, Ir\in Jones, lives: John Betzner, in the southwest- 
ern part of the township; Philip and William Mort, near the western 
boundary, in Section 16; Stephen Frazer, in Section 33; Frederick 
Coleman, near the central part of the township: John and Ben 
York, on Little Pipe Creek: Jerry Shaffer, in the northwest cor- 
ner of the township: Samuel Shenebarger, where H. Mosely 
lives; Jacob Strouble, near the poor farm; Martin Flagg, near 



804 HISTORY OF MIA5II COUNTV. 

^vhel■e Shenebarger settled; Ephraim Bearss, on the StrawtOwn 
road, near Pipe Creek: David Dunn, place of settlement not 
known: Joseph Scott, in southeast corner of the township: P. 
Blake, on Big Pipe Creek; William and N. Corey, near Little 
Pipe Creek; Franklin Fitchhorn, in southern part: Samuel Beall, 
Sylvester Tumblin, John Hawes, Conrad Hawes, Bernard Hawes, 
Robert McKinney, James McClary, John Allen, John Flagg and 
Abraham Billheimer, in the south end of the township. The fol- 
lowing were also among the pioneers of Washington, settling in 
various parts of the township, to-wit: Bradley Witham, Zachariah 
O'Connell, John Eichelberger, John E. Shively, Martin Flagg, 
Joseph Bupert, Israel Leer, William Scott, J. T. Miller, J. Marshall. 
John Hann, Barney Blue, Mr. Farlow, David Dunn, Jacob Sherman, 
Captain Drouillard, George Rettick, Mark McKane, Peter Criss- 
man, Joseph Hopkins, Air. Strogler, David Kronister, M. Ra}-- 
burn, A. M. Higgins, John Glass, Charles Trippeer, G. H. Ely, 
Benjamin Trippeer, John Ballen, Charles Brown, Elijah Baker, 
Romanus Charpie, Michael W^erhle, Jacob Shawman, Isaac Crane, 
Michael Case, David Myers, Daniel B. Mark, Patrick O'Brien, 
Michael Whaling, John Demuth, John Allen, James Striker, John 
Pines, Samuel and John Glass, Martin Flagg, George H. Ely, 
Arthur Bland and many others whose names were not given the 
writer. 

The following are the names of the persons who secured lands in 
Washington Township, b\' entrv, during the years 1S40 and 1841. 
Bradley^Vithan, Zachariah O'Connell, John T. NliUer. Michael Duffy, 
Patrick Corbett, Charles Bourke andjoim Eichelberger, in Section 
I and 2; John E. Shively, Alexander Wilson, James M. Raybourn, 
and A. M. Higgins, Section 3; Jeremiah Shaffer, Daniel Kronister, 
Elijah Baker and R. Charpie, Section 5 : Michael Werhle, Mal- 
achi Kuhn, John Gindling, Jacob Strouble, Jacob Shawman, Isaac 
Crane and D. R. Bearss, in Section 10; Samuel Lucas, P. O'Brien, 
David Myers, D. B. Marks, John Stunt, George Cleiker and Mich- 
ael Case, in Section 12. The above were the first entries made in 
the township. " The township was formerly organized June 6, 
1843, and named in honor of George Washington." •' Shorth' after 
the organization was perfected, an election was held at the cabin of 
Thomas Hinton." " Isaac Miller was chosen first Justice of the 
Peace and Patrick O'Brien, Constable." 

The four great factors of modern civilization are the family, 
the school, the church and the press, important in the order of 
their enumeration. Of these we have to do with the church 
in its various forms, commencing with the earliest preacher in 
Washington Township — Rev. Mr. Johnson, who held dixine services 
at the residence of John Allen, as long ago as 1S43. Meetings 
were held the same year at the cabins of Mr. Henen and Mr. 



WASHINGTON TOWNSUir. 805 

MciManis, but our informant was nt)t ahli' to slate 1">\' what 
denomination. Re\s. Simons and Hooxer, ministers of the 
United Brethern Church, visited the settlements early in the 
forties, and held meetings in school houses and private residences. 
These meetings awoke considerable interest, and were the means 
of leading to the organization of a small societ\' about the \e<\r 
1S46. This organization flourished apace, and among its nu'm- 
bers were early enrolled man}- of the first settlers of Washing- 
ton and Butler Townships. It is now known as the Grider 
Chapel. The earliest pastors were Revs. Mr. Simons, Eli 
Hoover, William Auit, and later, Eli Seithman and John Feller- 
hoff. In 1867 a frame house of worship, 30x40 feet in size, 
costing the sum of $900, was erected on land donated for the 
purpose bv John Grider, in Section 24, near the eastern boun- 
dar\- of the township. The churcli has been a potent factor for 
good in the communitv, and, though not so strong in numbers 
as formerlv, still has an active membership, composed of some 
of the best citizens of Washington and adjoining townships. 
The officers of the society at this time are: George Cline, 
Class Leader: David Crane, Steward: William York, David 
Crane and John Grider, Trustees. Rev. Mr. Groves is the 
pastor in charge. 

The Presbyterians organized a church in this township a num- 
ber of years ago, and erected a house of worship on what is known 
as the White farm. The organization was kept alive for some 
years, and at one time enjoyed a reasonable degree of prosperit\ . 
Owing to deaths, removals and other causes, it was finally disbanded. 
The German Baptists or Dunkards have a large and flourishing 
congregation in the extreme southern part of the township, the his- 
torv of which dates from about the year 1S66. It is the principal 
point on the Santa Fe Church district, which was formed b\- the 
division of the Pipe Creek district, in the above year. The early 
meetings were held at the residences and barns of the different mem- 
bers, by John E. Shively, Samuel Murrav, Godlove Keller and 
Abraham Shepler. When the division was made John E. Shi\elv 
was chosen Biship of the new district and preached with great 
acceptance until his death. John P. Wolf succeeded him as Bishop, 
and about the same time N. R. Bowman was elected preacher. The 
other preachers who ministered to the church from time to time, 
were P. T. Jenkins, Joseph Shepler and J. J. Fox, the last named 
being the oldest preacher in the district at this time. Shortl}' after 
the division took place the church decided to erect a house of 
worship; accordingly a plat of ground, near Pipe Creek, in Sec- 
tion 34, was donated by William Biggs, and before the close of 
1866, a large and substantial frame building, 45x70 feet, was 
readv for occupancv. This is one of the largest church edifices 



8o6 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

in Miami County, and will comfortably accommodate an audience 
of a thousand persons. The original membership of the congre- 
gation numbered about ii8. It is not so strong at this time, the 
present membership being about 76. Tlie following is the official 
status of the society at this, viz: First degree preachers, John 
S. Bohn and Morris Dillman; second degree, Jacob J. Fox and 
D. B. Wolf. Deacons, Jacob Ray, William Austine, Henry Aus- 
tine, George Cunningham and William Hostetler; Treasurer and 
Clerk, Henry Austine; Directors, Morris Dillman, Henry Austine 
and William Hostetler. The church has a meeting place at the 
viDage of Waupecong, Clay Township, where services are held 
at retrular intervals. 

There have been few manufacturing enterprises of any kind in 
Washington Township, owing to its close proximit}- to Peru and 
other manufacturing centers. Sometime in the latter part of the 
forties, a Mr. Blood built a saw-mill on Little Pipe Creek, near the 
central part of the township, which was in operation a number of 
years. It received its motive power from the waters of the creek, and 
was extensively patronized. The last owner was George Davis. A 
saw-mill was built on Big Pipe Creek, in Section 33, as early as 1848 or 
'49, byJohnFlagg. It passed through the hands of various parties, 
and ceased operations a number of \ears ago. Sylvester Kirk pat- 
rick was the last proprietor. There have been at different times, 
steam saw-mills in operation in the township, and the lumber business 
was formerly an important industry'. Several parties in the last few 
years have been engaged in the manufacture of drain tile, an 
enterprise which has proved quite remunerative. At this time there 
is a factorv for the manufacture of an improved picket wire fence, 
in successful operation on the Strawtown Pike, near the central 
part of the township, and a large jelly factory and h^-draulic cider 
press, operated on an extensive scale bv Mr. Moselv. The Cole 
Brewery in South Peru is one of the largest and most successful 
establishments of the kind in the State. The buildings are substan- 
tially constructed and supplied with the modern appliances for the 
manufacture of beer, and the capacity is excelled by that of few 
brewing establishments in the West. 

There are several burial places in Washington Township, one 
of the oldest of which is the Wickler graveyard, in Section 15. 
One of the first persons buried in this place was a child of Robert 
Love, which was carried to the grave on horseback, by Mr. 
Miller. Mr. Love, himself, was also buried here in an early day. 
The Rankin gra\evard, in Section 34, on the Bearss land, was con- 
secrated to the burial of the dead many years ago, and among the 
first persons laid to rest therein were Mrs. Harter and Caleb 
Adams. The Haws graveyard, near Pipe Creek, is an old bury- 
ing ground. The following were among the early interments: A 



BIOGRAIMIKAL SKICTCIIKS. 807 

Mr. Haws, Mr. Larimer and the children of David Ilockman. 
" The first marriage in the township was that of Patrick Col- 
gan to Bridget Kennedy in 1841." To this couple was born a son, 
Lawrence, the following \ear, who was probabl\- the first white 
child born in the township. '• The first death is supposed to have 
been that of John Hunt, which occurred Februar\-, 1842." Abra- 
ham Bilheimer, who came to the country in an early day, was one 
of the first mechanics of the township. He settled on the Straw- 
town road, in Section 7, and worked at the cabinetmaker's trade 
during the early settlement of the coiuity. John Allen, who located 
near the southern boundar)- of the township, early, worked at 
the trade of wagon-making. A sad occurrence in the township was 
the death, many years ago, of Conrad Haws, killed by lightning. 
The onl}- town in Washington Township is South Peru, a suburb 
of the city of Peru lying just across the river from the latter. It 
has a population of a couple of hundred, the majority of whom find 
employment in the main city. Here is located the mammoth brew- 
ing establishment of Omer Cole, one of the largest and most suc- 
cessful enterprises of the kind in the State. There are, besides, 
several shops, a couple of saloons and a saw-mill in South Peru, but 
the history of the place is closelv identified with that of the city. 



BIOGKAPHICAIi SKETCHES. 



CHARLES L. ARMSTRONG was born December 14, 
1833, in Highland County, Virginia, the only son of James and 
Mariah (Hiner) Armstrong, natives of Pennsylvania and Vir- 
ginia, respectivel}'. They emigrated to Miami County and settled 
at Peru in 1846. Charles L. jjvas reared on a farm, receiving 
a common school education. In 1858 he was married to Mary 
C. Leas, born in Preble County, C3hio, who died in 1870 or 
1871. Three children were born to this union: Laura, Jesse 
and Claude. He was again united in marriage in April, 1874, 
to Mrs. R. A. Remine Vance, a native of Washington County, 
Virginia. He now owns land adjoining Peru, and his princijial 
business is dairy farming. His politics are Republican, and he 
affiliates with the Masonic Order. 

JOHN CLIFTON, Sr., a native of Montgomery County, 
Ohio, was born February 2, 1826. He is the fourth son of 
Henry and Rhoda (Nichols) Clifton, natives of Virginia, and 
of English and Dutch origin. They emigrated to "Ohio in 
1808 or 1809. John Clifton was reared in Dayton, receiving an 
education at the common schools. When eighteen years of age 
he learned brick-making, and December 24, 1844. was united in 



8o8 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. 

marriage with Miss Martha Addis, a native of Mississippi, but 
who was reared in Kentuck}'. To them these children were 
born: George, John and Amos. The}' located in Peru, Miami 
County, April, 1855. In 1862 he entered his country's service 
in the 29th Indiana Volunteers, and was mustered out in 1863. 
He now holds membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, 
and politically is a Republican. 

ISAAC CRANE, a native of Warren County, Ohio, was born 
near Lebanon, January 26, 181 1, the eldest son of Abner and Huldah 
(Robertson) Crane, natives of New York and Ohio. The subject 
was reared on a farm in his native County; came to Miami County 
in 1843, and located in Washington Township, having bought eighty 
acres of land in 1840, at five dollars per acre. He was married in 
1862, to Miss Margaret J. (Logan) James, of Ohio. He owns 
eighty acres of land in Washington, and 120 in Claj- Township. 
He is an anti-mason and is opposed to absolute prohibition. When 
young he received a common school education, and in later years 
has been grasping for a knowledge of chemistry and natural philos- 
ophy. 

JOSEPH S. GORDON was born in Frederick County, 
Maryland, July 3, 1834, and is a son of John and Margaret 
(McClainj Gordon, natives of Maryland. Our subject received 
his early training on a farm in Maryland, and received a common 
school education. Came to Miami County in 1861, and located in 
Washington Township. In 1862 he entered the army in the 
Eighty-seventh Regiment of Indiana Infantr}-, and was mustered 
in, in 1865. He participated in the battles of Chickamaugua, Mis- 
sion Ridge and Atlanta. Was married on January 22, 1867, to 
Miss Anna M. Snider, of Burks County, Pennsylvania, a union 
blessed with the birth of two children — Charles Albert, born Janu- 
ary 26, 1870, and Howard O., born December 6, 1878. Mr. Gor- 
don owns eighty acres of land located five miles from Peru, which 
is well improved. He votes the Republican ticket. 

CHRISTOPHER C. HAUKS, a native of Germany, was 
born on the 20th day of April, 1848, and is the sixth son of Chris- 
topher and Margaret Hauks, natives of Germany. The parents 
came to Miami County in 1846, and located on a farm in Washing- 
ton Township. The father was born in 1801, and died in 1875. 
The mother died in 1846. Our subject was reared on a farm and 
now owns 113 acres of well improved land and is a practical farmer. 
In August, 1862, he volunteered his services to his country, and 
entered the service in the 87th Indiana Infantry, and with which he 
served until mustered out June 10, 1865. He was wounded at 
Chickamaugua, and returned to his farm in 1865. He was first mar- 
ried, September 4, 1866, to Miss Rhoda Jameson, of Jefferson Town- 
ship. Her death occurred February 4, 1880. To this union were 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKKTCMliS. 809 

born six children, four of wliom are liviiiLj: Charles N., Maltie, 
Frank A. and Elmer E.; and John P. and an infant, deceased. He 
was again married, June 2, 1881, to Miss Ella Bell, a native of 
Jefferson Count\% Indiana. Mr. Ilauks is a Democrat. 

ALFRED!. JONES is a native of North Carolina, born 
June I, 1830. He is the eldest son of William M. and Eliza- 
beth (Wood) Jones, natives of South Carolina. They left North 
Carolina in the early part of 1833 and located in Rush County, 
where thev remained until 1852, and then came to Miami 
County. They now reside in Wabash Count}-. The subject was 
reared on the farm, and secured a fair education. He is the 
owner of 113 acres of land. He was married in the spring of 
1853 to Miss Mar\- Jameson, a native of Kentucky, whose father 
came to Miami County in an earl}- day. Mr. and Mrs. Jones 
are parents of seven children, five of whom are living. Their 
names are : Martha, William H., Frances, Emma and Mary, living, 
and Amanda and an infant, deceased. 

WILLIAM McGREW, a native of Washmgton County, 
Maryland, was born the loth of April, 1813, and is the son of Henry 
and Sarah (Huckwell) McGrew, both natives of Maryland. They 
emigrated to Montgomery County in 1819. The mother died in 
1820, and the father in 1852. William McGrew received his early 
training on a farm in Montgomer}' County, Ohio. On the 4th of 
April, 1838, he was married to Miss Sophia Cramer, who was born 
in Huntington County, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. McGrew 
were born eight children, four of whom are living, viz: Francis, 
Henry, William II. and Uraniah. Mr. McCirew has nineteen grand- 
children and two great-grand-children. Mr. McGrew possesses 
eight}- acres of land in Washington Township, where he located in 
1852. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church at Peru, 
a Royal Arch Mason, and a Democrat. 

JOHN A. MELCHER was born in Germany, May i, 1845, 
and is a son of John A. Melcher, who emigrated to Cleveland 
in 1846. The subject was reared and educated there in the com- 
mon schools, and afterwards entered a college at that place, and 
in 1865, came to Peru, where he engaged in cigar-making. He 
ran a factory at Michigan City for about two years. In 1880, he 
started a saloon and billiard hall. In November, 1867, he was 
married to Miss Liddie J. Holman, daughter of Solomon Hol- 
man, an old settler of Miami Count}-. This union was blessed 
with the birth of six children, whose names are, Sol. A., Author 
E., Willie, Emma, Lottie and Jessie. Mr. M. is a member of 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also a staunch 
Republican. 

ORLANDO MOSELEY, a native of Washington Township, 
born April 8, 1851, and is the youngest of seven sons born to Eben 



SlO HISTORY OK MIAMI COUNTY. 

and Mariah ( Bush ) Moseley, natives respectively of Connecticut 
and New York. Eben Moseley. the father, came to Miami Countv 
about 1844, and followed the occupation of a farmer. He was 
born in 1799 and died in 1876. The mother is still living. Our 
subject was reared on the farm, and no\\' owns 160 acres of well- 
improved land in Washington l\)wnship. Was married April 7. 
1872, to Miss Sarah Bohn, daughter of John Bohn (deceased), of 
Washington Township. Mr. and Mrs. Moselev are the parents of 
two children — John and Ida. Mr. Moseley is engaged in the manu- 
facture of the " Excelsior " fencing machine, the patent for which 
is applied for. Mr. Moseley is a Republican, and is identified with 
the Masonic fraternitv . 

FREDERICK RADEL, a native of Germany, was born 
May 15, 1815. He came direct from the place of his birth to 
Peru, Indiana, in 1846. where he located and worked % a 
warehouse for about eight vears. He is a shoemaker h\ trade. 
In the year 1862 he located on a farm of eighty acres, in Wash- 
ington Township. In October, 1837, he was married to Miss 
Elizabeth Beck, of Germany, to which union six children have 
been born, viz: Elizabeth Tracy (deceased), Frank, Adam, 
Fred, Frances and Peter. His wife died in No\ember, 1877. 
He and family are members of the Catholic Church, and are 
strong believers of that faith. In political affairs he adheres to 
the teachings of the Democratic part^•. 

JONAH SULLIVAN is a native of Mason County Kentucky, 
born June 30, 1817, the third son of Lewis and Elizabeth (^Bennett) 
Sullivan, also natives of Kentucky, and whose, ancestors were Irish 
and German, respectively. At the age of seventeen our subject left 
his native State for Fayette County, Ohio, in companv with his 
mother, his father having died in 1820. They located on a farm, 
he receiving a fair common school education. They remained in 
Ohio until 1841, and then came to Peru, having purchased land in 
Miami Couniy in 1840. He now owns 340 acres in Miami and 
Wabash Counties. He was married in July. 1841, to Miss Louisa 
Smith, of Ohio, to which union six children were born: W^illiam. 
Sarah E., James L., George and Lyman B. This wife died in 
1862, and in 1863. he was again married to Lizzie A. Co.x, a native 
of Ohio, to whom one child was born, named John M. Mr. Sulli- 
van and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and politically he 
is a Republican. 

WILLIAM A. SUTTON, a native of Champaign County, 
Ohio, was born on the 14th day of February, 1843, the second son 
of John D. and Mary (Long) Sutton, of Westmoreland County, 
Virginia, who went to Pennsylvania in 1847, and came to Miami 
County, Indiana, in 1848, and established themselves on a farm 
where the subject grew to manhood. In 1861 he answered to the 



BIOGRAPIIICAI. SKETCHES. 8l I 

country's lirsl call for voluntours and t-ntereci the 13th Indiana 
Reijiment. He was mustered out in four years and six months — 
in the fall of 1865. Was wounded in the lejjj at the battle of Bull 
Run. In 1867 he and Miss Rebecca Kesler, daughter of Joseph 
and Nancv Kesler. were married, which marriatre has been blessed 
by the birth of six children, viz: Minnie M., Charles II., David, 
Ursula, Edith and John. Was elected to the oflice of County Cor- 
oner in 1876 on the Republican ticket, but did not make out a bond. 
He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and 
Masonic fraternitv, and in politics votes the Republican ticket. 

ALEXANDER B. WICKLER was born in Washington 
Township, January 7, 185 1, and is the youngest son of Peter and 
Barbara (Keller) Wickler, of Germany, who came from Ohio to this 
township about 1838, and \\ ere among the early settlers. Our subject 
received his primary instructions in life while living on a farm, and 
received a common school education. He is now the possessor of 
320 acres of fine farming land which he has placed under a high 
state of cultivation. In September, 1875, he married Miss Rebecca 
A. Ford, of Ohio, and to them have been born three children, viz: 
Ora, Georgia and Mary. In political matters he advocates the 
Republican doctrine, and is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. 

AZRO WILKINSON is a native of Allen Township, Miami 
County, Indiana, and was born January 20, 1856, the youngest son 
of Anderson and Martha (Bond) Wilkinson, natixes of Ohio and 
Kentucky, respectively. The father located in Miami Countv, in 
1836, and is now living in Allen Township. Our subject received 
a common school education, and until he reached the age of twentx- 
one worked on the farm. He then engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness with 0\is Case, at Macv, in 1879, and continued until 1884. 
Two years previous to 1879 he was railroad agent at Macy. In 
1883, while in business, he came to Peru, and was Deputy County 
Treasurer under E. Humrickhouse, deceased, and also occupied the 
same position under J. C. Clvmer. United with Miss Ella Lam- 
bert in marriage, November 20, 1S79, to whom were born three 
children : Josephine, Glenn A. and Constance. Belongs to the 
Masonic and I. O. O. F. Fraternities, having represented the local 
Odd Fellows' Lodge in the Grand Lodge of the State on two occa- 
sions. In matters ]iolitical he is Democratic. 

GEORGE W. WILSON came to Miami County in 1834 
from Cass County, where he was born August 16, 1832. He 
was the second son born to Alexander and Matilda (Thorp) 
Wilson, respective nati\es of Indiana and Maine, and who were 
of Scottish descendancv. The father located in Pennsylvania in 
1834, '1"*^ "'"^^ engaged in the mercantile business. Had repre- 
sented his county in the Legislature several years ago. He was 
a sutler in the Mexican war, having gone out in 1846, and was 



8l2 HISTORY OK MIAMI COUNTY. 

killed three days after peace was declared. Our subject wa.s 
reared in Peru, where he received a common school education. 
His vocation has been farmin<r and dairying, and owns 115 acres 
in Washington Township. In November, 1857, he was married 
to Miss Mary Rettig, and si.x children have been born to them, 
whose names are Alexander R., Frank, Louis, Edward, Mary 
and Elizabeth. Was once elected Justice of the Peace of Wash- 
ington Township, and was once Township Trustee bv appoint- 
ment, and in the spring of 1886 was elected to the office on the 
Republican ticket. 




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